Summer Green Smoothie with Pineapple and Cucumber

Green smoothies have reigned supreme in our house for years now. I am always experimenting with different flavors. Usually we return to our favorites, but it is fun to taste test! Recently, I came up with this refreshing recipe starring cucumber and pineapple. It is a HUGE hit and it now our favorite Summer green smoothie!

So, I have a confession, I am not the biggest fan of cucumbers on their own. I mean I like pickles, but not a plain ole cucumber. However, when paired correctly with the right ingredients, even I like them! Ad guess what so do my kiddos!

Well, since it is summer and we are all busy...lets just get to the recipe.  

Pineapple Cucumber Green Smoothie
NOTE: I try to use organic whenever possible

Ingredients

• A really good blender. I have a (affiliate link) Vitamix 5300 Improved 5200 More Powerful, Fits Under Cabinet Model, Black

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 medium green apple, sliced* (See NOTE below)
• 1 small lime, peeled (You can just use the juice if you are in a hurry or feeling lazy!. Too much pith can make a bitter taste. Try to remove as much of the pith as possible when you peel.
• 1/2 small cucumber (or 1/3 of a large cucumber), sliced
• 1 1/2 cups frozen pineapple (You don't have to use frozen, but I like it frozen because it acts as ice and fruit)
• 2+ cups greens. I prefer Power greens mixture, but also use kale. I sometimes mix in spring greens or even broccoli.
• Optional: add 1 Tablespoon flax seed or 1/2 of an avocado 

TIPS AND TRICKS
PLEASE LET ME STRESS THIS...play with your mixture if you do not like it at first.

• If you like less cucumber, add less and add more greens.
• If you don't like the greens, try a different variety, or reduce the greens and add more cucumber.
• If you are new to green smoothies, try some additional pineapple and then gradually reduce the amount as you grow accustomed to the taste.
• If you water a more fluid texture, use more water.

Blend it!
This is my blender (affiliate link)

• I start with the water in my blender.
• Add the apple (You can core it or if you have a good blender, snap of the stem and simply slice it, leaving the seeds* and core). See NOTE below
• Add the lime.
• Add the sliced cucumber.
• Blend for 30 seconds to one minute.
• Add the greens.
• Blend for 30 seconds (maybe more, if necessary).
• Once the components are all blended, it is time for the fruit (also the flax seed if you are adding it).
• Add the pineapple and blend on medium high for about 1 minute.

NOTE/EDIT: My friend Heather shared a link (in the comments) about eating apple seeds and possible poisons released when you grind or macerate them. I learned a different way, but want to make sure you all are informed. I am NOT an expert or doctor. Leave the seeds out if you have any concerns.


Now, all you have to do is ENJOY and let the green goodness make you feel GOOD!

Want to try some more green smoothie goodness...

Here is a recipe for Strawberry Basil Green Smoothies

and a little something about how and when I started drinking green smoothies.

Do you have a favorite green smoothie combination?

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

5 Easy Way to Send Smiles with Hallmark

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #SendSmiles #CollectiveBias

As I continue to unpack from last years move (yep, I have a lot of stuff) I am discovering the many greeting cards I have saved over the years. I have cards from my grandparents, my parents, my kids and my husband, not to mention my friends. I also save my children's birthday cards. And you know what I realized, I was once a very good card giver - I enjoyed it - but I have really dropped the ball. So, I got to thinking, if the cards I receive mean so much to me that I save them, then they probably mean that much to others too. I am ready to get back on track and send smiles all year long to my friends and family with Hallmark cards starting at 47 cents.

Ruby Red Grapefruit Shandy Cocktail (recipe)

My husband likes beer. I like a cocktail. A shandy is the perfect marriage! My husband is actually the one who introduced me to a Shandy. A traditional Shandy is made by mixing beer with juice, usually beer and lemonade. Well, a month or so ago I attended SoFabU On the Road at The Gaylord Texan and the bartenders there treated us to a Ruby Red Grapefruit Shandy. Now...I LOVED it, but they did not supply a recipe...so I set out to replicate the beverage myself. (psst, remember they Basil Simple Syrup I shared the other day...this is one of the beverages you need it for!)

Sweet Basil Simple Syrup

I am not a super adventurous foodie-type person, but I do like to try some (slightly) unusual concoctions. Often they are related to beverages and baking. I use my recipe for Vanilla Simple Syrup all the time. Recently I was at an event and the bartender had created a beverage using a Basil Simple Syrup. I was hooked! I will share my cocktail recipe in the next day or two...but I do realize you might be wondering "what else can I use Basil Simple Syrup for?" Well, let me tell ya...use it to flavor lemonade, iced tea, and other fruity delights. (I have more ideas coming!)

 
Ingredients
(easily doubled for more sweet basil goodness!)

• 1 Cup Water
• 1 Cups Granulated Sugar
•  About 8-10 good sized leaves of basil. I bought a package of organic basil at the grocery store, and for boiling, added the leaves still on the larger stem.
• You will also need a strainer

 Make it...

• Place the water, sugar, vanilla, and basil in a medium sauce pan and slowly bring the mixture to a boil until the sugar is dissolved.
• All in all, I simmered my syrup for about 40+ minutes on low. I really wanted to get that amazing basil flavor. If you are unsure of the taste, sample a bit as you cook, until the syrup is to your liking.
• Let cool. Strainer the mixture to remove any pieces of basil that might be in there. You want the syrup to be "smooth."
• Transfer the mixture and the bean to am airtight container (I use a mason jar for storage).
• Store in the refrigerator. I cannot quite give you a time frame for how long it will keep because we use it up quickly...a month or two is my guess! 

Want to try your hand at other syrups, check out my Vanilla Simple Syrup 

Have you made your own syrups? Whats you favorite flavor? 

This post is written and created at 504 Main by Holly Lefevre

Create Amazing Gift Wrap with Paper Ribbons and Tape

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #ProjectAmazing #CollectiveBias 

Creating personalized gift wrap in one thing my daughter loves to do. I wrap the gifts in plain brown craft paper and then let her have at it with markers, stickers - anything she wants! Well, why should she have all the fun, right? Now, I have never been know for my own gift wrapping skills, but lately I have been a bit obsessed with changing that reputation - and what better way to do that than to let my imagination and creativity run wild, like my daughter does! I get to cut and punch and glitter and tape to my hearts content. Oh, and I get to go shopping not only for the gift but for fresh crafting supplies, like Scotch® Brand products.