Green Smoothie Time!

Yesterday was my Granny's birthday.  To celebrate, our family took her to her favorite restaurant - Cracker Barrel.  As you may remember, we grew up in the South so she loves that old fashion southern cooking.  And while I appreciate my roots, that type of food is not quite my cup of sweet tea.  :o)  Sadly, the only thing on the menu that was vegan, or even vegetarian, was a tossed salad that consisted of iceberg lettuce and tomatoes.  Even the vegetables were cooked in, as they called it, "meat seasonings".  A.K.A., lard.  With just this salad, I was a bit hungry when we got home!  But on the bright side, it was a great opportunity to make a yummy, green, protein packed smoothie!  I originally found this recipe at Peas and Thank You.  I absolutely love this site, so I highly suggest it. 

Don't mind the popcorn kernels in the background :o)

This smoothie is a complete meal - it has a green, a grain, and tons of protein.  Oh, and it tastes awesome.  What more could you want?

2 cups spinach

1 cup almond milk

1/2 cup silken (soft) tofu (you can sub yogurt here if you'd like, but give the tofu a try.  I promise it does not change the taste!)

1/4 cup oats

1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used hemp protein, but I absolutely hate it in anything other than smoothies or baked goods.  I'm in the market for a better, vegan, protein powder so if you know of one let me know!)

1 T almond butter (you can definitely sub peanut butter here)

1 t vanilla 

sweetener of choice - mine was agave nectar, and I used a teaspoon or so

about 10 ice cubes

Blend and enjoy!!

Yes that is an Ohio State garden gnome...don't ask!

The consistency might be a little thin to be a smoothie; it's more between a smoothie and a juice. Whatever it is, I love it.  And I'm pretty sure it's a better option than vegetables cooked in lard.  :o)