Green Smoothies!

My sweet husband gave me a Vitamix blender for Christmas even though he was a little bit scared about being served green shakes for breakfast (& possibly even lunch too!). These smoothies are “green” but contain tons of fruit so they are sweet enough to transition even the skeptics out there. A great way to start a healthy 2015!! 🙂

My preference is for room temperature concoctions- the flavors really shine. The Orange Smoothie (above) is my favorite. It is unbelievably creamy with just a hint of cinnamon. The recipe is from celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson, via popsugar.com. Green and yummy!!

Orange Smoothie

Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies

• 1 1/2 cups baby spinach
• 3 oranges, peeled
• 1 medjool date, pitted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

1. Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency. (I used the Smoothies setting on the Vitamix.) Enjoy immediately.

This super creamy, fluffy, and silky smooth smoothie is my husband’s absolute favorite. It is delicious and filling. This recipe was adapted from Food 52, contributed by Gena Hamshaw.

Avocado Smoothie

Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies (4 smoothies of the size pictured above)

• 1 banana, peeled, room temperature or frozen
• 1/2 cup mango, fresh or frozen
• 1/2 small or medium avocado
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 1/4 cups milk (almond, soy, oat, rice, or cow milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Place all smoothie ingredients in your blender and blend till very smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk as needed, or a few ice cubes if you want it to be frostier. (I used the Smoothies setting on the Vitamix.) Enjoy immediately.

In the cold weather, this pear smoothie was perfect made with a room temperature banana; I may prefer it with a frozen banana in warmer weather though. Perfect this time of year when delicious apples and pears are so readily available. So tasty! This recipe was adapted from LoveandLentils.com.

Pear-Spinach Smoothie

Yield: 1 large (giant!) or 2 small/medium smoothies

• 1 cup milk (almond, soy, oat, rice, or cow milk)
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1 forelle pear (or any small pear will do) (I used half of a large d’Anjou pear)
• 1 banana, fresh or frozen but preferably frozen
• 1/2 a small apple (I used a pink lady)
• 1 medjool date, pitted

1. Add all of the ingredients into your blender and blend at high speed until smooth. (I used the Smoothies setting on the Vitamix.) Enjoy immediately.

This smoothie is tangy and loaded with raspberries. My son even approved! It is less creamy than the others but very fresh and frosty. This recipe is from Vitamix.

Ruby Emerald Smoothie

Yield: 1 large or 2 small smoothies

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
• 1 cup (150 g) red grapes
• 1 medium apple (5 1/2 oz/156 g), quartered, seeded
• 1 cup (65 g) coarsely chopped fresh kale, spine and stem removed
• 1 cup (140 g) frozen unsweetened raspberries

1. Place all ingredients into the blender (or Vitamix) in the order listed. Process on high speed or on the Smoothies setting. Enjoy immediately.

One Year Ago:

• Polenta Al Forno with Spinach, Ricotta, and Fontina

Two Years Ago:

• Classic Applesauce
• Roasted Acorn Squash
• Creamy Baked Acorn Squash

About Josette@thebrookcook

I live in Stony Brook, New York on Long Island. I love garlic and baking. My hobby (and love) is to try new recipes. My favorite recipe resources include The New York Times, Food and Wine, Bon Appetit, and Martha Stewart Living. Enjoy!

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