Favorite (cilantro) green smoothie

Green smoothie

There are so many different recipes to experiment with when you are looking for a healthy, engergizing boost. Here is a favorite of mine. I also like to keep Kale and spinach on hand. They are great addition in green smoothies.

•Pink Grapefruit
•Cucumber
•Cilantro
•Lime
•Pineapple
•Vanilla Extract
•BIG pinch of Cinnamon
•Pinch of salt

Directions
In a blender, (Vitamix if you have one) throw a pink peeled grapefruit, peeled cucumber, lots and lots and lots of cilantro - like half a bunch, a lime, some pineapple, vanilla extract, BIG pinch of cinnamon, and pinch of salt.

Keeping fruits and vegetables on hand I will often use whatever I have available. I always keep bananas in the freezer too. They are a great way to chill your smoothie.

If I lost you a little with the smoothie try this great cilantro pesto recipe adapted from epicurious.com:


1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 bunch fresh chives, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup (packed) fresh mint leaves
1 tablespoon chopped seeded jalapeño chile
1 small garlic clove, peeled
1 teaspoon (scant) coarse kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Add the first nine ingredients into a blender or food processor until smooth. Whisk the lime in last.

This tastes great in a salad, over chicken or tofu. A favorite salad would include field mixed greens, goat cheese, beets, pistachios or walnuts and maybe some dried fruit (apricots and dried cranberries). Enjoy!