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Smoothie Operator
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| by Chef Justin Timineri Florida's Culinary Ambassador |
With hotter weather just around the corner, let’s ease into summer with one of my favorite drinks. The smoothie has become ultra-popular in America since its introduction in the 1960s, and it continues to evolve with current health and flavor trends. Now, it seems smoothies come in just about any flavor combination under the sun. Even pre-made, bottled versions are available at most grocery stores and gas stations.
The basic science of a smoothie is generally the same, but the actual ingredients and nutritional content can vary greatly. Unlike milkshakes, smoothies usually do not contain ice-cream, but other forms of dairy may be used, like milk or yogurt. Fruit should always be the main component in a smoothie.
Making them at home is much cheaper, and fresh fruit can be used, as opposed to frozen—which is often the case at smoothie chain stores. Any time fresh ingredients are used, the nutrient content is much higher. For those who often buy fresh fruit for a snack or a recipe, there is that window of time where it either has to be put in the freezer or it runs the risk of going bad. Freezing leftover fruit is a great way to add a punch to smoothies. To make smoothies creamy, keeping some low-fat frozen yogurt on hand works well and is still healthy.
Everyone should make their own smoothies at home using fresh Florida fruits. Have fun trying different fruit combinations and get creative with recipes. For more smoothies and other recipes, visit www.thefloridachef.com.
FLORIDA AVOCADO SMOOTHIE
2 cups fresh Florida avocado, peeled
and pit removed
1 cup low-fat milk
2 cups vanilla frozen low-fat yogurt
8 ice cubes
Place the avocado in the blender with the milk. Make sure the lid is on tight. Blend the avocado with the milk on high speed until smooth. Add the frozen yogurt and the ice cubes, and continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use.
FLORIDA CITRUS DREAM SMOOTHIE
2 cups Florida orange juice, freshly squeezed
2 cups vanilla frozen low-fat yogurt
8 ice cubes
Place the orange juice in the blender, with the frozen yogurt. Make sure the lid is on tight. Blend the orange juice and frozen yogurt on high speed until smooth. Add the ice cubes and continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use.
FLORIDA BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE
2 cups fresh Florida blueberries
1 cup low-fat milk
2 cups vanilla frozen low-fat yogurt
8 ice cubes
Rinse the blueberries under cool running water. Place the blueberries in the blender, with half of the milk. Make sure the lid is on tight. Blend the berries with the milk on high speed until smooth. Add the frozen yogurt, the remaining milk and the ice cubes. Continue to blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately. Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze for later use.
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