Whether it’s on the go, a special after school treat or a late night snack, smoothies are the pick-me-up of everyone’s dreams. With simple ingredients, a blender and a little creativity you can make something that will bring a smile to anyone’s face.
In my early stages of smoothie making (circa age 12 after my first strawberry smoothie at a restaurant), I had a hard time replicating a professionally made blended treat. My mother would say “add sugar!” or “put more milk in!” and it never worked. With more experimenting I became a swell smoothie maker. Ready to get started with your own experimenting? You just need these 5 never fail ingredients.
- Fruit – I know, you’re probably thinking “duh”. But seriously, mix up those fruits! Mangoes with raspberries and blueberries or pineapples and strawberries, keep it colorful! Other great fruits include bananas, apples, kiwi, acai berries, lemons and oranges.
- Spices & Extracts– Cinnamon. I put cinnamon in most everything I eat and drink including my smoothies! It gives a great aftertaste to any drink. Other spices to use are ginger, licorice, nutmeg, vanilla, fresh mint. And for those savory smoothies, try fresh dill, fresh basil, cardamom, cumin and white pepper
- Vegetables – Afraid to try kale? Don’t be. Leafy greens add so many nutrients (like potassium) and flavor to a smoothie. Spinach, arugula, chard and romaine are all great greens to try. Avocados, carrots, zucchini and cucumbers also have super power health benefits for your smoothie concoction.
- Juices – If you just want a couple of ingredients in your smoothie but don’t want the flavor to be diminished by milk or water – try juice! Mango, apple, cranberry, orange and berry juices along with coconut water all add the necessary liquidly structure to your smoothie without the lackluster taste. If you are going to use ice, make sure you use crushed ice, or at least add it last.
- Yogurt – Yogurt is the easiest ingredient to add to any smoothie for a creamy texture and a probiotic boost. Greek yogurt will add a tangy sip with flavors like lemon or blueberry. Plain yogurt can be used for those not looking for a zesty smoothie. (A favorite yogurt of mine to use is Stonyfield Banilla – oh, my).
Blend it up with these ingredients and you will not fail! I will leave you with my favorite sweet smoothie recipe. I use frozen fruit so I don’t have to use ice.
The Morning Glory
½ C orange juice
1 C frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries)
¾ C frozen mango
½ banana
¼ tsp Cinnamon
1/4 C Stonyfield Greek Plain 0% fat Yogurt
