Emerald Smoothie

A vitamin-laden cupful — kale and lettuce offer vibrant green color as well as bright, fresh flavor. You can vary the fruit — add an apple, pear, or even fresh pineapple. Try tangerines instead of oranges. Purée in the blender for a thick fiber-rich pour or toss into a fruit and vegetable juicer for a smoother drink. The optional ginger offers a tropical, sweet-spicy boost that compliments the mango. You can vary the green as you like — a touch of arugula lends a peppery kick, spinach offers a more delicate texture and deeper green hue. Continue reading

Fresh Citrus Granita

Granita is an Italian ice dessert made from sugar, water and flavorings — in this case citrus juice. It’s easy to make yet feels sophisticated and special. Perfect to punctuate an adult dinner party, but simple enough to throw together that very afternoon. You can use whatever winter citrus you like — just adjust the sugar level up or down depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit (taste as you prepare the mix). Try oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, meyer lemon or a mix. Serve by itself, or with vanilla ice cream for a grown-up Creamsicle. Continue reading

Classic Lemonade (with three variations)

Many recipes call for simply mixing sugar, juice and water.  This just doesn’t work for us.  The sugar crystals never fully dissolve, but who wants to go out and buy superfine sugar on top of what you already have?  What works much better is to make simple syrup (we’re talking super simple the way we do it) by mixing warm water and sugar together.  Most recipes also call for white sugar, but since we’re into less processing whenever possible, we like to use organic turbinado or raw sugar.  This type of sugar has a slightly stronger flavor and darker color than its more processed cousin, and if you don’t like that, just use standard granulated sugar instead.

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