Refreshing Grape and Kale Smoothie

So it's been awhile since I've posted any recipes. The truth is, we've been so busy house-hunting, packing, moving, and now un-packing and decorating that we haven't been able to try new recipes. Actually, I have to admit that I've been pretty lazy. We've stuck to the same old spinach-berry smoothie all this time. We got sick of it, and my husband wanted a green smoothie. I didn't have the fresh pineapple that the original recipe that I posted required, so I just made up my own. This was delicious and so different from our typical berry smoothie! The strawberries were very subtle, and the primary flavor was a refreshing, slightly sweet mix of grape and kale flavor.

Grape and Kale Smoothie
(Vita-Mix Recipe)
2 cups of 100% white grape juice
2 large handfuls of fresh spinach, washed
1-2 large sprigs of fresh kale, washed
3-4 baby carrots, washed
6 medium strawberries, washed
1 scoop protein powder
Miel de agave (Agave nectar), to taste
Ice to chill

1. Place all ingredients into Vita-Mix in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Contributing Recipe: Lisa's Green Smoothie

Here's another recipe for a delicious green smoothie! My friend Lisa told me that her kids absolutely LOVE this smoothie. They go through it so fast that there is rarely any left for her to enjoy!

As always, I certainly invite you to try this recipe in your own blenders or other machines -- just follow the directions as your instructional manual suggests.

Lisa's Green Smoothie
(Vita-Mix Recipe) 
1 cup water
1 inch slice European cucumber
1 scoop protein powder
Two handfuls of spinach
1 cup of frozen strawberries or blueberries
Stevia, to taste
Ice to chill

1. Place all ingredients into Vita-Mix in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

Thanks, Lisa, for the recipe!

Recipe: The Original Green Smoothie

I will probably be posting a variety of different green smoothie recipes, but I thought I would post the one that got me initially hooked on the Vita-Mix 5200. Note that you can try this recipe in any blender that you have, but for an ultra smooth consistency, I would recommend using one of Vita-Mix's personal or commercial blenders for best results.

When I post a Vita-Mix recipe, you should put ingredients into the Vita-Mix in the order it is written for best results. When in doubt, read the instructions that came with your blender carefully to determine the best order. Generally speaking, though, liquid/soft foods will go in first, with dry ingredients and/or ice last. Following this will ensure best machine performance, best texture, and best taste.

The Original Green Smoothie
(Vita-Mix Recipe)
2 cups of 100% white grape juice
1.5 cups of fresh pineapple (rind removed)
1 cup fresh spinach, washed
1 leaf of fresh kale, washed
1/2 medium apple, halved (seeds optional)
1 slender carrot, broken into 2-3 pieces
1 scoop protein powder (of your choice; we use Whole Nectar soy smoothie powder)
Miel de agave (Agave nectar), to taste
Ice to chill

1. Place all ingredients into Vita-Mix in the order listed and secure lid.
2. Select Variable 1.
3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
4. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.

This is a delicious first smoothie to try; and it's a great meal replacement when you use a high quality protein powder! Enjoy!