Green Smoothie with Yogurt, Pear and Ginger

¾ cup ice

1 cup lightly packed spinach leaves 2⁄ cup plain yogurt (low-fat or

3

wholemilk, see note)

½ cup sliced almonds

1 very ripe medium pear (any variety), peeled, cored and cut into chunks

3 pitted dates, coarsely chopped 1½ teaspoons chopped fresh ginger Honey, to taste (optional) Instructions: Place the ice in a blender and process to crush it. Add the spinach, yogurt, almonds, pear, dates and ginger and blend until smooth and frothy, with a little texture remaining from the almonds and dates. Taste and then blend in a little honey to taste, if desired.

Note: This recipe is best with regular yogurt, but ½ cup Greek yogurt plus 2 tablespoons cold watermay be substituted.

Makes 2 servings

Nutrition: calories: 280; total fat: 13 g; saturated fat: 2 g; cholesterol: 5 mg; sodium: 60 mg; carbohydrates: 35 g; dietary fiber: 7 g; sugar: 23 g; protein: 10 g

From cookbook author and nutritionist Ellie Krieger