The Shannon Smoothie: Episode I

I feel kinda bad posting this because really this is where Dan shines. Almost every morning, he gets up very early and makes me coffee and a smoothie. Not just any smoothie, though. He has this very special system that has really brought smoothie-making out of the strip malls and health food stores and into the realm of art and science. A Smoothie Renaissance, if you will.

Of course, no smoothie is ever quite the same. Some focus on tropical fruits like mangoes and pineapples, while others are the more traditional blueberry and banana. Like with most of our dishes, we always use organic ingredients when possible. Everything that goes into our morning smoothies is organic: Soymilk, Bananas, Berries. I know we don't mention this enough, but almost 3 years ago we made a New Years Resolution to use organic ingredients and environmentally friendly products whenever possible, and it has now become a pretty solid part of our lifestyle. Books like Squeaky Green: The Method Guide to Detoxing Your Home have helped "Green" our home, and we're always looking at new ways to make our footprints just a little smaller.

This smoothie is actually one I made awhile ago and have been holding onto for a rainy day. This particular rainstorm was called Top Chef Season Finale/Pizza Date Night. Yeah, we're SUPER MARRIED!

But with school and busy morning routines starting up again, I thought it was a good time to bring out this gem. Dan's Smoothie Works will be coming. I mean, who wants to have the same smoothie everyday? That's like some sad Groundhog's Day Looping Reality thing. Weird.

Warning: This smoothie is super easy, really good, and may improve your mornings by an estimated 80%.


The Cherry, Pear and Blackberry Smoothie

• 2 Ripe Bananas
• 3 Cups Soymilk or Almond Milk (Almond Milk will make it much thinner; it's really your call though.)
• 1/2 Cup Cherries (Pitted. At the time we used fresh cherries, but to be honest I like using frozen cherries because you get more juice and don't have to take out the pits yourself.)
• 2 Ripe Pears (Cored and sliced. It's Pear season now in VA so expect to see more pears these days. I like leaving the skin on, but I know some hate that; so again, it's your call. I wouldn't suggest using canned pears.)
• 1/2 Cup Blackberries (We used defrosted frozen Blackberries and were really happy with the result. In VA, there seems to be a small window where Cherry & Blackberry Season cross, but if you can plan it right, why not go fresh? Just be sure to wash your fresh Blackberries, even the organic ones.)
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon or Pomegranate Juice
• 1 Scoop Vegan Protein Smoothie Powder (We use Trader Joe's, but there are many brands and varieties out there to choose from) OR 1/2 Cup Silken Tofu (if you aren't into Protein Powders) OR 1/2 Cup Vegan Yogurt (Vanilla - Plain - Whatever)

Toss all this in the blender, be sure to get as much juice from your fruits as possible, and blend until smooth.

PS - Don't drive angry or kidnap groundhogs.