Yummy Kale Green Smoothie

In order to get my daily dose of veggies and fruits, I have been playing around with green smoothies lately.  Traditionally I have considered only lettuce, carrots, green beans, corn and tomatoes as my menu for vegetables. The blended variety allows me to expand my menu without sacrificing taste. Spinach has been the "go-to" green for smoothies. I'm allergic to spinach which turns me to the bitter backup--kale. I have gone through several iterations, cringes, gags, and ended up with kids not willing to taste test my smoothies anymore. Finally, this morning, I found a recipe that anyone can enjoy. I added a bunch of other healthy goodies my "green" friends recommend. It comes out a mauvish-green color, so I wouldn't recommend you pour it in a clear cup. Just sayin...

One thing to note, I found apricots to be the heaven send for kale's bitterness. Something about the sweet tartness becomes the ying for kale's yang. Pick apricots during season, halve them and freeze them in gallon size bagfuls.

Here's the recipe:

Yummy Kale Green Smoothie

• 1 c. water
• ½ lemon peeled (zest to add some additional flavor and health)
• ½ orange peeled
• ½ lime peeled
• 1 handful of baby carrots
• ¼ cup raw honey
• 1 handful of raw almonds
• 1 T Chia Seeds
• 1 scoop flax seed
• 1 large handful of baby kale
• 1 handful of frozen blueberries
• 1 handful of frozen strawberries
• 3 frozen apricots (halved)
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ Gala apple
• 1 cup ice

Add ingredients to VitaMix in order shown. Blend to desired consistency. Makes approximately 48 oz. (two large cup fulls) 

I'll post more recipes as I come up with them.