a day of firsts

About a month ago I was introduced to a very cool blogger, Leslie, who writes about healthy living and food. I originally met her through aquaBling because she hosted a review and giveaway on her blog, but I just can't help but keep reading! Her blog is fun and informative, and we share a lot of the same interests, like running and good food. Plus, she is darn cute! 

The other day she blogged about a drink she is hooked on, called the green monster.  This is basically a spinach smoothie, and I have to tell you, it both intrigued me and frightened me.  I do like spinach but do not often eat it, so I thought this would be a good time to try it.  This is the recipe I used:
          3 cups spinach (I used three big handfulls. I cook and don't bake, therefore I rarely 
                                      use measuring cups)
          1 banana
          1 cup almond milk (I actually used regular milk, since I live in a teensy tiny town that doesn't
                                        sell almond milk.  Plus, I need the calcium)
          1 tbsp flax seed
          2 handfulls ice

To the left is what things look like in the blender before the mixing.  It is a little intimidating, since all you can see is spinach, ice, and milk, and  couldn't really picture those ingredients making a tasty drink.  My kids were not impressed, either, although both of the boys wanted to press the blender buttons.  They're both so helpful, you know.

The picture to the right shows everything all blended to perfection and waiting to be consumed.  You really have to blend this for quite awhile to make sure that all of the spinach is blended.  I think I was blending for a good four to five minutes, and the drink didn't take on that really green color until the very end.  I think that's a good indication that it is done.

Now, the gazillion dollar question...was it good?  Yes, it was delicious, actually.  The spinach and banana combined together to produce a very smooth, botanical taste that is just delightful.  I haven't ever had anything quite like that, so I can't compare it to anything.  But, I can tell you that when I was finished, I kind of wanted more.  I think that is a good indication that it was yummy.  I tried to get my kids to try it...but I think I lost them at "spinach". 

One thing that I did notice is that you really need to have this drink be ice cold.  I tried to drink some of Elaine's leftovers, and it had warmed up a bit by this point and didn't taste as good as when it was really cold.  I will definitely keep drinking these, though! If anyone has any cool variations on this recipe, let me know.  I'm up for anything!