What happened to summer??? I never thought I would miss the sun as I do now. See, I was born in Botswana (land-locked piece of desert… the diamonds don’t make up for just how torturous the heat can get there). This is one of the many reasons I love living in the UK. The rain makes the greens lush and vibrant, and come summer time, it feels like you are walking around in a music video. Reality does tend to slap you in the face when you walk past a topless builder though (o-O).

The past couple of weeks have seen the music video reel end in washes of greys and hues of blue and that is all fine and well when it is expected in winter, not summer. To cheer me up I decided to have a smoothie…an autumn inspired smoothie, using seasonal pears and oranges. I usually have this during the colder winter months, but it seemed so fitting this week.   What was added to give it the warmth? Chilli, gives the brain a steady  supply of energy and the low GI of the orange juice, helps keep your mental clarity and energy levels balanced, definitely needed when you have a lot on your to-do list. You can use the chilli without the seeds, but do feel free to add them if you want to feel that more warm. I have come to find that when you eat what ever produce is in season and produce that is not tired from a long journey, not only is that produce succulent, delicious and absolutely beautiful, but you are eating the fruit at its finest, this is its time to shine, hence that shine and glow will (and does) radiate through you.

Chinese pear & chilli orange Smoothie Ingredients

2 Asian pears , juiced

1 orange skinned & juiced

½-1 Chilli, seeds removed

Juice the pears and orange, then Place in a high-powered blender and blend until smooth or /and chop up a little more chilli to add a bit more crunch.

Enjoy whilst deciding what to wear for the day and feel that slow caress kiss the dreary greys away.

Snackalicious-Tip

The anti-oxidant in orange will help protect your skin from free radical damage known to cause those pesky signs of aging. You will get quick and natural source of energy from pear juice, due largely to its high amounts of fructose and glucose. This not only Leaves the chilli to spice up the mix but to help you relax and take the day as it comes.