Last updated on January 11th, 2015
It’s a new year, and a new me. I’ve joined a gym. I’ve purchased some bronzing gel. And I’ve discovered this gorgeous green smoothie!
Now, I’ve tried lots of green smoothies in the past. Some were horribly bitter. Some were terribly sweet. But this version is perfect in every way:
First, tip some milk into a blender.
And ponder the fact that I’ve purchased bronzing gel.
Then add some Greek yogurt. Yogurt is rich in calcium, protein, and probiotics. I make it this way.
And one or more handfuls of leafy greens. Consider kale. Or spinach. Or arugula.
Of course, kale and arugula are definitely bitter. But I have a secret weapon for neutralizing any unpleasant taste.
The secret, my friends, is a handful of frozen pineapple chunks. These release an acidic juice that eliminates bitterness.
Finally, add one or more cups of good-quality gin.
Okay, okay. I’m kidding about that last ingredient.
Put the lid on the jar…
Pour the beverage into a clear glass tumbler…
Add an appropriately-hued straw…
This gorgeous green smoothie isn’t at all sweet. It is, however, deliciously thick and creamy. To me, it tastes like a glass of good health. Drink it for breakfast, and you can have chocolate for lunch.
In the comments field below, feel free to discuss smoothies. Or bronzing gels. Or whether or not you ate too many cookies over the December holidays.
Meanwhile, here’s a copy-and-paste version of the above recipe:
Gorgeous Green Smoothie
Kevin Lee Jacobs (www.kevinleejacobs.com)
Ingredients for 1 large or 2 modest servings:
1 cup milk (almond milk will work)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 banana, roughly chopped
A big handful (3-5 ounces) of leafy greens: spinach, kale, arugula, etc.
Frozen pineapple chunks — a small handfulLayer ingredients into a blender. Blend at high speed until thick and smooth.
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Rosalie says
I make a thick smoothie with just a ripe, frozen banana, almond extract, and 2 % milk. It needs no sugar and tastes like banana ice cream. Sometimes I replace the 2% milk with strawberry or blueberry kefir. Kefir’s a great addition because it keeps the immune system healthy. I drank it almost every day last winter and didn’t get one cold!
gina gillispie says
I must say….this looks delicious and I’m going to check into Lierac Bronzage Capsules. I’ve been considering juicing for about 7 years now…since it’s the year of the sheep…green just seems right….as does bronze!
Diana Posthuma says
You could add some Chia seeds for extra fibre, calcium, and other minerals too. Yum, def going to try this.
Tammy says
This looks so yummy, Kevin! Definitely on my smoothes-to-try-soon list.
Dia Koether says
Definitely a must try! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Kate says
The smoothie looks and sounds delicious, but I must say the thought of a fellow gardener purchasing bronzing gel makes me feel the need to add the gin! LOL
Norma says
NO! Say it ain’t so – bronzer – surely not! The smoothie looks lovely and the pineapple trick is super handy as I detest Kale. I’ll give it a go because I ate too many cookies and too many brownies and too much cheese…well just too much!
myttle miller says
Woo! Woo! Good health to you…..
Carole says
So ironic Kevin! I kid you not, I am at this moment enjoying a spinach, blueberry and pecan smoothie, made in my favorite Christmas present to myself, a Nutribullet. I too have decided to Go Healthy in 15, dusting off and using (I actually even ran a bit, but mostly walked) the tread mill. Haven’t bought bronzing gel yet, but I may need to when I become my new self. Here’s to all of us Kevin, and Happy New Year!
Julie B says
Hemp milk is a great substitute for those who can’t enjoy nuts. I also add:
A handful (or two) of fresh parsley
A couple stalks of celery cut into roughly 3-4 inch pieces
A scoop of protein powder
A Tblspn of brewer’s yeast
I don’t chop the banana – it’s enough to break it into 2/3 pieces
For variety I’ll toss in:
A Mango
1/2 Avocado
Sliced apple or pear
In the summer I’ve included nectarines, peaches, blueberries, etc.
I LIVE on these smoothies!
Catharine R. says
I tried your smoothie “as is” and it was so delicious and easy to make. It was filling, too — enough for a meal substitute.
And just a note concerning bronzer: if we girls can wear it (not to mention all the other stuff we put on our faces) then guys can, too. I might suggest it for my (very pale) husband!
Karen says
Just discovered you after googling Linden flowers – go figure! The whole bronzer subject is going to keep me checking back – hysterical!
badger gardener says
Love the pineapple tip. I enjoy making smoothies after finally getting a decent blender, but didn’t like the kale added. I will definitely try the frozen pineapple.
Still pondering the bronzing gel.
Sarah says
Please give us your thoughts on blenders. Mine is pathetic. Do I really have to spend 400$ on a Vitamix to chop up frozen stuff? Aargh.
Nina says
Sarah, the best smoothie maker is the NutriBullet which sells for about $120 at Costco and other major retail stores. I’ve been using mine almost every day for two years and its still in perfect condition. It is a wonderful alternative to a costly, big and bulky Vitamix because it is super easy to assemble and to use, and to clean and store. And, it comes with a fantastic recipe book with different combinations of ingredients geared specifically for addressing particular health issues like gaining energy, stamina, mental alertness, weight loss, blood sugar control, strengthening the immune system, fighting diseases and allergies, and it lists specific ingredients that help men and that help women. They are now selling what is called a “Power Mix” lettuce blend in many grocery stores which includes baby kale, baby spinach and arugula lettuce. You can use a half a green apple, or some blueberries or goji berries, or a peeled kiwi fruit, or 1/2 a small banana to sweeten the taste. I always use a small piece of peeled fresh ginger and 1/2 fresh squeezed lemon to aid in digestion – cleans the colon, and often include seeds like sunflower, chia or flaxseeds or some nuts like walnuts or almonds into my smoothie for fiber, too. The Nutri Bullet beautifully emulsifies all of this with a simple twist and you don’t lose any of the goodness as you do with juicers. So thankful that Kevin showed and reminded us what a great time of year it is to make green smoothies, and for some of us, to use a little bronzer!
Elsie Gasper says
Have been making a delicious veggie smoothie for some time now with a cup of low sodium v-8 juice, about a quarter of a red pepper, a large stalk of celery, roughly a 2-inch piece of English cucumber, one serving scoop of strawberry whey protein powder, with the blender filled from there with baby spinach-contents then liquefied. Breakfasts have become quite enjoyable; were I to have to munch my way through all those veggies I’d still be there at noon, plus there’s no temptation to dip the veggies into any calorie-laden dressings.
Trudi Dido says
It’s definitely the time of year for bronzing gels . We feel (an look like we are gonna be snow people if we don’t get some color )but I will hold off . I’ve seen those gels on folks and it can be scary. My co-worker used to get tan in a can and wow
It won’t be long till this all goes away . and spring comes back.
Lynn says
I’m getting into all these smoothies. So healthy. But, the bronzer? All those chemicals? Isn’t that counterproductive? Still, I’m getting my blender outta the cupboard and onto the counter.
Joanna says
Awesome recipe – Thanks Kevin!
Love your sense of humor 🙂
Lynne says
I have problems with bananas, is there anything that can substitute??
Robin Graber says
I have every morning a handful of Kale, a small bunch of grapes, chopped cucumber and 1/2 Granny Smith apple. All whirred up in my vitamix! There are so many options to smoothies! And they are so good for you on so many levels. Tomorrow I will add a banana and an orange!
Careen says
I make a similar smoothie with blueberries, but my magic ingredient is extra virgin coconut oil. Melt a tablespoon or two and add it in with cinnamon. It’s so good!