In this post, I’m excited to bring you a special recipe for a Shamrock Shake that’s packed with probiotics and beneficial herbs, offering a healthier twist on a classic treat.
Before diving into the recipe, I want to share what draws me to St. Patrick’s Day. During my childhood, I barely celebrated the occasion beyond slipping on green clothing to avoid the traditional pinching. For me, the holiday mainly evoked images of revelry and alcohol consumption, which never appealed to me personally.
That changed a few years back when I discovered the remarkable true story of St. Patrick through the Mystery of History curriculum that my daughters were studying. This revelation transformed my perspective on the day entirely.
Did You Know These Fascinating Facts About St. Patrick?
- He originated from Wales or Scotland, rather than Ireland itself.
- At the age of 16, he was captured by Irish pirates, sold into slavery in Ireland, and endured six years of servitude before managing a daring escape and returning to his homeland.
- His genuine conversion to Christianity occurred during his time as a slave. In his own words from his testimony: “I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God; but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and, altogether late, I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children.”
- Remarkably, he later returned to the pagan land of Ireland, driven by a heart overflowing with love and forgiveness, to serve and minister to the very people who had once enslaved him.
- He established at least 300 churches and personally baptized around 120,000 individuals.
- His success in spreading Christianity in Ireland, where previous missionaries had struggled, stemmed from his unique ability to connect with and communicate effectively with the Irish people, thanks to the years he spent living among them as a slave.
With that inspiring background in mind, let’s move on to the delicious recipe that celebrates the season in a nutritious way!
Ingredients for the Probiotic Shamrock Shake
- 1 cup milk kefir
- 1 cup milk of your choice (or an additional cup of kefir for extra probiotics)
- 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp moringa leaf powder
- 1/2 avocado
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 dropperful vanilla liquid stevia
- 1 cup loosely packed spinach
Step-by-Step Directions
- Place all the ingredients into a blender and process until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth.
If you prefer your shake without any tiny bits of spinach floating around (though I personally enjoy the added texture and nutrition they provide), consider taking an extra moment to extract natural green coloring from the spinach. This method intensifies the vibrant green hue while still infusing some of the vegetable’s beneficial nutrients through the spinach-infused water. Alternatively, you can simply omit the spinach altogether if a super-green appearance isn’t essential for your enjoyment.
How to Make Natural Spinach Puree for Green Food Coloring
Creating this simple spinach puree, which doubles as homemade green food coloring, involves just a handful of straightforward steps. Follow along below to achieve that perfect emerald shade:
- Start by bringing 2 cups of water to a rolling boil in a saucepan.
- Add your desired quantity of spinach—about 1 cup works well—and let it simmer gently for approximately 20 minutes to release the color and nutrients.
- Once simmered, carefully drain the water from the spinach, reserving the vibrant green liquid.
- Incorporate the spinach water into your shake blend, adding it gradually until you reach the desired shade of green.
- For even more color and smoothness, you can blend in a portion of the cooked spinach puree directly; it integrates more seamlessly after the simmering process.
This refreshing probiotic Shamrock Shake is an ideal way to kick off St. Patrick’s Day with a burst of health and flavor. Savor every sip, and have a joyful St. Patrick’s Day filled with good cheer and wholesome treats!
