Good morning, friends! What a beautiful January day it is...whether you are knee-deep in snow or soaking up lots of sunshine, whether it is the middle of winter or the midsummer months, whatever your weather and wherever you are in this grand world, I hope you are well.
Smoothies are a favorite of mine, especially in the warmer months. I admit that I don't have smoothies that often once the weather turns cold. But as soon as the first warm day reappears after months of cold, grey, wintry days, I am always excited to pull out the ol' blender and make a healthy, fruity smoothie.
I have quite a collection of recipes that I love rotating through. Green smoothies have been all the rage for years now. I've constantly heard folks online talking about them and how much they enjoy making and drinking them. Well, several years ago, I decided to try one for myself. Let me just tell you, it was not good...or pretty. It turned out into a most dreadful, disgusting brownish color, and I just can't eat or drink something that repulses me. Oh, it was so gross!! That quickly turned me off to the idea of putting anything green into a smoothie because I thought that it would automatically turn it into a sick brown color. That is, until last autumn...
I stumbled upon a super simple recipe for a green smoothie, and guess what? It's really, actually, totally, completely GREEN! Hallelujah! Not only is the color bright and beautiful and so inviting, but the flavor is absolutely wonderful! My sister and mom even declared it was awesome, and they aren't always smoothie fans. But this one was different! I've made it more times than I can count and practically have the recipe memorized.
If you are looking for something bright and beautiful and healthy to start your day off with...or for a mid-day snack...or if you crave something in the evening, this is just what you want to make. It is packed full of goodness and yumminess, and I hope you get the chance to try it very, very soon. I don't think you'll be sorry! {{smiles}}
Bright Green Smoothie
2 cups fresh spinach
2 cups water
1 cup frozen mango
1 cup frozen pineapple
2 bananas- fresh or frozen
Put all of the ingredients into a blender and blend well until smooth and creamy.
Note: I have found that in order to get the smoothest drink, it is best to first blend the water and frozen spinach together, until it is a green juice. Then add the frozen fruits and blend well, until thoroughly combined and wonderfully smooth.
Also, we have found that it is cheaper to buy bigger bags of fresh spinach at Aldi and then we come home and lay out the leaves on a baking sheet tray, in a single layer. We stick the tray in the freezer for a few hours and then transfer the frozen spinach leaves into a baggie. We repeat this until the entire bag of spinach has been frozen. The leaves will last a couple of months, but honestly, they don't last that long around here. Just grab about 2 cups when you're ready to make a smoothie and you're ready to go!
What are your favorite smoothie recipes or flavor combinations?