Wise Owls Drink Green Smoothies

This smoothie is about as green (in color) as they get.  Made with fresh pineapple, spinach, apple cider, orange juice, ice, and spirulina (yes, that's algae and no, you can't taste is at all.)  I first read about the green smoothie phenomenon here, and it literally changed our lives, especially Max's.  The boy who used to despise every vegetable on earth, would happily chug a smoothie packed with all kinds of green goodness.  And now, I guess his palate has changed, and he is trying more new foods every day, and even asked for broccoli yesterday.  He only actually ate one spear...but still.  Baby steps.  Since we have been smoothie addicts for about a year now, we had already burned up the motors of two good-quality blenders, and I still couldn't get that perfectly smooooth consistency that I really wanted.  So last month, I totally went for it:

I bought a Blendtec, and it's one of the best appliance purchases I've ever made.  I'm not gonna lie people, this is crazy expensive blender, we're talking $400 a pop.  It was a tough decision , but we had the money (for a change) and honestly, if I had know how amazing it was, I would have turned a blind eye and put one on a credit card a long time ago.  Not even kidding.  I'm not going to blather on and on like a commercial, you can check out all of the details on their website if you are interested.  Be sure to watch the Will It Blend? videos for hours of entertainment!  Max definitely got a kick out of them, I like the ones where they destroy an iphone and a Barbie.  There really isn't much you can't do with this blender.  So far I've only ventured into smoothies, juice, and soups.  I'm dying to try peanut butter, grinding grains, sorbet, ice cream, almond and rice milk, etc.  And, just so you know, it was a tough choice between the Blendtec and the Vita Mix.  I had wonderful recommendations for both of these brands.  In the end, I went with the Blendtec because it's seemed a little more versatile and better suited to our needs, but they are both excellent blenders, I doubt you can go wrong with either of them.  We use ours pretty much every day, and it definitely feels like a permanent part of our lives, not just a passing phase.  I can barely contain my excitement for the coming spring and summer here in Asheville!  I fully plan to OD on Cherokee purples, sliced with just a pinch of salt.   I may even blend a few of them, too.  Make some preserves, or juice.  You know, just for fun. 

 

*Anybody out there have a must-try Blendtec or Vitamix recipe for me?  I'd love to hear your recommendations!

 

{FYI - I'm not paid/compensated to endorse any of the blenders (or heirloom tomatoes) mentioned in this post.  Not that I'm against advertising on blogs (far from it!)  But If I'm ever paid to sponsor something, I will be sure to let you know up-front.}  :)

Comments

[Amy]

I have that exact blender and I love it! We make mostly smoothies and pancakes with it. Love the owl glass!

[Kass]

Love that glass- SO CUTE!!! I have a Hamilton Beach juicer which I like just fine- under $200 from amazon and every day try to have an organic apple,berries and celery drink- nothing fancy- but it tastes delicious and Im getting my fiber plus anti-oxidants in there and the fresh apples taste divine..

[Keri]

um, the smoothies are nice and all - but what I really NEED to know is: WHERE'D YOU GET THAT COMPLETELY AWESOME OWL GLASS??!!! :)

[Amanda Krueger]

Thrift store, baby! (Of course.) All the truly awesome things I have were
found while thrifting! :)

[rachael]

Super awesome owl glass! I need to find something crazy to drink my green smoothies out of too. We picked up a Vita Mix because I liked the tamper option. I know what you mean about not wanting to sound like an advertisement for the things. I love mine so much I want to give one to friends and family!

As for recipes I use several out of a juices and smoothie book I bought and Get It Ripe. Also, Fat Free Vegan kitchen has been posting some neat ones lately.

[julie thompson]

My brother-in-law has a Vita Mix and I was lucky to find one at a garage sale in our neighborhood. We basically use it as a margarita machine. I also have a recipe for fresh peach ice cream (it is supposed to make ice cream in 30 seconds). Probably not the healthy recipes you are looking for but let me know and I'll send them to you.

[Crossfitvb]

I can't wait to get mine! I think I am going with a Blendtec too, because you don't have to buy the separate "dry" container, and reportedly it will fit underneath your cabinets. The Vitamix is a monster! I borrowed Mary's for several weeks and was very sad to give it back. I think when I get paid Friday I will have enough to finally order mine!

[Amber]

Ok whoops I think I just posted a comment logged into the crossfit account. That was me.

[kat in oregon]

oooh, i would love one of these! c'mon economy, mama needs some money! ;)

[Dime Store Thrift]

I love owls. Everything came to standstill when I saw that glass, where ever did you find it?

[GMGlimmerglass]

I've had a Vita-mix for years

It's really basic, but it's a family standby for us.
Our kids LOVE these.

Fresh OJ
Tiny bit of Greek Gods Honey Vanilla yogurt, usually
Vaniila beans scrapped or vanilla extract
You can add Vit C or other supplements

Blend til almost frozen and enjoy your Creamsicle!

[Amanda Krueger]

Thanks so much for the recipe, is sounds insanely good. Can't wait to try
it out!

[Masako Gun]

Blendtec is quite popular these days, mainly because of its Will It Blend? videos. And for a good reason. Blendtec blenders claimed that it could blend anything and, in their videos, it's quite clear that these can blend most mundane items such as cellphones. I wanna see them blend a George Foreman grill, just for the heck of it, LOL.