I'm not sure where you are in the world right now but where I am, the snow is so close to being gone, the sun is beaming and you can smell the freshness of Spring in the air. It's that time of year that you aren't quite sure where you stand in terms of a season, especially here in Ontario. Once trivial winter decisions have turned to complex choices. Dressing in layers, wearing mittens or perhaps braving something lighter on your feet other than your winter boots, they all become a factor in how to start your days.
For me this also translates into what I eat in a day. I'm someone who enjoys eating with the season whether it be with seasonal produce or a sunny vs snowy day - it all relates within my body. For instance, I'm the kind of person who doesn't want a cold smoothie or crisp salad in the dead of winter. It' just not my thing. The warmer months tend to be more of a free-for-all as there is so much more variety when it comes to both produce and weather. Cool evening call for warm grills, where warm mornings are ideal for frothy smoothie bowls. All of this differentiation leads to some serious food ruts, especially with Spring on the horizon. Your potatoes are starting to look a little sad, the last of your squash is disappearing and you would nearly push over a stranger just to get some fresh radishes or lettuce.
I desperately cannot wait to head to the Farmers market (which conveniently is just down the road from our new digs) and load up on green onions, radishes, new lettuce, - oooh the spinach - fresh mint and garlic scapes. The need is REAL guys.
A really nice part of finally being settled in is that the creative flow is moving again. I know where to get certain ingredients that weren't nearly as accessible to me as before. I'm experiencing new ideas within my job, within nature and with nice wines that I've been saving for a perfect meal that are all helping to collaborate with the recipes in my brain.
In light of the beautiful sunshine that has graced us this lovely Saturday morning, I'm embracing some freshness and clarity, for which I give you this ultra-crisp smoothie to start your day. I didn't sleep well last night and we had pizza and goodies for dinner so this lovely morning calls for a beauty of a smoothie. Green from the parsley and romaine, sweetened naturally with fruit and finished off with some superfood goodness that's sure to get you in the Spring mood.
Ultra-Crisp Spring Smoothie
Ingredients
2 romaine leaves
1 handful of fresh parsley
1 banana
1 apple, peeled and cored
1 tsp chia seeds
1 tsp maca powder
1/2 cup ice
1 cup water
Blend! Enjoy!