This is my basic smoothie base, which can be turned into just about anything. It's yummy and sweet, and great for beginners. This recipe is scaled for a Vita-Mix, but can easily be cut in half for regular-sized blenders.

To make this a green smoothie, you can omit one or both of the fresh fruits, and add an entire bunch of kale, chard, spinach, etc*. Buzz for a little longer than you would otherwise, to make sure the tough plant cells are all broken down well. You can play with the flavor, adding raw carob powder for a chocolate smoothie, or using rooiboos or a spiced herbal tea to kick up the flavor a bit. You could even use a Roastaroma-type tea for a more mocha-leaning smoothie. Hmmmm . . . I think I need to try Roastaroma and raw carob powder. :o)

*Please rotate your greens, as all greens contain some alkaloids, and you don't want to build up too much of any one kind.