Spinach, Coconut and Mango Smoothie (or is it Ice Cream?)

 Recently I came across a new smoothie recipe, and I have had lots of fun adapting it and making it very regularly (okay, nightly for about 2 weeks!).  The original recipe came from Canadian Living and I have adapted it:  Instead of Swiss chard, I substituted spinach (as I had that on hand). Also, the original called for 1 Tb honey, which I took out.  In my opinion, you do not need any more sweetness, especially if you use a ripe banana.

You truly do not taste the spinach.  Also, a little tip for you:  you can freeze fresh spinach in little baggies.  Simply "crunch" it up in the bag (frozen) and add straight to your smoothie.

 Ingredients:

2 cups lightly packed spinach

1 cup mango chunks (frozen)

1 banana (ripe is best)

1 cup coconut milk beverage

1/2 cup ice cubes

Blend ingredients together, using whatever device you have:  magic bullet, blender, food processor, ninja...

 This is so thick, I have taken to serving it in a bowl.

 I've had lots of fun adapting the ingredients as well.  If you don't have spinach, you can leave that out.  If you want to vary the frozen ingredients, try something like a peach, mango, strawberry blend.

 Or you can simply blend mango, plain yogurt, and coconut milk.  If you need it to be more sweet, add some ripe banana (preferably frozen).

 You can follow the exact recipe above or simply vary it, adding more coconut milk to get the consistency you want.  This is my healthy version of ice cream these days...