I try not to let Google Analytics determine my happiness.  But, it’s that page that tells me how many of you are listening.  Blogging can be a little lonely sometimes.  As in, tap tap, is this thing on?  One of my more popular posts was my Green Smoothie with Peanut Butter and Banana.  Thanks to a site called Oatmeal in My Bowl that featured 30 days of green smoothies, they’re my number one contributor of hits.  So, ALOT of you care about green smoothies!  As in thousands!

Where does that lead me?  A summer version.  A Tropical Green Smoothie!!  This recipe is just as good as the original, but has a much more summery taste.  Just try it, already!

The key to a good green smoothie is frozen bananas.  I like to prepare a few bananas ahead of time and then have them ready.  But, if I run out, I’ll slice a banana very thin on a plate and freeze it for 15-20 minutes.

I make this smoothie for the whole family, so this recipe will give you 3 large portions or about 5 medium size portions.  I add the banana at the bottom of the blender, top with another regular (unfrozen banana) add a sliced mango, a can of light coconut milk and a big handful or two of fresh spinach.  If you like your smoothies very cold, add a cup of crushed ice.  Blend until the spinach is thoroughly pulsed.

//photography by Kristin Eldridge in Long Beach