Yummy Summer Drinks Series - Smoothies

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Smoothies are a big favorite at our house. My oldest son is a competitive swimmer and he doesn't love breakfast. He often swims early in the morning. Just about the only way to get nutrition in him that early in the day is a smoothie. I'm going to share some of our favorites with you, along with tips on how to make them delicious.

In our recipes, you will find dairy, almond and rice milks, Greek yogurt, raw nuts, veggies and fruit. You will not find soy products. Soy is not my friend, so I don't use it. If you like to use soy, I trust you will know just how to substitute it for milk or yogurt, etc.

Tips for making great smoothies:

1. Use fresh ingredients - just like with anything, fresh makes for better taste and better health.

2. Use yogurt - I like Greek yogurt for its creaminess.

3. Add the ice last (unless you have an awesome BlendTec blender).

4. Freeze your own fruits and veggies. You can puree and freeze in ice cube trays, or just freeze them whole - especially ripe bananas.

5. Add powders and fresh fruits last. Fresh berries add a great flavor boost to a smoothie and adding them last keeps that flavor at its best

6. Make coconut water ice cubes instead of tap water ice cubes. This will add nutrients including potassium, magnesium and other electrolytes. 

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Mango Coconut Smoothie

1 cup cubed mango (about 1 medium mango)

1/2 cup cream of coconut (not coconut milk)

1/2 cup pineapple chunks, including some of the juice or syrup

Juice of one lime

Crushed Ice

Combine chopped mango, cream of coconut, pineapple chunks and juice, and lime juice in blender. While blender is running, add crushed ice until desired consistency is reached.

Pour drink into glasses and garnish with additional mango, pineapple, maraschino cherries or coconut as desired.

 

Strawberry Power Smoothie

8 oz. Almond or Rice or coconut milk

5-6 medium strawberries

1 medium banana

handful of spinach (optional)

1 scoop protein powder

6-8 ice cubes

Combine almond or rice milk, banana, spinach, protein powder and ice cubes in blender. Blend until smooth, then add strawberries and blend well. Makes 2 servings.

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Raspberry Peach Smoothie 

2 cups (raw) cashews, soaked 4-8 hours (overnight), discard soaking water
2 cups water
1 cup raspberries (frozen)
1 cup peaches (frozen)
2 Tbsp agave nectar or honey
1Tbsp vanilla
4 ice cubes

Place cashews and water in blender (BlendTec) and process on high speed until creamy, about 1 minute. Add raspberries, peaches, agave and vanilla and blend until rich and smooth, blend in ice cubes. Serves 2

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Breakfast Blueberry Smoothie

1/2 cup rolled oats or muesli
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 Tbsp maple syrup
1 cup liquid (I use almond milk)

Directions:

Mix the rolled oats or muesli into the yogurt and let sit in the fridge over night. Puree everything in a food processor. Again, I use my BlendTec for this smoothie and it purees the oats so that you hardly know they are there. I can't vouch for the texture of this smoothie in a regular blender.

Best Chocolate Smoothie Ever

8 oz. Dark Chocolate Almond Milk

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 medium banana

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

6 fresh strawberries

6 ice cubes

Combine almond milk, banana, blueberries and ice cubes in blender. Blend well. Add strawberries and blend in. You can add spinach, protein powder or anything else that sounds good to you.

You may also enjoy:

Introducing the series  

Simple Syrup

Lemony Deliciousness  

Presentation 

Mocktails 1 

Mocktails 2