Category Archives: Smoothies

July 1, 2013 · 9:43 am

Daily Fruit

By now you know I’m a fan of the Vitamix. I use it at least once a day and consider it worth the investment (yes, it’s a bit expensive). I make whole fruit juice every morning to ensure we get our daily serving of fruit. To keep from getting in a rut, I vary the “recipe” or fruit combinations. I now have a new favorite: Cherry Pineapple. Yum!

Here’s how I make it. In the container of my Vitamix I add ¼ cup water, ¼ of a fresh pineapple (include the core), 2 prunes (for sweetness–you don’t taste them), and 10 frozen cherries. Process on Variable Speed from 1 to 10 then switch to High speed. It takes less than a minute and yields 1 eight-ounce glass or 2 four-ounce glasses of juice. Try it!Fruit Juice

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June 8, 2013 · 9:49 am

BLUEBERRIES!

This weekend we attended a blueberry festival in a little town in Florida, where we sampled a variety of products made with blueberries. It inspired me to create a blueberry recipe for a smoothie. Although it’s easier in a Vitamix, the food processor or blender will work (any appliance that purees). This one is a healthful breakfast for two, and very delicious. Enjoy!

RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or yogurt or soy milk)
  • 1 orange, quartered and peeled
  • ½ banana, peeled
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries
  • ½ cup frozen peaches

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients in order listed to the Vitamix container.
  • Secure lid. Turn on Variable Speed 1, gradually increasing to 10 then High.
  • Blend for approximately one minute. Use tamper to move food into blades if necessary. (if mixture is too thick, thin with a Tbsp. of water)
  • Turn off Vitamix, remove container, then pour into two glasses.

Yield: 2 servings

Note: Drink through a straw. Blueberries stain!

Process until smooth.

Process until smooth.

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Filed under berries, Healthful Eating, Smoothies, snacks, Yogurt

July 26, 2012 · 8:11 am

A Very Berry Shake

Very Berry Shake

It’s hot. We’re in the midst of summer, a time when we love a frozen treat. You can burn fuel driving to the local ice cream shoppe, spend several dollars for a milk shake, and return home feeling guilty for overindulging on sugar and fat. Or you can save time, money and calories by making your own milk shake. Here’s a recipe I make in my Vitamix.

RECIPE

Berry Shake

Ingredients:

  •  1 cup 1% or skim milk
  • ½ cup frozen cherries
  • ¼ cup frozen berries medley (blackberries, raspberries, blueberries)
  • ¼ cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 prune for added natural sweetness (optional)

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients to the Vitamix. Secure lid but leave the plug out to insert the tamper.
  • Run the Vitamix on Variable Speed 1, gradually stepping up to 10 then High. Use the tamper to push the frozen fruit into the blades.
  • Run until the mixture is smooth but do not overprocess. When the consistency resembles a milk shake (about 1 minute), stop the Vitamix, remove container, and pour into a glass. Enjoy!

Yield: 1 large or 2 small shakes

Variation: Pour extra mixture into molds to make frozen pops.

If you make this for the kids, you don’t have to tell them it’s good for them. Using whole fruit and milk, you have a delicious treat that contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. The milk adds calcium. Treat yourself and your family guilt-free!

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May 31, 2012 · 9:56 am

My Favorite Breakfast Drink

Years ago, while vacationing in Mexico, I had a breakfast drink at Sanborn’s called Jugo de Seis Frutas. I can’t remember the six fruits, but I can’t forget how delicious it was! I’ve experimented with juices and smoothies until I’ve recreated the flavors. Mine is a juice of four fruits, with a splash of skim milk for a little protein. This is our regular breakfast drink.
Breakfast Drink

RECIPE

Ingredients:

  1. 1 orange, quartered and peeled
  2. 1 apple, quartered and cored
  3. ¼ pineapple, quartered and peeled
  4. ½ banana, peeled
  5. ½ cup milk
  6. 1 cup ice cubes

Directions:

  • Add all ingredients in the order listed to the Vitamix container.
  • Secure the lid, but leave the plug out for the plunger.
  • Start the Vitamix on Variable Speed 1, increase to 10, then to High Speed.
  • Use the plunger to move the fruit to the blades.
  • Run for approximately 30 seconds or until drink is smooth.
  • Pour into two glasses and serve.

Yield: 2 large or 4 small servings

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