Over the past few years, I’ve become one of those smoothie people. I make them with spinach and beets and pretty much any veggie you can stick in a blender and mask the potential weirdness with one or more fruits. For me, cravings for sweet, cold treats kick in as the temperature rises and spring begins to unfold. As an alternative to ice cream, I like to do smoothies. Not that there is anything wrong with ice cream — I love it. But, I also like to cram nutrition into my body at least 80 percent of the time and maybe curtail the ice cream snacks to a couple of days a week. Enter, sweet, satisfying smoothies. Here are a few of my favorites. Feel free to mix up the ingredients to your preferences, omitting what you don’t like and swapping with your own favorites. Also, if you want to punch up the protein, add your favorite protein powder. These make light and unexpected desserts too, so consider serving one after a hearty meal.
Mango Smoothie
4-6 ice cubes
1/2 banana, frozen if possible
1 cup frozen or fresh mango, cubed
1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond)
The mango in this reminds me of a tropical drink. You could easily spike it with rum or zero-proof rum alternatives. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass.
Cinnamon Bun Smoothie
4-6 ice cubes
1/2 banana, frozen if possible
¼ cup maple or honey granola (reserve a teaspoon for garnish)
¼ cup almonds or pecans (reserve a teaspoon for garnish)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond)
Sprinkle of unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
If you love cinnamon buns, you are going to become addicted to this one. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass, garnish with granola, almonds and cinnamon.
Chocolate Shake Smoothie
4-6 ice cubes
1/2 banana, frozen if possible
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
1 cup milk or alternative milk (I use almond)
This one actually tastes like a chocolate shake. You could add malted to it, if you are into malts. Layer ingredients in order of above list into blender. Blend and add more milk depending on your desired consistency. Pour into glass.
