The Serious Smoothie
Linda Soper-Kolton, Compassionate Cuisine
48-50 ounces
Ingredients
1 bunch of kale or chard, about 9 leaves
1 cup water
1 orange, peeled and sectioned
1 package frozen strawberries
1/3 cup walnuts
2 carrots, chopped in one inch chunks
2 celery stalks, chopped in chunks
1-2 Tablespoon Balsamic vinegar (to taste)
6 ice cubes or more
Instructions
A high-powered blender is recommended. If you do not have one, make sure you chopped all the ingredients in small pieces before you blend. Pour one cup of water in the blender. Add a few green leaves at a time, processing until incorporated and smooth. Continue to add all the kale or chard leaves. Add each ingredients, one at a time (except the vinegar and ice) until all are incorporate. Turn speed to high and blend until smooth. Add the vinegar, 1 Tablespoon at a time to taste. Next add in ice, if desired to chill and dilute.
Not all smoothies are the same. While smoothies give the impression of something that is healthy, just like reading label packages we need to know what goes into blended concoctions. Some are loaded down with sugar and sugary fruit juice. I prefer you use whole foods, no sugar, no juice. Sip the smoothie slowly, holding the sip in your mouth before swallowing to allow the digestive juices to flow. It can take a long time to drink or eat this smoothie and the energy from it will last even longer. The Balsamic Vinegar (the salad dressing) brings a combination of sweet and tart flavors.