Recipes for Smoothies

Smoothies are thick, cold and creamy drinks that are excellent for summer enjoyment. Making smoothies is simple, you just need a blender. Here are some tips and recipes for making the perfect smoothie...

Not Thick Enough?
If your smoothies are coming out thinner than you'd like, add a few more ice cubes to the recipe. 

No-Hassle Blending
Add the liquids to the blender first, to prevent it from binding up on the frozen fruit and getting stuck.

Make Ahead Smoothies
To grab a smoothie on the go, make them up ahead of time. You can freeze a smoothie and thaw it out when you want it. You'll need to allow some space in the container because your smoothie will likely expand when freezing. 

Use Frozen Fruit
The recipes don't always specify, but if you have time to freeze your fruit beforehand, your smoothie will stay colder and be thicker than if your fruit was warm. Large fruits (like bananas or melons) should be chopped into pieces before freezing. Spread the pieces on a plate or baking sheet while in the freezer. That way they won't freeze into one big lump. Once frozen, then you can store them together in a freezer bag or container.


Here are some of my favorites!

Sparkling Fruit Smoothie
  INGREDIENTS:  
1 cup orange sherbet
1 cup strawberries
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 1/2 cups sparkling water 

    PREPARATION:
Combine sherbet and fruit in a blender and blend until thick and smooth. Stir in sparkling water until thoroughly mixed.

Orange Banana Smoothie 
  INGREDIENTS:
2 cups orange juice
1 banana, sliced
Mint leaves or thin orange slices, for garnish, optional

    PREPARATION:
In a blender, whip the orange juice and banana until smooth. Serve in tall glasses, garnished with an orange slice and mint leaf, if desired.
Serves 2.

Strawberry Smoothie
    INGREDIENTS:
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon sugar or use sugar substitute
1 cup lemon yogurt (8 ounces)
3/4 cup milk
fresh strawberries for garnish if desired