Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Five-a-day Smoothies

I'll admit I was skeptical when my mother-in-law sent me the basis for this recipe - spinach in a smoothie? All those childhood traumas of being forced to eat steamed kale came rushing back to me. But I stand corrected. Not only do I enjoy the taste of these, I enjoy the fact my two-year-old asks me to make her something that gives her five different fruits and vegetables. With nothing in them but fruit, vegetables, and a little water, they are a guilt-free treat. The combo below is my favorite, but I have also successfully used apples, bananas, and canned peaches in place of the berries based on what I had available. Do not, under any circumstances, try adding broccoli - it isn't pretty.

Five-a-day Smoothies

1 cup red grapes
2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
1 carrot*
A handful of frozen blueberries
A handful of frozen strawberries
1 cup water

Blend until smooth.

* Santa brought us a Blendtec for Christmas, so I can stick it in whole, but if you are using a standard blender, shred the carrot before adding it.