Spring is in the air

On Sunday I went for the most gorgeous walk by the sea with my mountain man (we decided against an afternoon on our bikes in the hills). It was bloody freezing. My nose, ears, fingers and toes were numb by the time we got back to the car, but despite that, there was a definite hint of spring in the air.

We walked the pretty streets of Sandycove in south Dublin, seeking out signs of spring in the gardens of the quaint little houses there. Cherries in blossom, already! I'm sure it's really early, but there they were, just coming into bloom and it got me feeling all spring like.

Today is pancake Tuesday and while I have already partaken in the tastiest spelt pancakes (my breakfast choice was flaked almonds, sultanas, a wee bit of dark chocolate, banana and some maple syrup) I have an urge for something more pure. Inspired by a youtube clip I watched of the boys from the happy pear I whizzed up a smoothie for my lunch and I am bouncing around the place with energy. Give it a go, it's super healthy, super food, super fast. Yum


Green Goddess Smoothie

• half an avocado
• 2 dsp golden linseed (flax)
• half a mango
• 200ml apple juice
• juice of half a lime
• 1/4 red chilli, chopped finely (this gives it a gently kick, I could definitely handle more)
• big handful of spinach

Put everything in your blender and blitz thoroughly.
You will get the most delicious, vibrant green, tasty filling smoothie. No need for milk or yoghurt. The flax provides some protein along with super healthy fibre and essential fats, as does the avocado, plus wonderful Vitamin E. The spinach is rich in iron, magnesium & fibre. The chilli will get your circulation going and the apple juice, well, it helps the whole lot go down! It is pretty low GI too, as there is buckets of fibre to slow the release of sugar from the fruit into the blood. ENJOY!