Healthy recipe: Apple Pie Smoothie

In our house, I’m the designated nutritionist for my husband and two boys, ages three and five. Left to their own devices, my kids would live on Gummy Bears and pancakes and their dad isn’t much better. He’s British, so his penchant for all things sweet, creamy or beer-battered is genetic. As is his visceral reaction to green foods. So it’s me against them in the battle for healthier family meals and snacks.

Imagine my surprise when I convinced the hubby to try this new green smoothie recipe. ‘Green Apple Pie in a Jar’ is inspired by juicing/smoothie evangelist Kris Carr and her Crazy, Sexy Wellness movement. That woman’s got me throwing things into a blender that I never would have believed delicious. This is my new fave. Who knew a glass of kale could taste like apple pie?

I was shocked when my five-year-old asked for a swig. Sure, there’s the cool/gross-out factor of a bright green drink, and the intrigue surrounding ‘dinosaur’ kale, but wouldn’t he be disappointed when a T-Rex failed to appear in our kitchen? Instead, he asked for his own glass. I’ll take this small victory.

Green Apple Pie in a Jar

Makes 16 oz.

5 large kale leaves (stems removed)
1 frozen banana
1 green apple, chopped
1½ teaspoons of cinnamon
½ teaspoon of ground ginger
½ cup of almond milk
1 teaspoon of ground flax meal
Cold water to desired thickness

Prep and wash all produce. Add ingredients to blender in order listed above; blend and serve.

Per 8 oz. serving: 239 calories, 4 g protein, 1 g fat (0 g saturated fat), 61 g carbohydrates, 10 g fibre, 0 mg cholesterol, 32 mg sodium

What’s your favourite smoothie recipe? Share it with us in the comments below.

‘Jennifer Reynolds, managing editor, digital

Related:
‘ 6 healthy smoothie add-ins
‘ 12 smoothie recipes under 200 calories
‘ 6 healthy fruit smoothie recipes