Green Smoothie… the new Shamrock Shake!

No. It isn't, is it? I'm not fooling anyone.

Ok, ok, it might not be a shamrock shake but it’s delicious and so good for you. At least they’re making shamrock shakes of of real ice cream these days. I think when I was a kid they were made from minty ice cream flavored powder and milk. And sooooo good…

This morning I am feeling quite languid. I can’t decide if it’s the weather, not enough sleep, or perhaps lack of exercise. Tomorrow I’ll go to yoga, I promise. Actually I think it’s too many carbs! Yes, that’s it (homemade pizza and risotto recipes coming soon).

I love a green smoothie for a quick pick-me-up. If you’ve never tried one it’s really not as bad as it sounds (or looks). He’ll probably deny it, but even my husband has been known to suck down one of these drinks. I like using kale or spinach but I know from experience that Spring mix will work in a pinch. Experiment until you find a combination you like. Below is a basic recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 large handfuls of spinach or kale
• handful of parsley (optional if you don’t have any handy but it’s packed with anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals so get some!)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 small banana
• handful of ice cubes

Puree the water and greens in a blender first to get the leaves as smooth as possible. Here’s where I shed a tear for my amazing Ninja blender. I can’t recommend the Ninja enough. It whips up anything you can throw at in in a flash. Except spoons. Apparently, it doesn’t like it when you absentmindedly leave a spoon in it and turn it on. RIP Ninja blender.

Once the greens are pureed (they may still be a little leafy) add the strawberries, banana, and ice cubes and smoothify until done.