Green Smoothie Even My Picky Eater Loves

My son would not eat a vegetable if his life depended on it. He picks tomatoes out of pasta sauce. He has literally cried over broccoli. But he drinks this smoothie every single time I make it and asks for seconds. The secret is frozen mango. It turns the whole thing sweet, creamy, and tropical-tasting while completely masking the fact that there are two full cups of spinach hiding inside. He has no idea. I intend to take this secret to my grave. Or at least until he is old enough to not care.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen mango chunks
• 1 medium ripe banana (fresh or frozen, frozen makes it thicker)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (packed, do not be shy)
• 3/4 cup orange juice (or any juice you have, apple works too)
• 1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/4 cup water (more if needed to get the blender moving)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, usually not needed if the mango and banana are sweet enough)
• A few ice cubes if using fresh banana instead of frozen

Instructions

Step 1: Add the orange juice and water to the blender first. Liquids on the bottom help the blender blade catch everything and prevents the motor from straining.

Step 2: Add the spinach next. Yes, two full cups seems like a lot. Yes, your blender will look like a salad. Trust the process. The mango and banana will neutralize it completely.

Step 3: Add the frozen mango chunks, banana, and yogurt on top of the spinach.

Step 4: Blend on high for 60 to 90 seconds until completely smooth. You should not see any green flecks or spinach pieces. If it is too thick to blend, add a splash more juice or water. If it is too thin, add a few more frozen mango chunks.

Step 5: Taste it. If it needs more sweetness, add the honey and blend for another 10 seconds. Usually the mango and banana are sweet enough on their own.

Step 6: Pour into glasses and serve immediately. It will be bright green. If your child is suspicious of the color, serve it in an opaque cup with a lid and a straw. What they cannot see cannot scare them.

Notes and Tips

The key to hiding the spinach is the frozen mango. Do not substitute it with something less sweet or less flavorful because the mango is doing all the heavy lifting in terms of taste. Frozen pineapple chunks also work well as a substitute or addition. You can add a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for extra protein and staying power. For an extra nutrition boost throw in a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds. This smoothie keeps in the fridge for up to 24 hours but may separate so just shake or re-blend before serving. If your child asks what is in it I recommend the answer mango and banana which is technically not a lie just an incomplete truth. Parenting is about strategic omissions sometimes.