House Favorite Green Smoothie

A kale smoothie is a favorite of many, and we think this recipe is the best. Try making large batches (using a full bunch of kale, two apples, full cucumber, etc.) and have three to five servings ready to go in the refrigerator. (It lasts close to a week.) Have fun adapting this recipe to what you have on hand and what you like! Some ideas include:

• Use spinach instead of kale
  

  House Favorite Green Smoothie combines kale, apple, cucumber, avocado and lime juice.

• Add a kiwi
• Add yogurt instead of the avocado
• Add peas or lettuce
• Add cinnamon
• Add protein powder
• And, for a sweeter, kid-friendly version, use limeade as the liquid

Ingredients

• Big handful(s) of kale (any variety)
• 1 green apple (with or without skin)
• ½ cucumber (de-seeded)
• ½ avocado (if desired)
• ½ lime
• 1 inch of fresh ginger, grated (less for a milder taste)
• Local honey (1 tablespoon)
• 1-2 cups water (or green tea)
• 3-4 ice cubes

Directions

• Wash kale and de-stem. I find curly kale the easiest to de-stem.
• Cut the apple. I usually leave the skin on for extra fiber, but you can peel if you like.
• Slice the cucumber in half the long way and scrape out seeds with a spoon.
• Prepare green tea if you want extra antioxidants and caffeine.
• Cut avocado and scoop out. The more you use, the creamier your smoothie.
• Add honey, grated ginger, lime, liquid and ice. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Recipe by Denise Miller.