My Green Smoothie

This green smoothie recipe is a must-have in our house.  I make a huge blender-full every morning (or the night before) and we drink it throughout the day.  Smoothies are such a great way to cram in important nutrients that can be hard to get in during the day...especially for little (or big) ones who turn their noses up at the idea of vegetables.  We've been known to get crazy with what we add into smoothies, I think one time we counted over 23 ingredients.  However, that can be daunting to keep up with, so this recipe is tried and true, delicious and simple!

makes 2 adult and 2 kid servings

1 c. water
1 c. O.J.
4-5 kale leaves
handful of spinach
2 Tbsp protein powder
3/4 c. frozen mango
3/4 c. frozen pineapple
1 banana

Blend together in a high power blender, such as a Vita Mix.  Cover any unused smoothie to enjoy it later.

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

makes a LARGE salad, perfect for entertaining.


2 cups dry quinoa
1 tsp cinnamon
4 small english cucumbers, chopped
1 small red onion, thinly chopped
1/3 c. dried apricots, chopped
1/3 c. raisins
1/2 c. sliced almonds (raw or dry roasted)
handful of mint, chopped
handful of basil, chopped
1/2 inch chunk of ginger, grated
2 lemons, zest and juice
1/4-1/2 c. olive oil
s/p
1 c. cherry tomatoes, quartered

Cook quinoa according to package, but add in cinnamon to boiling water.  Let stand and cool.

Place chopped onion in a bowl with cold water.  Allow to soak for 10-15 minutes.  This takes out the real tangy bite of the onion (and stinky breath), but keeps all the flavor.

Place all chopped veggies (excluding tomatoes), herbs, dried fruit and nuts, in a large bowl with the cooled quinoa.  Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil and s/p.  Mix gently and taste for seasoning.  Feel free to add more to your liking.  Before serving, fold in chopped tomatoes.