A trip to Costco with the family led us by the Vitamix sampling table. The kids were glued to the charismatic woman selling the super-powered wonder. Making bright purple smoothies with blueberries lured them in. They sampled and loved it. Then she made a green smoothie, sneaking in loads of spinach. She called it "The Shrek Smoothie". The kids were amazed how much they loved it. I was amazed how much they loved it.
I had never been one to sneak many veggies into foods, I thought kids should just appreciate veggies as they are. I still maintain that I want my kids to try and appreciate veggies in their wholeness. But I am realizing that supplementing with extra veg in the smoothie can only be a good thing.
We didn't buy the Vitamix from the super charismatic woman. I couldn't stomach the price---upwards of $600. When I found it on air miles, I sprung for it. Free! (Well, kinda). Although I still have a hard time with the price point with these machines, I do love our Vitamix. But I think that my old Oster blender I got in college was a wonder for the $40 it cost- it was super too!
Whatever blender you have this should work well since spinach isn't super fiberous and it should blend down nicely.
Here is a take on the smoothie that the woman made that day. It may not be an exact replica, but it is one of my new favourites and the kids eat it happily- knowing full well that some spinach is hidden inside.
Super Green Smoothie
Place in blender in order given until smooth:
1 cup water
1 1/2 cups pineapple chunks
1 1/2 cups packed spinach
1/8 of a whole fresh lime or 1/2 lime, juiced
1 tsp agave syrup, or to taste
4 ice cubes
