PINEAPPLE GINGER SMOOTHIE

Are smoothie recipes weird?

Part of my brain thinks that smoothie recipes are much like scrambled egg recipes, in the vein of “everyone knows how to do this so please leave us and our frozen blueberries and bananas ALONE.”

That’s one part of my brain.

The other part thinks that everything, even the simplest of on-the-go breakfasts or afternoon pick-me-ups, is an opportunity to explore, reinvent, and fancify.

Fancify

[fan-ce-fie]

verb (used with object)

to make fancy.

This smoothie is one such example.

It was inspired by a smoothie that my dearest darling husband bought for my sister (they are not only in-laws, but co-workers, and had experienced an exceptionally challenging day, and he is also the kindest person alive so it’s not weird, but I was/am still wondering why I did not get a smoothie too), which I promptly stole and sampled.

It had a lot of fruit and healthfulness going on, but the outstanding factor by far was the ginger. Fresh ginger. In a smoothie. Hello, newest obsession.

I like ginger. A lot.

Ginger and I were thrown together out of desperation as I am prone to nausea and it provides near-instantaneous relief, but desperation turned to infatuation and we are now the best of friends.

It’s so fresh and spicy and I cannot get enough. Those ginger chews in the check-out line at Trader Joe’s? Yeah, I will eat an entire bag in a day.

All this chatter is my long-winded attempt at telling you that I made a new smoothie with ginger and I am very excited about it.

This smoothie tastes like something you might order at one of those dreamy swim-up bars, except this is actually good for us.

Here is the rundown.

We have pineapple, pineapple juice, lemon zest and lemon juice, banana for creaminess, and a liberal dose of fresh ginger.

How many times can I say “fresh ginger” in one post?

Yes, there are a lot of high-sugar fruits in here, but that’s fruit sugar, which is entirely different than granulated sugar.

Okay, that may not be true but I really don’t care. I am drinking a smoothie instead of iced coffee and that is a step in the right direction.

This is a great way to begin the day or to brighten up the afternoon.

It is just sweet enough to curve any cravings but still feels fresh and healthful.

We are basically cancelling out all of this weekend’s tacos and Cadbury eggs in advance.

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

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PINEAPPLE GINGER SMOOTHIE

MAKES 2

• 2 cups frozen pineapple

• 1 ripe banana

• 1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and sliced

• 1 3-inch piece lemon zest

• 1 1/2 cups pineapple juice

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend on medium high for two minutes or until very smooth. Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

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