Note:  I am thrilled to be working with Shannon once again! We worked on many food segments together during my NTV days. Thanks Shannon for being a writer on Her View From Home! ~Leslie

Written By:  Shannon Frink @ Hy-Vee

I am with Kaiti – I LOVE seasonal cooking. Pumpkin pancakes. Stuffed acorn squash. Baked apples. They all scream the comfort foods of fall! But, my most favorite seasonal cooking is the kind that I can do with my favorite men. Meet my Super Hero kitchen helper Electric Man (aka E-man).

Rarely a day goes by that E-man does not ask to making a fruit salad, smoothie or his fav – brownies. Although, we usually end up with a Super Huge mess from my Super Hero helper – the time spent together is well worth it!

This weekend, E-man and I made one of our favorite smoothies:  Green Slime Smoothies. Power-packed with good nutrition to fuel Super Hero work and just a hint of grossness that little boys adore.

All you need: 

a banana (frozen makes it extra creamy)

skim milk (or almond, soy, rice milk)

light yogurt

a whole kiwi (fuzziness and all)

and the secret ingredient – spinach. 

Like all smoothies, it is just a matter of putting in the ingredients and blending!

We have made these smoothies for several sleep overs and they are always a hit, despite the grumbling about the spinach! I can’t tell you how many times I have had parents call after the sleep-over to get the recipe! If you want to add even more nutritional goodness, consider adding whey powder, milled flax seed or chia seeds. Yum-Yum!

All this smoothie-making got us in the mood for some of our other favorite Halloween treats:  Vampire bites,  crunchy mummies, and googly eyes. Here are those recipes, too! Have a Happy, Healthy Halloween!

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Shannon Frink

Shannon Frink is a registered dietitian and busy mom of two active boys. She knows the challenges of being a professional mom with the need to get a healthy, wholesome meal on the table – Quick! Shannon is the registered dietitian at Mary Lanning Heathcare Wellness department, where she has the unique opportunity to assist busy employees and community members to make healthy lifestyle choices! Shannon is Certified in Adult Weight Management by the Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and is an active member of the Nebraska Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition and the Central Nebraska District Academy of Dietetics and Nutrition, as well as, a volunteer in the community. Shannon enjoys following her kids many activities, camping, biking, skiing with her family, trying new recipes, and participating in fitness classes and leagues.

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