Zoom Break – Gingerbread Smoothie

Do you respond well to icebreakers? You know, those little questions designed to get a conversation started. They are generally offered up in a group setting to inspire a modest amount of self-revelation. The idea is to help people get to know each other and feel more comfortable interacting. 

Icebreaking

This fall I am meeting with a new group on Zoom. This group of fifteen or so includes only one person I have ever met before. To overcome that lack of familiarity, and to fill the time as we assemble weekly, our group leader starts each meeting with an icebreaker. 

The question last week was a simple one – “What is your favorite drink of the season?” Though it was simple, I froze. My first thought was, “Wow! We really are set to spend yet another season here on Zoom.” Then, ever inclined toward fading into the woodwork even from the comfort of my own desk chair… my mind went blank.

That’s when the leader called on me …

Overthinking Seasonal Flavors

Ok. I had to admit I don’t love pumpkin in a beverage. In the old days (pre – COVID), on my frequent coffee stops, I would order Americanos straight through Pumpkin Latte season. While I like pumpkin bread the thought of pumpkin in a beverage puts me off. It isn’t until Peppermint and Creme Brulee Lattes are the featured flavors that I am tempted by cold season drinks. And are they technically fall flavors? I have my doubts.  

Though our Zoom icebreaker was a simple enough question I got stuck in my head somewhere between Lavender Lemonade and Mulled Cider. I was not sure what to say. I should have thought of maple or chestnut. But I didn’t. That’s me, overthinking and underthinking all things Zoom.  It’s funny how my mind wanders while going no where at all about half the time I’m on a video call.

A Gingerbread Smoothie

Later I had the question stuck in my head. What is my favorite autumn beverage? Which flavors do I look forward to in the fall? Then my mind drifted toward Gingerbread. Now I remembered a Gingerbread Smoothie I made some time ago, before Zoom calls, back in Atlanta. It was more like a Gingerbread Latte, with a deep forward note of molasses, an appealing splash of vanilla and a creamy frappé texture. 

In the kitchen, I decided to recreate it. In the here and now I think the robust flavors and frosty texture of my Gingerbread Smoothie might be bracing enough to bring my mind back into the game today. What’s more, the ingredients include fruit and protein making this smoothie a satisfying snack as well.

To ground it in the season, I subbed pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon I used in the original smoothie. This pumpkin pie spice is fresh from World Spice Merchants in Seattle and it has a little kick of cayenne in the mix. You can add the cayenne yourself if you are using a different spice blend… or not, according to your taste. Then top it off with a garnish of ginger cookie crumbs or maple sugar.

Thank you, Zoom colleagues, for inspiring a new drink in my seasonal repertoire. 

Cheers!

Gingerbread Smoothie

Course: BeverageCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

This Gingerbread Smoothie combines fresh ginger, fall spices and a deep forward note of molasses in an invigorating seasonal drink that doubles as a nutritious snack.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• 1/2 cup strong coffee

• 2 Tablespoons blackstrap molasses

• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

• a tiny pinch of cayenne

• 1-inch piece of ginger root, peeled

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• 1 frozen banana

• 2 Tablespoon of protein powder (I used egg white protein)

• 1-2 cups ice cubes

• ginger cookie crumbs for garnish

Directions

• Assemble all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Enjoy!