I can hardly believe it myself.  If it weren’t for a Vitamix demo at a local Whole Foods Market, I would not have believed it — or even tried the recipe.  To me, it would have been way too “out there.”  When the demonstrator was loading the ingredients into the high-powered blender, I was shaking my head in disbelief.

Let’s back up a bit.  I have had a bit of an obsession.  I have had something on my “wish list” for many months.  It was this crazy powerful blender (if you can call it that.)  A VITAMIX!  Now, I am not trying to sell you anything (I won’t even link up to a page that would earn me commission because that is not my goal.)  I am telling you this because my husband was a skeptic.  What could this blender do that our already “not-cheapo” blender by Breville couldn’t do?  Why should a blender cost 500.00?  I didn’t really have a good answer for him except that it could blend smoothies with fruit with the skins on and the seeds still in tact.  I, myself, didn’t even really grasp the capabilities of the machine.  However, I was going to have to convince my husband that this was a wise purchase.  Being on the “Dave Ramsey” plan and aiming to be debt-free within the next 6-8 months, I really shouldn’t be spending a small fortune on a counter-top appliance, right?  I suppose.  If I were hard-core Ramsey,  I would be throwing every extra penny at my debt, however we had the cash available and I really, really, really, really wanted one. If my husband would have said, “NO WAY,” I would not have argued (too much) and we would have thrown the money at the debt.  But…I needed to give it shot.  I found a live demonstration at a local Whole Foods (well, if you consider an hour’s drive local) to show him what all the fuss was about.  We stood there about 45 minutes, letting the demonstrator feed us smoothies, soups, fancy coffee drinks and lastly the mint chocolate chip “ice cream” with crazy healthy ingredients.  The “ice cream” was the kicker for me.  I chose my machine, got my complimentary Whole Foods reusable grocery bag and went to the check-out.

The rest is history.

Now, due to my wish being granted, you get to benefit from all the new awesomely healthy recipes that I have tried and will try!  This recipe can be found at SmoothieSisters.com and I did not alter it except that if the mixture got too thick, I splashed in some raw milk.

Add ingredients to the blender in the order listed.  Blend until smooth.  If you have Vitamix, you will need to tamp it down while it is blending.  If you don’t have a Vitamix, you may need to stop the blender a couple times to mix it up and restart.   Be patient, it takes a while to blend.   Throw the chocolate chips in near the end otherwise they will be too blended.  I also toss a few more on top after it is served.  It is best consumed immediately and with a smile.

• 2 tablespoons Agave
• handful of spinach
• 1/2 avocado
• 1 capful of peppermint oil
• 2 cups of ice
• dark chocolate chips

If you find that it is too thick and not blending well (if you add too much ice, etc.) feel free to toss in a splash of milk (I use raw) or coconut milk.  I have had to do this a few times and it helps it blend when I accidentally add too much ice or if I cut back on the sweetener.