Quick Tip Tuesday-Veggies Anyone?

In 2009, not a single state in our great United States had 35%-45% of adults who consumed vegetables three or more times per day. Since this is a quick tip day, I will save the vegetable post for later. Let's just say that vegetable are good. Here are some recipes to help increase your vegetable intake. Both are from Blendtec's "Fresh Blends" cookbook.

Green Mango Madness-this smoothie recipe has been approved by my kids, my brother's kids, several of the neighborhood kids, and a few friends from outside the neighborhood. I hope your kids approve it, too.

3/4 cup water
1 orange
1 cup fresh or frozen cubed mango*
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup ice cubes

Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.
*When using frozen fruits for smoothies, it helps to let them defrost for about 15 minutes before blending.

Avocodo Aioli-We use this as a spread for wraps and sanwiches. It is so good, I'm sure you will find many other uses for it. It stores surprisingly well in the refrigerator for a few days.

1/2 cup greek yogurt
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, quartered
salt and pepper to taste

Add ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

One of my personal favorite ways to eat vegetables is dipped in hummus. I will share a recipe later, but if you haven't tried it, look for "Sabra" or "Athenos" brand hummus at the grocery store. It makes me crave vegetables. Since the main ingredient is chickpeas, it's really good for you. When my kids were little, they would use the same carrot over and over again, just licking off the hummus. It makes a simple snack. Get out hummus, fresh vegetables, cheese, and some whole wheat bread or crackers. Try it!