Classic Green Smoothies

These are our two favorite "green" smoothies...

Shamrock Smoothie
1½ cups nondairy milk of choice
1 medium, ripe banana, peeled and frozen overnight
2 big handfuls fresh spinach leaves
¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
2 pitted dates (or 1 tablespoon sweetener of choice)
1 heaping tablespoon cacao nibs or vegan chocolate chips (optional)

Combine the milk, banana, greens powder or spinach, dates, and peppermint extract in a high-­speed blender and blend until smooth.
Add the cacao nibs and blend at medium-high speed for 5 to 10 seconds, until the nibs are broken down but still visible in the shake.
Serve immediately.

Yield:  1 large serving or 2 small servings

Classic Green Smoothie
(put ingredients in this order, from the bottom up)

6 oz. water
2 to 3 large handfuls of spinach or kale (or a combination of both!)
6-8 chunks of fresh (or frozen) pineapple, mango or peach
1 large ripe banana (or 1 1/2 small)
1/2-1 cup ice cubes (these should be at the top!)

Blend until everything is pulverized into a smooth liquid.

NOTE: From time to time, we will add half of a granny smith apple.

Yield:  1 large serving or 2 small servings