POMtastic Mint Martini and Mango Monster Smoothie

I am obviously all about the drinks lately whether they are somewhat a little alcoholic, raw, healthy, or for plain enjoyment. I find myself wanting fruity and fresh ingredients and have come up with refreshing options.





What is your favorite summer drink?





So it has been a while since I shared my breakfast and lunch eats but I HAVE been eating. Ha! This week I have been focusing again on eating my dark greens. This morning I made a lovely mango banana smoothie with almond milk and TONS of spinach. What a delicious and filling breakfast option and I am getting a nice dose of vitamin K too!





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen


Mango Monster Smoothie





serves 1 tall glass





1.5 cups Almond Breeze milk

1 frozen mango (2 frozen halves from Trader Joes)

1 frozen banana

2 cups spinach





Place items in blender and blend well. The sweetness factor was perfect for me but it all depends on each person. Stevia is an option too!







I was getting my greens on y'all! I peeked in my fridge and was reminded I had a huge bunch of kale staring at me. I immediately put it to good use. Raw kale salads are out of this world and they pack so many nutrients too! I made the salad with a southwestern avocado dressing and placed it in a wrap. So quick and delicious.





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen


Raw Kale Wrap with a Southwestern Dressing





serves 2





2 cups kale, washed and chopped

1/2 cup red pepper, sliced

1/2 cucumber sliced





Dressing

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp lemon juice

1 avocado, pitted and mashed

1 Tbsp Dijon mustard

2 tsp agave mustard

1 Tbsp miso paste

1 tsp black pepper

1/4 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds)





In a small bowl, mash the avocado and then add the rest of the ingredients except the seeds. Mix well. Add seeds.





Add dressing to salad and massage the salad until the leaves have softened a bit.





Split salad between two whole wheat pitas and fill with cucumber slices and red pepper slices. Roll and cut in half.





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen


So my NEWEST recipe is inspired by a nice box I received from the folks at POM. These are such cute mini bottles! These are simply given to sample and use in different recipes. I was so excited!





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen
I immediately decided to use a fresh bunch of mint I had in hand and I mixed some key limes and vodka to make this fruity cocktail.





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen


POMtastic Mint Martini





serve 4





2 cups POM juice

3 key limes, juiced

1/2 cup mint, chopped

4 ounces vodka

ice





Wash mint and chop finely. In a medium bowl, add juice and mint and crush mint in juice. You can use a blender but I did not want to create any foam. I crushed mint with bare hands into the juice in order to infuse the POM juice.





Using a sieve, strain juice into a drink shaker and add vodka and lime juice. No sweetener is needed since the POM juice is sweet enough.





Add ice to the shaker and POM concoction, cover and shake until blended and chilled.





Pour into martini glasses and enjoy.





From An Opera Singer in the Kitchen