GLOW

For some reason, while I was tossing in bed this morning, batting away our cats' frisky advances, this smoothie started to formulate in my mind. I purchased a bag of this frozen Tinda, or Indian Baby Pumpkin, at one of our local Indian markets a few months ago, and wasn't really blown away by it on the first try. My groggy mind started to remember the sweet hints of cucumber and melon, though, and quickly, the other ingredients made themselves known, and I resolved to try it out when the sun and I rose. If you ignore the fact that it's still in the 40's outside, and that drinking a frozen treat when already shivering isn't usually the best idea, this smoothie is perfect. It ended up fooling my tongue into thinking that I was indulging in honeydew melon, which is a most lovely trick. I really can't wait to try this again on a hot summer day. Grab a bag of this gourd from your local Indian market and give it a try. (Only 99 cents!)

1 1/2 CUPS UNSWEETENED HEMPMILK (OR MILK PRODUCT OF YOUR CHOICE)

1 CUP FROZEN TINDA/INDIAN BABY PUMPKIN

1/2 OF AN AVOCADO

4 GREEN CABBAGE LEAVES (YOU WON'T TASTE IT, TRUST ME)

1/2 TSP CARDAMOM

1/2 TSP LEMON FLAVOR

STEVIA POWDER TO TASTE (I USED 4 MINI SCOOPS OR PINCHES OF THE TRADER JOE'S BRAND)

PINCH OF SEA SALT

COMBINE ALL INGREDIENTS IN A BLENDER, AND BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH.