This delicious Green Apple Pie Smoothie uses apples, cider and warming spices to make it taste just like an apple pie. Magical!
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From a green goddess salad on Monday, we jump right to the next green recipe. It's January after all, and I just re-committed to eating (and drinking) better and healthier.
For the past week or so I tried to have a green smoothie once a day. Either for lunch or as a pick-me-up snack mid-morning or in the afternoon. (It's perfect anytime is what I am trying to say).
Only breakfast and supper are meals a green smoothie just can't replace for me. I need some coffee in the morning (usually accompanied by oats in some form or other; you know I love oats and granola). And I can only imagine the look on Konrad's face, were I to serve a green smoothie at dinner time (wide eye emoji).
Smoothies Are Served All Day Long Around Here
Anyway, smoothies, especially the green kind, are in my life right now some time between 10:30am and 4:30pm.
Spinach or kale have been my greens of choice as of recent. I can handle quite a bit of spinach, since it has a very mild (if any) flavor and the added benefit of packing a big punch of iron. And I don't have to feel so bad for forgetting to take my iron supplement again.
Greens Like Kale, Spinach, and Cucumber Are Perfect
Kale on the other hand, is better enjoyed in moderation. I've made the mistake of adding too much kale to a smoothie before. It turned out super dark green and just too grassy and bitter in taste. Now I know to use only about 1 stalk of kale (stem removed) per serving; which happens to also loosely fill about 1 cup.
Sometimes I also add a piece of cucumber to the blender (about 2-inches). These veggies are nutritious and also do not have so much flavor when added in a correct portion.
So now we have the green part of our smoothie covered. After reading the title you might be wondering when to add the piece of pie to the blender?
Creatively Adding Pie Flavor With Spices And Cider
Well, I am sorry if this is disappointing, but no actual pies were harmed in the making of this smoothie. Instead, I am using a large apple, all natural apple cider, vanilla and apple pie spice to create the apple pie flavor. Creativity is something that comes naturally to us bakers and this is no exception.
The idea for an apple-pie-flavored smoothie came up, when I realized how many of the apples my parents had picked for us in the fall were starting to shrivel already due to my inability to store them properly. At my parents' house, they stay crisp and firm all winter long and even into the spring. Alas, apartment living doesn't allow for these luxuries.
So I have been putting apples into smoothies together with other fruit - like very frequently. Then I figured, maybe I didn't need any other fruit. However, apples alone don't make a very pretty smoothie. So the greens were added not just for all their healthy properties, but also for the intense color boost.
Use Pure Apple Cider, Add Sweetener If Needed, And Enjoy
A word about the apple cider. Use the all natural, nothing-but-apples kind here. In my grocery store it can be found right in the produce cooler.
My apple variety is fairly sweet, so I didn't need any sweetener aside from ½ of a frozen banana. Feel free to add 1 tablespoon (or more) of maple syrup or honey though, if needed.
Blend everything through with a cup of ice and enjoy!!
Random Questions
While green smoothies are generally healthy, consuming excessive amounts can lead to a high intake of oxalates, potentially causing kidney stones or other health issues. It's crucial to maintain a balanced diet.
Incorporating a green smoothie into your daily routine can boost your nutrient intake, improve digestion, and increase your energy levels. However, it's important to maintain variety in your diet for overall nutritional balance.
Spinach and kale are popular choices for green smoothies due to their high nutrient content and mild flavors. Cucumbers can also be a refreshing addition, as they contribute to the overall nutritional value without overpowering the taste.
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Recipe
Green Apple Pie Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 apple any kind you like, cored and sliced
- ½ banana frozen
- 1 cup spinach or kale leaves, stem removed
- 1 cup all natural apple cider
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon apple pie spice see my spice recipe
- 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Garnish with apple slices and enjoy!
Pin Green Apple Pie Smoothie tutorial for later?
Geraldine | Green Valley Kitchen
Healthy smoothies for breakfast are one of my New Year's resolution so looking forward to trying this. I've tried kale once and agree - way too bitter - but the idea of using just a bit of kale is a good idea. I just saw a smoothie that used romaine lettuce - never heard of that before. Great pictures, Regina!
Regina
I've heard of baby romaine being used for smoothies. But lettuce is pretty flavor neutral (or very very mild) so I can see it blending into a smoothie nicely. I only wonder how it compares nutritionally to spinach or kale?
Jacquee | I Sugar Coat It!
We have some left over apples from K's pie baking attempts - I think we'll make this over the weekend!
Regina
how did that pie work out? And this smoothie is fantastic for leftover apples.
Jacquee
LOL! It was inedible. I am not a pie eater, so I adjusted the recipe for him. He somehow ended up weighing the original amount for the sugar, which was enough for three pies. The pie itself looked ok, but he quickly realized what he had done on first taste. He plans to give it another go!