Wow it’s been HOT! Considering this Chef’s Corner would like to invite you, and the fat old sun, to join us at the market Saturday to enjoy a tasty and nutritious smoothie or two.

Smoothies should be light and refreshing, but also nutritious. Often, they are compromised by sweeteners used to mask a strong vegetable flavor.  One good way to avoid the need for over-sweetening is using microgreens instead of mature plants. They are fully flavored but not as assertive as their fully grown counterparts, requiring less sweetener to make them palatable. Ounce for ounce microgreens also pack more vitamins and minerals, making it possible to use fewer greens and still reap the same nutritional benefit.

Here are a few smoothie recipes made with locally grown microgreens, honey, and heck, maybe even some coffee and Paradox Farm Sweet Curly Mae Fudge. Fudge you say! Now you have my attention.

Fat Old Sunflower Smoothie — a healthy refreshing smoothie that is also dairy free. Yields 1 large or 2 standard servings

1 handful Kali’s Goodness sunflower shoots
1 handful Kali’s Goodness kale shoots
1 cup peeled, chopped, and seeded cucumber, cantaloupe, or honeydew
1 diced (peeled or unpeeled. It’s between you and your apple)
Juice and zest of ½ lemon
½ cup ice
Fresh ground pepper to garnish

1, Place all ingredients in jar of blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Garnish with a twist or two of fresh ground pepper.
3. Depending on the juice factor of your fruit you may need to add a little water

Lemon Basil or Mint Smoothie – Yields 1 large or 2 standard servings

2 handfuls of mint or basil leaves (your mileage may vary based on your taste)
Zest from 1 lemon
1 ½ cups plain yogurt or kefir
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbs Honey Syrup*

1. Place all ingredients in jar of blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Garnish with a few sprigs of micro basil.

*To make Honey Syrup, dissolve 1-part honey into 1-part hot water, cool, and store in
refrigerator up to 7 days, or until needed. This syrup dissolves better than straight honey in cold
liquids.

N.B – I realize “handfuls” vary significantly and are hardly a scientific measure. I have complete
faith that you will do just fine.

There Will Be Fudge Shooters  – See, I got shoots in here, too!
Yield 2 servings, but who am I kidding I’m going to drink the whole thing.

1 cup Dark Roast coffee from Esteamed, chilled
2 small blocks Paradox Farm Sweet Curly Mae Fudge
1 very ripe banana
1 Tbs Honey Syrup (see above)
1 cup ice

1. You guessed it. Place all ingredients in jar of blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
3. This also makes an incredible ice cream base by adding a ½ cup of heavy cream and finishing as you would any ice cream.

If you have any questions concerning these recipes, or any other culinary questions, don’t hesitate to ask me at mtsamples@gmail.com