Jet lag. 3 out-of-control inboxes.
…and a big smile after a stellar vacation.
I can’t wait to share all the fun with you guys, but today it’s going to be short ans sweet as I play catch up.
Yes, I ate the red meat, but surprisingly more fish (more popular in Chile). I’m still committed to a plant-based diet at home though. In fact, this is all I’ve wanted coming back today:
A chilled summer soup packed with green nutrients.
It was a bowl-licking moment.
____________________________________________________________________________________
Chilled Cucumber Spinach Soup
- 1 cucumber
- 2 C spinach
- 2-3 celery stalks (don’t use if you are using a regular blender)
- 1/2 jalapeno
- 1/2 C cilantro
- 2 T hemp seeds
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4-1/2 C water (adjust to your preference)
- S&P, to taste
- Optional garnish: radish, cilantro, red pepper flakes, freshly ground pepper
Toss everything in a Vitamix (or regular blender) and blend until smooth. Adjust spices and liquid to your preference.
Serves 2.
***
You guys should see my Reader. I missed you guys and I have a LOT to catch up on!
What do you crave after a decadent vacation?
What was the best thing you ate/did in the past week?
50 comments
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janet @ the taste space
June 15, 2012 at 7:20 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back! Can’t wait to hear all about it! All I wanted when I got back was a big green salad, too.. although I had to wait to go grocery shopping.
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I think returning from a trip is the only time grocery shopping is a drag… I’m too tired to enjoy it.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
June 15, 2012 at 7:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Beautiful color! You’re always so quick to eat super clean after vacations.
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Only because I eat so badly ON vacation.
Lee
June 15, 2012 at 8:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mark all as read! It’s too stressful otherwise when your reader is out of control!
Can’t wait to hear about your trip.
Allie
June 15, 2012 at 9:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’m glad you had a fun vacation!! Best thing I ate this week? Carrot cake for my b-day
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:13 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Happy Belated!!! Hope it was tasty – that’s my 2nd favorite cake.
Runblondie26
June 15, 2012 at 9:03 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You take the most adventurous vacations! I can’t wait to hear all about this one (hopefully no crazy Vespa incidents this time
Really, you ate seafood?! It must have been excellent. My hubby is headed to Chile next month to do snowboarding. I’m sure reading about your experiences in S.A. will make me even more jealous now.
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Me?! How about you, random airport traveler?
I’d love to go back to ski – they didn’t quite have enough snow yet when we went.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
June 15, 2012 at 9:10 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back lady! I can’t wait to hear all about this trip of yours. Best thing I ate this week was the homemade strawberry jam I made for the wedding cake I’ve been working on all week, driving it to the wedding site today!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
June 15, 2012 at 10:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back Laura, I am psyched to hear more about the trip you were on
Natalie
June 15, 2012 at 10:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This soup looks so refreshing! Especially after a trip with lots of food. I always crave fresh fruits and veggies after a trip and lots of water
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
YES! I cannot get enough water.
Alex @ therunwithin
June 15, 2012 at 10:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Just the name sounds delicious and refreshing! Yummm!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish
June 15, 2012 at 11:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i have tried making a couple chilled soups and just can’t get myself to enjoy them. I don’t know why since i love my smoothies
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I used to be the same way… I think my tastebuds changed. They say it happens every 7 years!
Suzi
June 15, 2012 at 11:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back girl. I am loving this Detox soup. Getting ready to put all those veggies minus spices along with beets and carrots into the juicer. Do you use the Braggs Apple Cider vinegar with The Mother?? Braggs also has an interesting olive oil but very expensive.
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:19 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Suzi! I do get the one with the mother. Never tried their olive oil… I’m biased to the fancy Italian stuff.
Kim @ Wonderings
June 15, 2012 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Can’t wait to see your pics! Welcome back. Also, the soup looks great. Does it freeze well?
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:25 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Not sure about freezing… I would imagine so. If anything you might run it through the blender for a sec before serving to preserve the texture.
Meg
June 15, 2012 at 12:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmmm I’m trying to imagine the flavor of this! It looks wonderful! So happy you are back! I love you so so SO much xoxo
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You always make me grin! Thanks, Lovie.
amy
June 15, 2012 at 2:49 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yummm that looks so good-definitely healthy and refreshing!! i think i need some in my life
Heather @ Better With Veggies
June 15, 2012 at 3:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome home!! So glad you’re back, although your timing is terrible as I leave in an hour.
This soup looks AWESOME – I’ll be pinning it for later. Talk to you soon!
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Boooo…. come back!
Choc Chip Uru
June 15, 2012 at 4:18 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I missed your posts my friend, welcome back
This soup is gorgeous in coloour, flavour and health factor!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:43 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you, friend! Can’t wait to catch up.
Candy @ Healthy In Candy Land
June 15, 2012 at 5:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome home! Glad to hear you had a great time and I look forward to hearing all about it!
sarah @ sarah learns
June 15, 2012 at 6:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
yay! i’m glad you returned with a big smile on your face!
i always feel in need of some detox food after travelling too. this soup looks like it’ll do the trick!
Julie @twosaucysisters.wordpress.com
June 15, 2012 at 11:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I pretty much always feel like a giant salad after coming home from a vacation, because it’s usually not something I eat as much of when I am away. As long as it’s fresh, healthy, and delicious!
Rande McDaniel @ The Vegetable Centric Kitchen
June 16, 2012 at 2:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That soup sounds right up my alley!
Hannah
June 16, 2012 at 7:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you!! I’ve been wanting to make some sort of non-sweet blender creation lately, but have been struggling to find one that sounds good as I’m just not in an avocado mood at present. Hope this helps alleviate the post-holiday stresses and sadness!
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I hear you – I think I ate my weight in avocados while in Chile!
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin
June 16, 2012 at 7:28 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back! I can’t wait to hear about your trip and what you ate!
I always crave simple foods like stir fries and sandwiches after a vacation.
Laura
June 16, 2012 at 11:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Stir fry is on the menu for next week. I’m trying for a raw version… we’ll see how it goes!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More
June 16, 2012 at 5:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This may sound silly but the best thing I ate this week was a rice cake! ha! I found some cinnamon toast rice cakes at the grocery store the other day that I topped with a bit of peanut butter and a few raisins. It may have been one of the best snacks I’ve had in awhile. ha!
Laura
June 17, 2012 at 12:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That sounds delicious! I’m going to keep any eye out for those. Love cinnamon and PB together.
Terra
June 16, 2012 at 8:15 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I hear ya on a crazy schedule, my life has been all over the place with work. Almost settled back into the normal routine, we have a day left of vacation, YAY! Your soup sounds refreshing. My favorite meal is the meal we got yesterday, steamed platter for two, it had mussels, oysters, clams, shrimp and crab…..oh my word YUM:-) Hugs, Terra
Laura
June 17, 2012 at 12:02 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Glad things are settling down for you! I can’t get on board with the stuff in shells… but I did enjoy the other seafood during my travels!
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
June 17, 2012 at 2:17 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Your smoothie is so green, so full of goodness!
Laura
June 17, 2012 at 8:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s awesome that your body is craving the greens post-vacation! It can go either way for me- either my body is craving them like yours, or it’s become used to the extra treats and expects them to continue! Good luck catching up on everything- I know it takes time! Can’t wait to hear more!
Khushboo
June 18, 2012 at 4:25 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back, Laura
Can’t wait to hear more about your vacay! This soup looks like the ideal post-indulgence/post-holiday meal…I always crave fresh greens/veggies after holidays….and just home food in general! Best thing I’ve eaten this past week is a goat cheese, chicken & caramelized onion crepe! Yep, it was as delicious as it sounds 
!
Laura
June 18, 2012 at 9:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks! Your meal sounds wonderful. I’m a huge fan of caramelized onions. And goat cheese, of course.
Jed Gray (sportsglutton)
June 18, 2012 at 9:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not surprised that you eat some fish in Chile, but happy to hear you went back to the dark side while on vaca (eating meat).
Seriously though this soup sounds pretty damn good. On the list to make.
Laura
June 18, 2012 at 9:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I did go to the dark side. And it was tasty.
Stay tuned for all of the dark side pics. LOL!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
June 18, 2012 at 11:26 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I need to make this pronto after my limoncello filled week with the parents
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
June 18, 2012 at 3:08 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back!! I definitely crave smoothies and lots of fruits & veggies when I get back from vacation. That, and my own bed!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
June 19, 2012 at 10:12 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Welcome back! I always want to detox after a long trip! This soup looks so refreshing!
RavieNomNoms
June 20, 2012 at 11:37 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Looks great! I would totally try this. I love the color too, it is so very green! I love green so enticing.
Laura
June 20, 2012 at 12:16 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You would love it! Colorful food is more fun, right?