It seems as if Old Man Winter
has finally released us from its icy grips and is steadily retreating into
spring! And nothing says spring quite like putting on an over-sized hat, sipping
a refreshing minty beverage, and watching a small man (or woman, Go Rosie!)
abuse an animal around a track! Obviously, I’m refereeing to the Kentucky Derby
and the enduring Mint Julep.
Regardless of how you feel
about the event, the Mint Julep is a classic for this time of year, especially
if you are located below Mason’s and Dixon’s line! Just look at this excerpt
from a letter penned in 1936, by a Lieutenant General Simon Bolivar Buckner, Jr
to a friend of his who requested Buckner’s Mint Julep recipe:
“Your letter requesting my formula for mixing mint juleps
leaves me in the same position in which Captain Barber found himself when asked
how he was able to carve the image of an elephant from a block of wood. He said
that it was a simple process consisting merely of whittling off the part that
didn't look like an elephant.
The preparation
of the quintessence of gentlemanly beverages can be described only in like
terms. A mint julep is not a product of a formula. It is a ceremony and must be
performed by a gentleman possessing a true sense of the artistic, a deep
reverence for the ingredients and a proper appreciation of the occasion. It is
a rite that must not be entrusted to a novice, a statistician nor a Yankee. It
is a heritage of the Old South, and emblem of hospitality, and a vehicle in
which noble minds can travel together upon the flower-strewn paths of a happy
and congenial thought.”
While I’m slightly offended by
this guy’s insistence that a Yankee can’t do something (and personally I prefer
the term “Winner” over Yankee) I can offer a perfect, healthy, and incredibly delightful
alternative to the Mint Julep that any novice or even statistician can make and
enjoy all summer long while still maintaining the quintessential essence of a bourgeois
drink that will most certainly result in “happy and congenial thought.” And
better yet, there is a simple formula to follow!
The Mint Chip Smoothie is one of
the stars of Julie’s
new collection of Superfood Smoothies,
and is delicious, refreshing, and the perfect way to welcome the warmer days
ahead! It is as much a ceremony as it is a drink.
Mint Chip
2 cups frozen spinach
2 cups frozen bananas
1/4 cup raw cashews
3 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tbsp (packed) fresh mint leaves, minced
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups rice milk (original variety)
1/2 cup coconut water
1/4 tsp chlorella
Sweetener, to taste (optional)
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Taste, and sweeten as desired.
Makes two 18-ounce servings.
Reprinted with permission from Superfood Smoothies © 2013 by Julie Morris, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography by Julie Morris.
2 cups frozen spinach
2 cups frozen bananas
1/4 cup raw cashews
3 tbsp cacao nibs
2 tbsp (packed) fresh mint leaves, minced
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups rice milk (original variety)
1/2 cup coconut water
1/4 tsp chlorella
Sweetener, to taste (optional)
Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Taste, and sweeten as desired.
Makes two 18-ounce servings.
A quick note, I didn’t have
frozen spinach but fresh spinach worked just as well. I also substituted the
coconut water for regular water. It was simply amazing! I’d also add, that while
the chlorella
adds a beautiful blue-green color as well as a nutrition boost, don’t skip this
recipe just because you don’t you have it in your pantry! The recipe works
without it as well! While I immensely enjoyed
this radiant smoothie last night after work, I think it is really going to
shine after a long hot bike ride or run!
Cheers and enjoy the
festivities this weekend
Reprinted with permission from Superfood Smoothies © 2013 by Julie Morris, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc. Photography by Julie Morris.
This looks so good!
ReplyDeleteI still can't get behind the green smoothies; it's a mental block. Swear it doesn't taste like spinach?
ReplyDeleteAbby, I promise you can't taste the spinach at all! And you haven't had a proper green smoothie until you make it in a real blender!!!
DeleteInstead of tasting like your lawn, this has a fantastic and nuanced chocolate mint taste.
but you are also super taster so maybe you will taste the spinach? Just try it!
DeleteHAHAHAHA!
DeleteWhat a beautiful photo! I'm going to pick some mint up on my way home. Excited to try this!!!
ReplyDeleteTried it. LOVED IT!
Delete