Ginger, Pear, and Spinach Shake

You can substitute 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice for some of the water, or throw in a handful of cashews for more texture and protein. Try chilling the shake in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before serving if you want a more cooling effect. Contributed by Alexandra Jamieson, from Vegan Cooking for Dummies.

Yield: 2 servings

• 3 pears, washed, cored, and chopped
• 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds or hemp seeds
• 2 cups frozen cherries
• 3 cups water (or as needed)
• 1 banana
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cups spinach, washed, and stems removed

Combine all ingredients in a blender, adding the water so that the ingredients are just covered.

Blend well. Add more water if you want to thin the consistency.

• Here are more of VegKitchen’s recipes for green smoothies.