This matcha mojito smoothie is crisp, refreshing, cooling, and just sweet enough. Plus, it offers a gentle energy boost thanks to matcha (green tea) powder.
The sun is shining, there's a balmy warmth in the air, and the days are getting longer. Summer is moving in and the school year is drawing to a close.
The school I work at has been undergoing major renovations, many of which will take place this summer. So in an effort to provide plenty of time for summer construction, the last day of school is this Wednesday, which is two weeks earlier than normal.
I always feel a bit sentimental about the end of each school year—students graduate, colleagues retire, and the structured routine of the work days gives way to a more relaxed summer routine. But I'm feeling extra sentimental this year in particular, because the end is more significant this time around. I've been shy to share the news, but I'll be taking a one-year leave of absence next school year to focus on the book and a few other pursuits.
The decision wasn't an easy one to make, and I spent much of this past fall going back-and-forth again and again and again. I had been burning the candle at both ends (and at times, in the middle too), sacrificing time with friends, family, sleep, etc. to keep up with an overflowing plate that never seemed to clear. And I was feeling so burnt out. To be honest, I still am.
On an intuitive level, I've known for quite some time that taking a leave from work was the right choice, and I'm grateful to work at a school where this is an option. (You can take up to two years leave and still have your job waiting for you.) But every time I went to commit, that nagging, judgmental inner critic would say things like, "Are you crazy? Who do you think you are? You've worked hard to get here, and you're just going to give it up? Dream smaller. Quit whining. Work harder." Well jeez, tell me how you really feel. With friends like that, there's certainly no need for enemies.
But to my ego's dismay, the truth of the matter is that it would be selfish of me not to make this choice. I had hoped I could do it all (work full-time as a school psychologist + essentially full-time on the cookbook and blog), all of the time. But just the thought of trying to keep this pace for another year sapped the energy and enthusiasm right out of me. Because time is the one thing we can't get back once it's spent, and I didn't want to spend another year rushing from one thing to the next, allowing precious everyday moments to slip through my fingers.
With the end of the school year within reach, I'm feeling vulnerable, excited, inspired, scared, and hopeful all at the same time. Yet I'm certain this is the right choice, perhaps not in my logical mind but definitely in my heart.
Whew. If you stuck with me through all those paragraphs, thank you. And if you just came here for the recipe, thank you too (and my apologies for the lengthy scroll to get down to the tasty stuff).
Let's (briefly) talk smoothies.
This smoothie waited patiently on my "recipe ideas" list for nearly a year, and I have no clue why I sat on it for so long. Matcha powder, fresh lime juice, and mint are woven throughout the pear- and banana-based delight. The result is crisp, refreshing, cooling, and just sweet enough. Plus, it offers a gentle energy boost thanks to matcha (green tea) powder.
If you've ever thought to yourself 'Gee, I wish there was a way to enjoy my breakfast, morning tea, and favorite mocktail all in one slurp,' 1) you sound like an awesome and interesting person, and 2) think no further, I've got ya covered.
Matcha Mojito Smoothie + News to Share!
Ingredients
- 1 firm-ripe Bartlett or D'Anjou Pear, cored and roughly diced
- 1 ripe and speckled banana, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- ¾ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 ½ to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, to taste
- 1 to 2 soft medjool dates (optional to sweeten)
- 2 teaspoons smoothie-grade matcha powder
- Small to medium handful fresh mint leaves, tough stems removed, to taste
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, combine the diced pear, frozen banana, almond milk, lime juice, date/s (if you prefer sweeter smoothies), and matcha powder. Blend on high until smooth. Add the fresh mint leaves and blend for another 10 to 15 seconds to finely chop and incorporate.
Sounds like those nagging friends aren't true friends. If your plate is too full and you need time off from work (even if it is your dream job) then do it. Family and food are at more of a forefront right now and there is nothing wrong with that!
As for the smoothie, I will be trying it soon. I just picked up some dates yesterday and I have about a cup leftover from the baking I did. How convenient !
xoxox
Alice
Alice, thank you for your wisdom! You make some excellent points (especially about those not-so-nice nagging-thought friends), and I really appreciate your support. I hope you're having a beautiful weekend and that you enjoy/ed the smoothie! xoxo
Decisions between two important parts of your life are never easy, but it sounds like you made a good one! May the future be sweet (and just as tasty as this smoothie!) ;)
Thank you, Casey! You're absolutely right—just because a decision is the right one to make doesn't mean it will be easy. Hope you're having a lovely weekend!
You are one crazy busy woman, my friend! I think you're making a great decision, it will be good! You're allowed to change your focus, your not quitting anything, just shifting it all!
xoxo
Thanks for your support, Rebecca! I really appreciate it. And you're right, viewing it as a shift in focus puts a much more positive spin on it!
Never Dream Smaller. Go for it. People regret what they DON'T do. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. Believe in yourself, I know your followers do.
Martha, thank you for your incredibly kind, supportive words. I took a screenshot of your comment and saved it in my "kind reminders" folder, which I look at whenever I want to brighten my outlook on something. And that is so true about people only regretting what they don't do! No more shoulda, woulda, couldas ;)
You made the right choice for sure. It's hard to give your best to others when you don't regularly have the time for yourself. I'm looking forward to making this smoothie very soon....it looks delicious!
Thanks, mom! Always appreciate your wisdom and perspective. Hope you enjoy the smoothie!
Yes, go for it! Congratulations on your next step... there's so much to focus on and you're definitely making the right decision. I know how it feels to have friends tell you what you're doing is ultimately wrong, even if they don't understand what it is you ARE doing exactly. Go for the dream... and by the way, the recipe looks delicious! Loving the fact that there are medjool dates inside.
Lisa Favre
http://marblecrumbs.com
Thank you for your support and wisdom, Lisa. It really means so much. Also, thank you for your patience as it took me about a decade to notice that I had missed your comment—so sorry for my delayed response!
Just made this for breakfast.....perfect for a hot summer day! The favors meld together so beautifully. I did use 2 dates....just the right sweetness.
So glad you enjoyed the smoothie! Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback and recipe insights!