Mango-Kale-Matcha Smoothie

Green smoothies have been popular for quite some time, but I am just now starting to experiment and enjoy them. So far, I think this is the most healthful (and caffeinated!!) combination I have come up with.

I like the addition of mango to the mix because it gives a hint of floral/tropical fruitiness and contributes a super creamy texture that banana alone somehow cannot achieve.

Nutrition-wise, this is packed with antioxidants from the green tea, fiber and vitamins A, K, and C from the kale, mango and almonds, and there is also a good amount of calcium, iron, manganese and protein.

One glass in the morning another mid-day will get me through to dinner time.

For two servings:

• 3 large leaves of Russian or Tuscan kale, ribs discarded and leaves roughly torn
• 1/2 ripe mango, peeled and diced
• 1/2 ripe banana
• 3 T raw almonds, preferably soaked in water overnight
• 1 heaping teaspoon matcha powder (green tea powder)
• 1/4 cup low fat yogurt
• Enough almond, soy, or cow's milk or orange juice to get everything moving in the blender

Put everything in the blender and process on high speed until the almonds are completely pulverized and everything is smooth.

Jasmine Biernacki is a private chef and boutique caterer in Gig Harbor. For more information, please visit http://www.chef-jasmine.com/