Matcha Spinach Smoothie

I’m trying something new here, a regular feature called Links & Drinks. On as many Fridays as I can manage, I’ll post a roundup of links to interesting articles, Internet finds, books, podcasts, and anything else I’m currently loving. I’ll also post a drink recipe–sometimes a cocktail, sometimes not.

We’re off to California next week to visit family. Owen is so excited for his cousin’s birthday party–he’s been talking about the bouncy castle for days. I’m going to try to post from the West Coast, but we’ll see how it goes.

OK, here are this week’s links:

The Dowager Countess’ house is for sale! Would you buy it? Let’s take a peek inside.

My cousin Molly wrote a YA novel about a ten-year-old boy from a big family who dreams of making it into The Guinness Book of World Records. I bought a copy for my niece, but I’m going to try and speed read it on the plane before I give it to her.

How is it possible that women directed only 4 percent of top-grossing films in Hollywood over the last dozen years? The ACLU is getting involved, finally.

The decision to have Owen was so easy for me, at the time I didn’t even recognize I was making a choice. When and if to have a second baby is something I’m finding much harder. How did you know you were ready to have a baby?

Speaking of kids…what podcasts are you into lately? This one is my all-time favorite.

Beyonce’s vegan meal delivery service. A report from the frontlines.

I love this skirt so much I bought it in navy and black. It’s so comfy and flattering, and it’s perfect for weekends. Beware it runs big, so get a size smaller than normal.

I got a dachshund puppy four months before I became pregnant with Owen. After he was born, my parents took the dog “for a little while, just until things got settled.” I used to feel guilty about asking them to take care of her, but now I realize it’s a wonderful arrangement: For the Love of Animals.

Alex and I made these last weekend with my bounty of reposado tequila (I’m doing an article for Westchester Magazine). They were the best margaritas ever.

I’m thinking about a career change. Jobs I’d be well-suited for.

This week’s drink recipe is for my new favorite breakfast smoothie. I run five mornings a week, and I can’t eat anything beforehand. By the time I’m home and showered, I’m ravenous! This giant matcha spinach smoothie fills me up for relatively few calories (less than 300). Matcha (green tea powder) is the latest superfood. It’s rich in antioxidants that have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Some doctors believe it has anti-aging properties as well. My birthday was this week and I’m now solidly in my mid-30s—so I’ll drink to that.

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Matcha Spinach Smoothie

This light and healthy smoothie makes a perfect post-workout breakfast.

Servings 1

Author Lucy Baker

Ingredients

• 1 banana frozen, peeled and cut into chunks
• 1 cup loosely packed baby spinach
• 1 1/4 cups unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon matcha (green tea powder)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 ice cubes

Instructions

1. Combine the banana, spinach, almond milk, chia seeds, matcha, vanilla extract, and ice in a blender and blend until smooth. (If the blender is sticking, add a few tablespoons of water.)

Recipe Notes

If you don't have chia seeds, you can substitute 1 to 2 tablespoons of oats.