Fat Straws

One of the things that I demand of my green smoothies is that they past the straw test. You know the one. The smoothie has to be thick enough to support a straw stuck strategically in at a perfect angle without touching the side of the glass. This morning's smoothie passed with flying colors. A handful of almonds, two handfuls of spinach, and tons of pineapple, both fresh and frozen. And while I am not promoting any sort of criminal activity on this website, I will give you a tip on the three places that have the best and fattest straws that just happen to be out in convenient little dispensers for the entire world to enjoy. Moe's Southwest Grill ("Welcome to Moe's!") has extra long red fat straws like the one you see pictured here. Starbucks provides deliciously fat green extra long straws, perfect for frozen treats. And, of course, McDonald's (dear God, don't eat the food, just grab a straw!) is famous for its fat red and white striped straws, which might not be as long as the others but are still worth noting.

In the interest of not being a greedy pig, I do recommend rinsing out your fat straw and reusing it until you inevitably bend it, chew it, or wear a hole into one side. But if you happen to be near one of the three fine businesses listed above, you may want to stockpile a straw or two. After you've purchased something, and thus establish your inalienable right to pillage the condiment bins, of course. I'm just saying.

Lazy Day Green Smoothie- Banana, Spinach, & Bluberry

This is a green smoothie recipe that you can prepare ahead of time, and put into the freezer. When things like fresh berries are in season or organic bananas go on sale, you can buy in bulk, and package up a bunch of green smoothies for the freezer. Pop them out and blend whenever you need a quick breakfast or meal. Perfect raw make ahead food.


Lazy Day Green Smoothie Step 1
Originally uploaded by darnlucky

Prop open a freezer bag. Add two giant handfuls of spinach, one giant handful of bananas, and one giant handful of blueberries.

Remove excess air from the freezer bag. Label the bag and place in the freezer. If you are not using a freezer bag, just follow the same steps with whatever freezing container you like. I use Ziploc 1 Gallon freezer bags, and then wash them out and reuse them. I prefer freezer bags because they will lie flat in my freezer when I am preparing 14 to 30 days worth of meals at a time.



On Smoothie Day, empty your freezer bag into the blender. Add around 12oz of water. Blend!

You may need more water, depending on your blender. I have a cheapy blender, so I have to add tons of water to get those greens mixed in there.



This is how the smoothie will look after you blend it. Now, tip it back and go sit in the sun. Drink the whole glass, and think about something you are grateful for. Then GET BACK TO WORK!