Orange Pineapple Smoothies

I make a lot of smoothies especially because this is one way I can actually get my 6-year-old to eat fruit without complaining.  This recipe is based on a Taste of Home recipe, however, I made quite a few modifications to the original recipe.  The result was a refreshing smoothie that was given two thumbs up from the said picky 6-year-old.  I bet he didn't even realize that he'd just eaten pineapple!

ORANGE PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIES

2 c frozen tropical fruit blend (pineapple, strawberries, peaches, mangoes)
1 c orange juice
1 c mango nectar
1 c vanilla frozen yogurt
1 ½ T honey
1 t vanilla
½ envelope (.15 oz.) unsweetened orange soft drink mix

Place each ingredient in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately. Makes 3-4 servings.

Berry Cream Smoothie

This is yet another version of my breakfast smoothie concoctions.  I love that this smoothie has a lot of protein and is packed with healthy fruit.  My son loved it despite his aversion to fruits and vegetables.  Score for mom who tries to sneak in fruits and veggies any way I can!

BERRY CREAM SMOOTHIES

1 c orange juice
1 c low-fat raspberry or strawberry-based yogurt
1 c vanilla frozen yogurt
1 banana
1 ½ c frozen mixed berries
1 t vanilla extract

In a blender or food processor, cover and process the ingredients in batches until blended. Stir if necessary. Pour into chilled glasses. For fun top the smoothie with granola or graham cracker crumbs!  Serve immediately. Makes 2-3 servings. 

Citrus Smoothie

I make a lot of smoothies mostly as a way to underhandedly incorporate more fruit into my son's diet.  He claims that he hates eating fruit and vegetables but somehow he doesn't mind drinking them in a smoothie.  Here is my latest smoothie creation!

1 ½ c frozen fruit: pineapple, mangoes, peaches, strawberries
¾ c low-fat vanilla yogurt
½ c orange juice
½ c milk
1 T honey
½ t vanilla


Place fruit, yogurt, orange juice, milk, honey, and vanilla in a blender and blend until smooth.

Blueberry Banana Smoothies

Blueberries are considered a "super food" because they're loaded with antioxidants.  I like blueberries, however, my husband and son aren't huge fans.  But I hit the jackpot with this recipe because this smoothie is full of blueberries, yet my husband said "I can hardly taste the blueberries".  My entire family loved this smoothie!

BLUEBERRY BANANA SMOOTHIES

1 medium ripe banana
1 c frozen unsweetened blueberries
1 c apple-cherry juice
6-oz. strawberry yogurt
½ c milk
¾ c vanilla frozen yogurt

In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process for 30 seconds or until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately.

Morning Orange Drink

My son requested this special breakfast drink before his first soccer game of the season.  Last time I made this drink he raved about it all day; he gave it a "zillion" thumbs up.  This was a refreshing drink that was perfect for a homemade breakfast.  I also loved that it was so easy because when I cook breakfast I usually don't have a lot of time so it's nice to have something that can be made in a hurry.

MORNING ORANGE DRINK

1 can (6-oz.) frozen orange juice concentrate

1 c cold water
1 c milk
⅓ c sugar
1 t vanilla extract
7-10 ice cubes

Combine the first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process at high speed. Add ice cubes, a few at a time, blending until smooth. Pour into glasses; serve immediately.

Strawberry Smoothies

I've found this recipe in a Taste of Home magazine when my son had tonisillitis - smoothies are gentle on sore throats.  I made a few modifications and I was really happy with the result.  My entire family loved it.  I made it again for breakfast today.

STRAWBERRY SMOOTHIES

½ c (~6-oz. container) strawberry yogurt

½ c milk
½ c (~4 large) unsweetened frozen strawberries
1 T honey
1 t vanilla
½ c vanilla frozen yogurt
½ medium banana

Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process until smooth. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Note: I like to use low fat strawberry yogurt and fat-free frozen yogurt both with live active cultures - this bacteria is great for the digestive system.

Strawberry Banana Smoothies

I concocted this recipe in an attempt to sneak in more fruits and fiber into my son's diet. This drink is perfect after a hard workout or a long run!

¾ c orange juice
¾ c milk
1 banana
½ c vanilla frozen yogurt
6-8 large frozen strawberries

Combine orange juice and milk in blender. Blend in banana and frozen yogurt. Add frozen strawberries and pulse blend until strawberries are chopped and then puree. Serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Super Strawberry Shakes

I made these delicious milk shakes as a treat after dinner tonight.  This recipe is a blend of several milk shake recipes that I've seen.  My husband loved these shakes and was disappointed that he couldn't go back for seconds.  I prefer to use fat-free half and half to reduce the number of calories and fat with this treat.  You can also use a mixture of whipping cream and skim milk as a substitute for half and half if necessary.

⅔ c fat-free half-and-half

pint (~ 2 c) vanilla ice cream, softened

2 T strawberry ice cream topping

8 large frozen strawberries

In a blender combine all ingredients; cover and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses; serve immediately. Makes 2 servings.

Tip: To soften ice cream.  Microwave for 30 seconds on 30% power.