The Observer, March 7, 2008
Volume XL, Issue 20
Lighten Up: Smoothie splendor
Are you one of those people who tends to get up with just enough time to get dressed and brush your teeth before class? Well, after taking a look at these recipes, you may want to get up just a few minutes early to start your day off right with a healthy and delicious smoothie. Smoothies can be made using just about any type of fruit, yogurt, juice, or ice cream, but here are some classics that tickle the taste buds. To prepare the smoothie, simply add all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
As you can see, there are tons of smoothie recipes that can be made in literally less than two minutes. With almost all of these smoothies, you could replace milk with ice, or keep the milk and just add ice. Adding ice will make the smoothie less creamy, while adding more milk and less juice will make it creamier. Using light vanilla soy milk adds creaminess to the smoothie, and is a great option for people who are lactose-intolerant. Another great option is to add wheat germ or tofu to a smoothie. Any type of yogurt and fruit juice could be used in the berry smoothie and the strawberry banana smoothie. But, it is best to choose low-fat yogurt.
The best way to make smoothies in the morning has got to be the Magic Bullet blender. It is perfect for those mornings when you are on the run and only want to make one serving of a smoothie recipe. In addition, with the Magic Bullet, you don't have to waste time transferring your smoothie from the smoothie maker to a cup. You actually make your smoothie in your cup. It is fast, easy, and creates no mess. So, try getting up just five minutes earlier in the morning and discover your favorite smoothie…odds are, you won't regret it.
Berry smoothie
1 8 oz. container blueberry yogurt
1 cup frozen mixed berries (such as Dole)
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup Cran-Raspberry juice (any brand)
Strawberry banana smoothie
1 8 oz. container strawberry yogurt
1 small banana, sliced
4 strawberries, fresh or frozen, sliced
1/2 cup orange juice
Peanut butter banana smoothie
1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
1 medium banana, sliced
1 tablespoon peanut butter (crunchy or creamy, depending on your taste)
1/2 cup skim milk or 1/2 cup light chocolate soymilk (for a chocolate-y twist)
Papaya smoothie
1/2 cup orange Juice
3/4 cup cut, seeded, and peeled papaya
1/2 cup ice
A touch of honey to taste
Strawberry soy milk smoothie (lactose free!)
1 cup frozen or fresh strawberries
1 cup light vanilla soy milk
1 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Cereal Lovers' Smoothie
1/2 cup of your favorite cereal (preferably Grape Nuts, etc.)
1/2 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1 banana
1/2 cup fruit juice (such as apple, cranberry, etc.)
Iced Mocha
1 cup coffee
1/2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup (or cocoa powder)
3/4 cup skim milk
Handful of ice
Touch of cinnamon or nutmeg
