Someone recently reminded me how gosh darn good a green monster is. During the warmer months, I drink one obsessively every day, and that tapers off once it gets cold and I can’t bear to ingest anything that is lower that registers at lower than room temperature.
But frankly, the weather has been (dare I say it?) spring-like the last few days, and we all know I tend to slack off a little on the leafy greens during winter, so I knew a green monster or two would be perfect.
Welcome back, green monster. Even if it’s just for a little while.
This mocha green monster is just a twist on my current ultimate favorite, the café au lait green monster. I had a super, super, super-ripe banana (read: black) just begging to be used, so I knew this would be sweet enough without any added sugar. If my banana was a little less ripe, then I probably would have swapped some chocolate syrup or chocolate protein powder (which is sweetened) with the cocoa powder.
Mocha Green Monster
- 1 ripe banana
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 1/4 C milk
- 1 C cold coffee (add ice if yours is warm!)
- 1 T cocoa powder
I always add the spinach first, with the bananas on top (mine was frozen) to weigh it down. Pour the liquids over the top and add any extras (cocoa powder) and blend to perfection.
You can add a little more milk or coffee if you need more liquid–depends on how good your blender is (and ours has been slowing down a bit lately…sad!).
I love the coffee green monsters–no spinach taste at all, and just a filling and delicious smoothie to tide you over until lunch or dinner, and give you a good fill of greens.
Henry, of course, loves anything even remotely edible.
He didn’t actually manage to get his face or his paw into my cup, but it came reeeeeal close a couple of times. The things I do for this blog…
Chocolately, coffee-y, deliciousness.
Like the cat towel? It’s one of a few awesome vintage linens that my Grandpa gave me during our visit.
Henry’s not sure how he feels about having another cat around.
Here’s a few more pictures from my trip to Grandpa’s earlier this week:
The last two are of my mom and her sister, Kate. I love the last one so, so, so much.
Fritz and I just got back today from Sag Harbor, and it was such an amazing mini-vacation! We did so much and honestly just felt so relaxed for 24 hours–totally worth it. Fritz said it felt like time stood still for just long enough.
Makes me feel like setting aside time just for us is worth it, even if we can only spare one night, ya know? What do you do for mini-vacations?
6 comments
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Hannah
February 26, 2012 at 8:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Cute cute cute. We have such an awesome family, you know??
Lauren Zietsman
February 27, 2012 at 9:08 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Totes cute.
Jennifer @ Raisin Questions
February 27, 2012 at 11:36 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I never thought of putting coffee in a green smoothie! Awesome! What a pick me up!
Laura
March 3, 2012 at 6:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
WOW, i am amazed at your photography, the cat action shots are incredible.
& I agree mini vacations are the best esp. spent with people you love.
Will be trying this recipe soon.
Charlene Austin
March 26, 2012 at 10:11 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohhhh I am so behind on my Google Reader and just saw this Mocha green smoothie. Bummer that I just had a coffee or I would have had this instead!! I moved on from the Cafe au Lait and tried the Pumpkin Smoothie which then became my daily addiction for the past 2 weeks now. Amazing! I froze the pumpkin in muffin tins in 1/4 cup amounts and i use Almond Milk. So easy to whip it all together.
P.S. I have a Vitamix blender. Best purchase ever! Highly recommend!!
Lauren Zietsman
March 26, 2012 at 10:47 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I want one! Hoping to make a combined birthday/Christmas request next year