People always joke about the lunch lady and her “surprise” specialties.
Surprise and tuna should never be in the same sentence.
Dishes with unidentifiable ingredients can be a scary thing. We all fear the unknown. Rest assured, this is one surprise bowl you need not fear.
The first surprise is the ingredient in Heather’s Meatless Monday round-up this week - Spinach. My favorite!
Spinach may be the most versatile veggie in the land. I like it in salads, sautes, sauces, soups… apparently anything that starts with an S… I especially like it in smoothies. It’s the perfect way to sneak extra veggies in you diet and to make your drinks a very pretty color.
Today’s Pear-Ginger Tofu Surprise Smoothie is the thickest, creamiest smoothie you’ll ever have. Guaranteed. The tofu and avocado together make this reminiscent of a soft-serve treat. The pear and ginger flavors are a fun, refreshing combination… and you’d never detect the green surprises if it weren’t for the color.
The strange but goodness doesn’t end with the surprise ingredients. How I stored the ingredients is also a thing of curiosity.
Do you ever eat half an avocado and wonder what to do with the rest? No matter what I do, they don’t store well. So I freeze them. Remove the skin and toss it in a baggie for safe keeping in the freezer. I toss the frozen chunks into smoothies for the added creaminess and healthy fats.
Warning: You can thaw it for use in a dip, but it won’t be the same if you try to eat it in slices.
Same goes for the pear. I had a massive pear and only wanted half. The other half went into my freezer, and was used in this smoothie. Awesome, right? We all knew this worked with bananas. Don’t be afraid to try it with everything! I’ve done oranges, cherries, berries, mango, peaches… beans….
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Pear-Ginger Tofu Surprise Smoothie
- 3 oz tofu
- 1 C fresh spinach
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I use Sun Warrior)
- 1/2 large pear
- 1/4 avocado
- 1/4 in piece fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 small slice fresh lemon
- 5-6 drops liquid stevia
- Water + ice, to taste
- Optional toppings: oats, muesli, cinnamon, etc.
Throw everything into a high-speed blender and mix until smooth.
Add toppings of your choosing and enjoy!
Serves 1.
***
Week 1 of Junk-Free January was amazing. It sounds funny, but I almost forgot how good it feels to eat clean. Energy is awesome! 11 weeks until my next competition and I am PUMPED!
Do you freeze your leftover produce?
Are you detoxed from the holiday yet? Or are you one of those “good” people with self-control? 
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Khushboo
January 7, 2013 at 4:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My brother just messaged me yesterday about how I “must try” avocado in my smoothies..I’m even more convinced now! I find that as long as the stone is still in tact, leftover avocado stored in the fridge seems to keep well. Produce aside, I also freeze bread as I don’t go through a loaf fast enough- works well too!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You must let me know when you try it!
I’ve tried the seed thing, coating it with citrus, and I have a special avocado saver container but I can’t get them to last much more than 12 hours. *sigh*
And YES to the bread! There’s no way I could go through a loaf fast enough.
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama
January 7, 2013 at 5:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
We cruise through avocados at my house so I rarely have a half laying around. I’ll have to purposely cut one up for the freezer just to try it out. Sounds great!
kelly
January 7, 2013 at 6:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I apologize in advance if this is a dumb question, but can you chew SF gum during junk free January?
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:03 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Oh yes. Some people are against it, but I cannot workout withouht gum in my mouth!
janet @ the taste space
January 7, 2013 at 6:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t eat avocado that often but I also have some in my freezer. Mainly because I usually eat them fresh on top of salads which is why I haven’t unfrozen them. I also made the mistake of freezing 3 together! I need to make some avocado smoothie or pudding or cake or something! I can’t get them apart!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve made that mistake… they freeze HARD!
lindsay
January 7, 2013 at 7:30 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh freeze them!! I never thought of that. You genius you! Stocking up on avo!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
January 7, 2013 at 7:44 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never tried freezing them- but I freeze about everything else. Love that idea! And a thicker smoothie sounds delicious… might be trying this for breakfast!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Let me know if you try it! I always love your creations.
Miz
January 7, 2013 at 8:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Im in…after I find the grocery here and snag me more TOFU!!
Linz @ Itz Linz
January 7, 2013 at 8:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
sounds like an oddly delicious combination!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Strange but good, perhaps?
Heather (Where's the Beach)
January 7, 2013 at 8:14 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Interesting. I bet that could make a good soup too!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
For sure! I used tofu to make my tomato-basil soup creamier: http://www.sprint2thetable.com/2012/03/creamy-tomato-basil-soup/
Heather (Where's the Beach)
January 9, 2013 at 8:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Definitely checking out your recipe. My attempts at tomato soup have not been that great. I love using silken tofu in lieu of cream for soups. Plus it adds in protein that lots of soups can lack
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
January 7, 2013 at 8:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Very creative!
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles
January 7, 2013 at 8:21 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never would have thought to try freezing avocados – that’s pretty brilliant! I don’t usually freeze my produce, but I freeze bread/buns, because I don’t actually use them too often.
Meg
January 7, 2013 at 8:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think I showed you this pear ginger combo this summer ??
my fav shake!!!!!!!! You introduced me to nectarine and ginger, though 
YUM
Love you twin
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So that made me go back and look… I forgot I made nearly the same thing but with frnech vanilla chai. Must have been good. Haha!
Olivia Hill
January 7, 2013 at 8:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
LOVE THIS! I would never think to combine ginger and pear AND tofu, in a smoothie no less, but dang. That looks soo good!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
January 7, 2013 at 8:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I had amazing self control through the holidays…and then January 1st came and it was like all self-control went out the window. What’s up with that??? Perhaps being back at work (ugh!) starting today will get me back to ‘normal.’
Love this. Also, I freeze everything. Everything.
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awwww… it was all pent up from you not feeling well! At least you’re doing with when the brakroom isn’t filled with holiday cookies.
Allie
January 7, 2013 at 9:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This looks pretty good!! I like pear + ginger
… as for freezing produce–yes.. I freeze everything!
Cait's Plate
January 7, 2013 at 9:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve heard good things about avocados in smoothies but I have yet to try it. I can never seem to save enough to do it – I always end up going through them in the form of guac before I can get to the smoothie part! Need to try this at some point though!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:26 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great… now you have me craving guac.
Mandy
January 7, 2013 at 10:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was just thinking this weekend how I add spinach to everything sans oatmeal. But other than that, pretty much everything!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I saw someone in Instagram put it in her oatmeal!!! I don’t know about that one…
Mandy
January 8, 2013 at 4:21 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Actually i did see some recipes in a health magazine for “savory” oatmeal recipes and i believe i thought about making one that had spinach and cheese in it. and then i was like “nahhh” i like my oats sweet.
Kammie @ Sensual Appeal
January 7, 2013 at 10:46 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
So I freeze my bananas all the time but I had no idea about avocados. I actually stopped buying avocados because of this very problem, I could never eat the whole thing fast enough before it would start to brown and look all weird and yucky. I’ll freeze it next time and make it into a dip! Does it still brown if it’s frozen?
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:29 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Nope – they stay the same beautiful shade of green!
Kristina
January 7, 2013 at 10:50 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I freeze my avocado more than I do bananas!
I love freezing fruit for my smoothies – then I don’t have to add ice but I get the cold.
I love spinach. spinach, spinach, spinach. here it goes down, down into my belly.
Kierston
January 7, 2013 at 11:06 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks delish!
I freeze my bananas
Ed
January 7, 2013 at 11:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
K that does look like one hell of a surprise…I would have to try it to know its deal though….
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I promise you can’t taste the tofu, avocado, OR the spinach.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf
January 7, 2013 at 11:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh my gosh! You can freeze avocado??!? That changes everything.
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
*insert parting clouds and angels singing…*
Elle
January 7, 2013 at 11:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the tip on freezing avocado. I didn’t know you could do that!
Nadiya
January 7, 2013 at 11:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’re amazing! I never thought of freezing avocados. Whenever i buy them it’s usually in a pack of 5 and it’s hard for me to finish them on time. Plus, as you’ve said they don’t store well. I will be giving freezing them a try
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You can also put them in the fridge (un-cut) to get a couple more days out of them!
Bonnie
January 7, 2013 at 11:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Interesting, creative smoothie! Looks like it turned out pretty good!
Way to go keep it clean and eat well – keep it up! And wow…only 11 weeks until your next comp? Super exiting. I think I’m more or less detoxed, yes, and feeling good about my food (aside from being sick right now).
Parita @ myinnershakti
January 7, 2013 at 12:14 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I freeze everything I can. With just two of us, we don’t always use up what we buy. And as far as detoxing from the holidays, I am trying my best. My main focus is to get my mind and body on the same page.
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
And THAT is the biggest challenge.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
January 7, 2013 at 12:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never freeze my produce, but it’s a great idea!! I didn’t end up making the pizza I planned yesterday, so I have a few things that may go bad if they don’t get eaten soon. I think I’ll try this freezing thing…;)
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
January 7, 2013 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have half an avocado sitting in my fridge and I was wondering the what the heck to do with it. Now I know; thanks much!!
I’m back on my clean eating train (although still eating out too much) and the difference in energy is remarkable.
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:34 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Isn’t it crazy? I also notice I’m sleeping much better.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
January 8, 2013 at 9:11 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me too! Although I didn’t make the connection until you just said it (or typed it; whatever, semantics).
Jennifer
January 7, 2013 at 1:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great idea for spinach/Meatless Monday!
Allie
January 7, 2013 at 1:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I freeze most everything, but woah, never thought to do it with an avocado! I usually end up throwing out a brown, rather fuzzy, second half of an avocado a few weeks after eating the first…
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
January 7, 2013 at 2:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I was reasonably detoxed from the holidays, and then my birthday happened. A few cupcake induced sugar comas later, and it’s time to start again
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The awesome thing is that you start over any time! Birthday cupcakes are necessary.
Lisa
January 7, 2013 at 3:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love avocados in smoothies! Makes it so creamy! Wahoo 11 weeks already until your next competition! Crazy! You are going to rock it.
Jody - Fit at 55
January 7, 2013 at 4:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks like guac!
I LOVE the freezing advice – so cool! I am not a kitchen wiz so 
I need a blender! My old one broke & can’t afford the really good ones that will last & blend every dang thing.. gonna wait till I can get a good one!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I had a Magic Bullet before the Vitamix. It worked pretty well…. I still use it for smaller tasks!
Jody - Fit at 55
January 8, 2013 at 2:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I have a magic bullet but certain foods just don’t work in it & it is small for larger “jobs”. I use it for some things… I so want a Vitamix more for baking than smoothies since I burned myself out on protein drinks when I was younger to my 40′s.
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 3:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
True… it never would get kale blended unless it was frozen. And cinnamon sticks… that’s my #1 fav thing about the Vitamix. That and the soups. I swear it’s worth every cent.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
January 7, 2013 at 4:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
frozen beans!! LOL!! I love the idea of adding tofu to a smoothie!! I always try protein powder and it just never works for me… I’mma try tofu next time!! And thanks for the avocado tip!
Alex @ therunwithin
January 7, 2013 at 8:36 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Sounds delicious, I love the taste of ginger
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:37 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s really good for the tummy too!
Fran@BCDC
January 8, 2013 at 7:55 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The pear-ginger surprise sounds wonderful!! Gotta start making Smoothies! Have a great day, Laura!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
January 8, 2013 at 9:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This sounds like a really good smoothie! I am boring with smoothies lately. Just sticking to frozen fruit, protein powder and almond milk. Heh. You always remind me to jazz it up!
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 12:38 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those are good too! I love a fruit smoothie… but I always have to play with the spices too.
Tom @ ChocalateDreamers
January 8, 2013 at 1:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
In now way would I ever think of putting Tofu in a smoothie, I cant even begin to imagine what it tastes like. Remember being a Veggie for four years and Tofu no matter what it was mixed with was so bland. Cant say I am going to try that one though some of your others look great :O))
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 4:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Tom, you are just the person I want to try it then! It’s not in here for flavor. tha bland works in your favor here because it allows the ginger and pear to shine.
Tom @ ChocalateDreamers
January 8, 2013 at 6:41 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You’ve sold it to me with the shine bit lol I will have to get the ingredients and let you know how I get on. Thanks :O)
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 6:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right on! Keep me posted.
Choc Chip Uru
January 8, 2013 at 2:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
When you put in the pear and with tofu and the surprise I thought of mystery Monday cafeteria food haha BUT when I read your recipes and looked at the photos, I died! I want to devour
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura
January 8, 2013 at 4:23 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Hee hee… much better than cafeteria. Guarenteed!
Heather @ Kiss My Broccoli
January 22, 2013 at 6:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never thought to freeze pears before…or to even add them to a smoothie. I guess I just figured the flavor would get lost in the mix! I’ll have to give it a try sometime! But wait a minute…beans? Are you just talking about freezing or freezing, thawing, and adding to a smoothie? Because THAT my friend would be some MACH 1 serious #strangebut…good?
Laura
January 22, 2013 at 7:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I keep frozen edameme in the freezer and use it as a topping. Not thawed – I like the crunch.
Meatless Mondays from A-Z: Highlights II
March 18, 2013 at 6:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] Pear Ginger Tofu Surprise by Sprint 2 the Table [...]