Smoothie Mastermind...Bulk batch

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As you all know I like to utilize my time in the kitchen to the fullest.  Anytime I cook something I will do a bulk batch to "redeem" my time.

When it comes to making smoothies this is my technique...

1.  With a family of 9 the majority of our shopping is done at Costco (keep an eye out for my favorite healthy buys at Costco".  You want to stock up on ingredients for your smoothie.  My favorites are
Almond milk, coconut water, green tea, leafy greens (spinach or kale), frozen fruit (bananas, strawberries, blueberries, avocados), chia seeds, almonds or almond butter.
*I typically slice and flash-freeze my bananas and avocados once that are at the prime ripeness, and I know they are not going to be eaten.

2.  Prep as many smoothie packets as you can... :)
Pick your day to prep your smoothie packs...place all of your solid ingredients into freezer zip lock bags (1. frozen fruit & ice, 2. greens, 3. avocados and bananas).  On each of your bags, you will want to write the amount and type of liquid you will need to add to the blender (i.e., 1 cup almond milk). Place your freezer bags in the freezer, and you are ready for a fast, simple and nutritionally fulfilling smoothie.

3. When you are ready to make your smoothie, place your liquid in the blender first, crunch up your zip lock of goodies and add to liquid.

4.  I always rinse my blender immediately to avoid hard and crusty blender later.  This technique makes clean up a cinch.  Fill with warm water with a dash of dish soap and blend on high for about 20-30 seconds.  Rinse and let air dry.  Simplicity at its best.

A couple of my favorite recipes:

Pack #1

2 cups chopped kale
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 banana sliced
1 Tbsp almond butter
1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 tsp cinnamon

add 1 cup almond milk

Pack #2

2 cups spinach
1/2 cup ripe avocado
1/2 frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 Tbsp chia seeds

add 1 cup unsweetened green tea.