Summer Smoothies

As we approach the final (gulp) weeks of summer, there is no time to waste. Who among us does not want to squeeze in a few more hours at the beach or an early evening walk while it is still light out? 

Often a quick energy fix is a welcome alternative to making a meal. With a number of fruits currently at their peak of flavor it seems timely to feature smoothies. You can find these fruits at the Farmers Market at the Wayside Inn, Sudbury Farms or Shaw's.

A smoothie is a blended, chilled, and sometimes sweetened beverage made from fresh fruit, crushed ice, and often yogurt or milk. Smoothies have a milkshake-like consistency that is thicker than slush drinks. They are best prepared in a blender or food processor and the varieties now available in smoothie or ice cream shops are too many to count. 

Smoothies are not new to the culinary scene. They first got attention in the 60s and 70s when a rise in fitness and nutrition awareness was significant. Since that time, the fast paced “grab and go” market has grown exponentially increasing their popularity.  Smoothies have also evolved into a sophisticated drink to meet the health conscious.  

In addition to the standard ingredients listed below, smoothies often include vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and more being added to further advance their nutritional appeal.

There are four smoothie recipes offered below. But I encourage you to add other ingredients you enjoy or substitute one for another if you are so inclined.  Smoothies are not an exact culinary science, so experiment to your heart’s delight. 

Adding ice can thicken your smoothie as can pre-freezing the fruit (if time allows) prior to blending. 

Whether you sit back sip and enjoy or grab a smoothie on your way out the door, enjoy.

Watermelon Smoothie

• 2 cups of cubed watermelon pieces – seeds removed
• 1 cup of raspberries
• 2 scoops of vanilla low fat frozen yogurt

Method

Add fruit to the blender first, blend for approximately 20 seconds or until your preferred texture. Next, add the ice-cream, blend again for approximately 20 seconds.

Citrus Berry Smoothie

• 2 cups vanilla creamy strawberry
• 1 cup strawberries
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 table honey

Method

In blender, place ingredients. Cover; blend on high speed about 1 minute or until smooth. Serve immediately.

Breakfast Banana Crunch Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup granola
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• 1/2 cup of ice

Method

Blend the banana, granola, honey, milk and ice together on high power until you get your desired consistency. Pour into glass.

Peach Perfect Smoothie Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups peach slices
• 2 cups apple juice
• 1 cup of low fat frozen vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup of low fat peach yogurt

Method

Pour the apple juice and peach yogurt into the blender. Next add the peach slices and frozen vanilla yogurt. Blend on high power for around 30 seconds then blend on smooth for a further 10 seconds until nice and smooth. Serve immediately. Serves three.