More drinks - Oh, you smoothie!

Today's offerings are smoothies. Before they were a staple in the grocery store, they were made in the blender. Some of us still do it that way! Enjoy!

J’s Fruit Smoothie

My oldest son, J, has always enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. This is something he came up with around the time he finished seventh grade.

6 oz. can orange juice (undiluted)

2 bananas

6-10 grapes

2 C cold milk

Put ingredients into a blender and blend until pureed and smooth. Serves 2-4.

NOTE: Plain soymilk can be used in place of the milk.

Banana Smoothie

One of my inventions.

1 C milk

1 T wheat germ

1 banana

1/2 C yogurt (any flavor)

1 tsp. vanilla

4-5 ice cubes

Blend. Serves 2.

Fruit Smoothie

Another of my inventions. Fresh strawberries are okay, but frozen ones give this a nice chill on a hot day.

1 C orange juice

1/2 C yogurt

6-8 strawberries

1 T wheat germ

1 banana

Blend. Serves 1.

Eastern Sunrise Smoothie

The fruits used are from the eastern U.S.: orange juice and strawberries from Florida,cranberries from Massachusetts. Top that off with a beautiful pink color. It’s a yummy way to start the morning.

1 C orange juice

1/2 C yogurt

4-6 frozen strawberries

1 T wheat germ

1/2 C frozen cranberries

Blend juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ & blend about 15 seconds more.

Purple Haze Smoothie

Variation on a theme. If you’re getting the idea that you can make smoothies out of almost any fruit and/or juice (or milk), you’re right. Experiment; use any juice to your liking: apple, cranberry, orange (my favorite), whatever, then add whatever fruits you have around. If none of the fruits are conducive to freezing (berries work best), add a few ice cubes, or better still, frozen juice cubes.

This one is similar to the above smoothies. The blueberries give it a pleasant taste and a beautiful color.

1-1 1/2 orange juice (see note)

1/2 C frozen blueberries

4 frozen strawberries (optional)

1/2 C yogurt

1/2 C frozen cranberries

1 T wheat germ

Blend orange juice & berries. Add yogurt & wheat germ, blend for 5-15 more seconds.

NOTE: If adding strawberries, add the extra 1/2 C orange juice. Or use 1 C juice and 1/2 C soymilk.