Drew Corrigan’s Green Smoothie

2 cups of coconut water (or just plain filtered water)

1/4 cup of raw cashew pieces

1/4 cup of chopped dates or 3-4 whole pitted dates

1 dessert spoon of raw cacao powder

2 medium size peeled oranges

1/2 pound of washed spinach leaves

2 stalks of purple kale (including stems), sliced into pieces

1 stalk of rainbow chard (including stem), sliced into pieces

2 frozen ripe bananas, slightly thawed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Add the coconut water, cashews, dates, cacao, oranges and spinach into the blender pitcher, and blend until the spinach leaves are broken up. Add the kale, chard and bananas, and blend until smooth. Depending on the nature and power of your blender you might need to stop and push the ingredients down to the blades with a spatula a couple of times. Chill (if necessary) and serve. Makes approximately 50oz.

One thing that I did was use an orange I had previously “skinned” using my zesting tool. (I made more of the coconut balls prior to making this smoothie! ) So, the orange had a lot of the white pith still on it, with just the outermost rind removed. The pith is one of the most nutritious parts of the orange and quite high in orange essential oil, adding a “zing” to the smoothie.

I always cut my fruits, veggies, or greens before blending as they blend more quickly, easily, and the blender doesn’t heat the smoothie, soup, or whatever I am making as much. (Heat is the enemy of enzymes!)

You can use this same recipe and change the fruit … eg replace oranges with peaches, nectarines, pears, strawberries, pineapple, for a different flavor. I don’t recommend apples or blueberries unless you want pudding … apples and blueberries seem to be high in pectin or some other compound that turns the smoothie into a jelly-like mass after a short time.

You can also try other combinations of greens … arugala adds a spicy kick, cilantro is nice (in small amounts), a leaf or two of romaine will vary the flavor in an interesting way. Dandelion greens are good but you may want more dates (they can be rather bitter).

Have fun!!!

Props again to Drew Corrigan “KC’s very own Yoga & Health Guru”  for a wonderful recipe!

Check him out at www.drewcorrigan.com