Jessie X

Try adding pumpkin seeds to layer in a bit of bitter and depth to your next smoothie.

High off my success last night with my lettuce and pinot grigio smoothie, I boldly went where no human has gone before. This is what I made — and how –

• 1/2 head of green oak leaf lettuce
• 3 sprigs of flat leaf parsley
• 5 sprigs of chives
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 T, walnuts
• 1 T, salted pumpkin seeds
• ice cubes

This combo didn’t taste so great. My mind said, “light, fruit.”So I added,

• 1 orange, juiced

But then it was too light, so I added,

• 1 cucumber, the little kind

But that was too bitter, so I added,

• Salt

And that made it perfect. This is an excellent Vitamix lettuce smoothie. The layers of flavor are incredible, complex and in relationship to each other in surprising ways. The orange and lemon add the sour, with the orange making it light and just a bit sweet. The nuts bring in the deeper, bitter flavors. The herbs chime in, but not too loudly. The color of this drink is a pretty, light green and the texture is smooth, light and easy in the mouth.