FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

It is officially spring here in Minnesota but I am still anxiously awaiting summer- lakes, sun and fresh fruits and vegetables from the farmer’s market.  So, until then, I’ve been creating my own version of a summer treat…. smoothies!   I am starting to get obsessed with trying the different combinations and flavors I can create. J 

I have recently found a lot of the frozen fruits to be on sale, which started my smoothie kick.  Frozen fruits are great to have on hand in the cold months to throw in your yogurt or as I found out, a smoothie!   I also buy fresh fruits when they are affordable which have mainly been bananas and oranges.  (However, I was at the local supermarket yesterday and saw that fresh strawberries were only 1.79/lb!  Summer is coming…). 

Typically, although I am not a smoothie expert, there are some necessary ingredients to a smoothie: fruit + liquid, but from there it is up to your taste!  Into the blender I throw in about ½ cup of berries, ½ cup pineapple or peach and then ½ of a fresh banana.  I then add either yogurt or juice- whichever I have.  Sometimes I add my secret ingredient that gives the smoothie an extra health kick- spinach.  Don’t knock it until you try it!  It gives the smoothie a murky green color but leaves no taste of the spinach.  All that is left is the delicious fruit flavors and the benefits of spinach, which are endless! 

Basically here’s is the deal:

Choose 1-2 fruits, ½ cup each:

Bananas

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Peaches

Pineapple

Choose a liquid, ½ cup:

Apple juice

Orange juice

Grape juice

Soy or regular milk

Yogurt (I know, not exactly a liquid, but it does the trick and gives a little creamy/thick texture)

*If you need a little more sweetness, add about 1-2 tsp of honey or pure maple syrup. 

* Add 1- cup fresh spinach to increase the nutrients of your smoothie.

* Add 2 tablespoons peanut butter for a protein packed smoothie

* You may want to add about ½ cup of ice if you aren’t using frozen fruits

Add all ingredients in blender and puree until smooth.

Smoothies make a delicious snack or a nutrient fueled breakfast. 

For other great smoothies recipes go to Green Mountain at Fox Run. 

Happy spring!