📖 Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Collect all the necessary ingredients: spinach, kale, green apple, banana, lemon, ginger, water (or coconut water), and ice cubes.
2. Wash the Greens and Fruits: Thoroughly wash the spinach, kale, and green apple. Make sure to remove any stems from the kale as they can be quite bitter. Nobody wants that!
3. Prepare the Apple: Core the green apple and chop it into smaller pieces. Leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients, but peel it if you prefer a smoother texture. Sometimes, I'll even use a Granny Smith for an extra tart kick.
4. Peel and Slice Banana: Peel the banana and slice it into smaller pieces. If you're using frozen banana slices, you won't need to add as much ice later.
5. Zest and Juice the Lemon: Zest about ½ teaspoon of lemon zest (optional, but adds a lovely zing!). Then, juice the lemon—you should get about 2 tablespoons of juice. Be careful not to get any seeds in there; nobody likes a crunchy smoothie!
6. Grate the Ginger: Grate about ½ teaspoon of fresh ginger. Ginger adds a wonderful warmth and a bit of spice, plus it's great for digestion. I really think the ginger gives it a nice little kick.
7. Add Ingredients to Blender: Add all ingredients—spinach, kale, green apple, banana, lemon zest (if using), lemon juice, ginger, water (or coconut water), and ice cubes—to a high-powered blender. Layering the ingredients can help the blender work more efficiently, starting with the greens at the bottom.
8. Blend Until Smooth: Start the blender on low speed, gradually increasing to high. Blend until all ingredients are completely smooth. This may take a minute or two, depending on your blender. If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency.
9. Check Consistency and Taste: Once blended, check the consistency. If it’s too thick, add more liquid (water or coconut water), a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the perfect texture. Taste the smoothie and adjust as needed. If it’s not sweet enough, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Too tart? Add a bit more banana.
10. Pour and Serve: Pour the Creek Cleanse Green into a glass and serve immediately. You can garnish with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint, if you're feeling fancy. Or if you're like me, drink it straight down and get on with your day!
11. Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with other add-ins! Chia seeds, flax seeds, protein powder, or even a spoonful of nut butter can add extra nutrients and flavor. Get creative and make it your own!