MARCH OF THE SMOOTHIES: THE DEMETER

Number two in this month's lineup of delicious and nutritious smoothies:

THE DEMETER

For the goddess of the harvest and of earth's fertility, here is a bright green smoothie that's rich, creamy, and packed with all sorts of goody-good-for-you goodness!

1 ripe kiwi
1/2 ripe avocado
1/2 bunch watercress (use leaves and tender stems)
1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
dash almond/soy/coconut milk

Blend all ingredients until smooth.  The avocado gives this one a delightful thickness, but feel free to add more milk if you prefer a thinner consistency.  And that watercress blends up nicely--you'll still notice its interesting peppery taste amidst all the other flavors.

This sure would make a fun snack for St. Patrick's Day--and that's no blarney!

A QUESTION FOR YOU

What are your favorite food books?

I am currently savoring Julia Child's memoir "My Life in France" and I have found it so enchanting that I know I will want to devour more food-related reads when I finish it.  (I have been rationing the chapters; it is such a pleasure that I don't want to turn the last page for another couple weeks.)

When I'm out and about today I'm going to attempt to find a copy of Samuel Chamberlain's "Clementine in the Kitchen", which promises to be a delight.

And Laura Esquivel's luscious "Like Water for Chocolate" has long been a favorite of mine.

Aside from these titles, does anyone have a recommendation for me?

I'm hoping to compile a delicious spring reading list.  Help!  And thank you!

MARCH OF THE SMOOTHIES: THE ATHENA

Helloooo March.  I just have one question:

WHO'S READY FOR SPRINGTIME?!

Lemme tell ya, that vernal equinox can't get here fast enough.  Daylight Saving Time too.  Daffodils.  Sunny afternoons.  Warm breezes.  T-shirts.  I'll take any and all of the above starting now.

My winter appetite for fatty foods is waning (thank goodness) in direct response to the recent increase of not-just-apple-and-root-vegetable items at the farmer's market....the variety could bring a tear to one's eye.

During the month of March, as a tribute to the lush produce displays popping up across the land, I am going to feature a different fruit smoothie every week.  So go ahead, grab that extra carton of strawberries and that extra pound of peaches, baby!  Bring it all home, dust off your blender, and drink to your health.  First up, we have:

THE ATHENA

For the goddess of wisdom, here is a smoothie with superfoods for the brain.

1 ripe banana
1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 heaping tablespoon natural almond butter
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
pinch cinnamon
pinch cardamom
dash almond/soy/coconut milk

Throw all ingredients into your blender.  Blend until velvety.  This one is sure to get your noggin goin'.

Enjoy!  And be sure to check back all month for more smoothie concoctions!