The hottest days of summer are upon us and I, for one, take every opportunity to cool off and enjoy the best part of summer... fruit! Here are a few delicious and fid-friendly fruit goodies you won't break a sweat over: (recipes courtesy of theveggietable.com)
Banana-nut Smoothie
1. Peel and chop 2 ripe bananas, wrap in plastic wrap and freeze for several hours. Chop 1/2 C walnuts and set aside.
2. Unwrap bananas and process in a blender until smooth. Stir in walnuts and serve!
**For a thinner consistency, blend in a little orange juice or fresh pineapple.
Fresh Berry Shake
1. In a blender, combine: 2 C of your favorite fresh berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry), 1 C fresh orange juice and about 4 oz Greek yogurt.
2. Blend until smooth and serve!
**Yogurt-based smoothies are delicious frozen for popsicles!
Frozen Strawberry Lemonade
1. In a blender, combine: 3-4 T agave nectar, the juice of 2-3 lemons, 1 1/2 C water and 1 C frozen strawberries.
2. Blend until smooth and serve!
When it comes down to it, you can blend up any combination of fresh and frozen fruits that sounds good to you. Stock up on what's in season. You can easily peel, chop and freeze many fruits to use later in smoothies. My favorites are banana, any berries, melons, kiwi, mango, peach and pineapple. Use your imagination and keep your family and fiddies happy with a chilly treat!
