Winter Green Smoothie

My love for green smoothies has continued into the winter months. I love the energy and vibrancy it gives me in the morning and makes me feel ready to face the day. I found a really great recipe that focuses on more ingredients that you can find in the winter and I really enjoy it, especially the tartness of the cranberries with the collards and green cabbage. I tweeked the recipe a bit (of course) because I thought it was too thick. This makes 64 ozs, which carries me through 2 mornings. Be sure to add some fresh lemon juice to help preserve it for the next day. I like to store mine in a mason jar with a tight lid.

Winter Green Smoothie

2 granny smith apples, cored and cut into large chunks

2 pears, cored and cut into large chunks

handful of fresh or frozen cranberries

handful fresh pomegranate seeds (optional)

1 T raw cacao nibs (optional)

2-inch piece of fresh ginger

2 cups of water

1 cup ice

6 to 7 large kale leaves

4 to 5 large collard greens

large chunk of green cabbage (about 1 to 2 cups chopped)

handful of fresh parsley

Place apples, pears, cranberries, ginger, and water into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. Stuff in the greens and blend again until smooth. Add more water for a thinner smoothie.