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Okay, I know what you're thinking: bacon in a smoothie? Seriously? I had the same reaction when a friend, a total foodie adventurer named Mark, first suggested it. He swore it was the best thing since sliced bread (or, you know, maybe with sliced bread, he added with a chuckle). He'd just returned from a trip where he'd had something similar, a fancy brunch place in California – you know, those places that put avocado on everything? I was skeptical, but Mark's enthusiasm was infectious, and I’m so glad I gave it a try.
This smoothie isn't just about shock value; it's about a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The crispy, salty bacon plays off the caramel-like sweetness of the dates beautifully. The almond milk provides a smooth, creamy base, while a touch of cinnamon warms everything up. It's surprisingly satisfying and, dare I say, kinda addictive? I've been tweaking the recipe ever since, and I think I've finally nailed the perfect ratio. It's now a regular in my weekly rotation. Who knew bacon could be so…smooth?
So, are you ready to step outside your smoothie comfort zone? Are you brave enough to blend bacon? If so, I promise you won’t regret it. This Bacon & Date Smoothie is an explosion of flavors that will completely change the way you think about breakfast. Or, you know, dessert. Or even that mid-afternoon pick-me-up. Honestly, there's no wrong time for this bad boy. So, let's get blending! And feel free to add a splash of coffee liqueur. I won't judge. Wink, wink!
Required Equipments
Blender
Skillet or Air Fryer
Knife
Cutting Board
Measuring Cups
Measuring Spoons
Bacon and Date Smoothie with Almond Milk: Frequently Asked Questions
Bacon and Date Smoothie with Almond Milk
This Bacon & Date Smoothie with Almond Milk might sound like a crazy combo, but trust me, it's a taste revelation! Salty bacon meets sweet dates in a creamy almond milk base for a breakfast (or anytime) treat that'll wake up your taste buds.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield:1 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
Crisp the Bacon: Cook 2-3 strips of bacon until crispy. I prefer using a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until golden brown and perfectly crisp. Another approach is to cook the bacon in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet or air fryer and let it cool slightly on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch without the smoothie becoming too oily.
Prepare the Dates: Pit 4-5 Medjool dates. If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes to soften them up. Soft dates will blend more smoothly, giving your smoothie a better texture. Alternatively, you can use Deglet Noor dates, but you might need to add a touch more to achieve the same level of sweetness.
Chop the Bacon: Once the bacon has cooled sufficiently, chop it into small pieces. A good way to do this is by stacking the bacon strips and then using a sharp knife to chop them into uniform bits. Set aside a small amount for garnish, because presentation matters!
Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk, the pitted dates, chopped bacon (reserving some for garnish), 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and a handful of ice cubes. For a richer flavor, consider using vanilla almond milk. If you want an extra thick smoothie, add a frozen banana.
Blend Until Smooth: Blend all ingredients until completely smooth. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender's power. Make sure there are no chunks of dates or bacon remaining. If the smoothie is too thick, add a splash more almond milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Give the smoothie a taste. If you prefer a sweeter smoothie, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. For a saltier kick, add a pinch of sea salt. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take away, so add sweeteners and salt gradually.
Garnish and Serve: Pour the smoothie into a glass. Sprinkle the reserved bacon bits on top for garnish. Consider adding a date slice or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of elegance. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique flavor combination of salty bacon and sweet dates!
📝 Notes
For a sweeter smoothie, add honey or maple syrup to taste.
If dates are dry, soak in warm water for 5 minutes before using.