I’m not sure if there’s anything more refreshing on a hot summer day than a cool smoothie made with your favorite fruits {or veggies}. Dave and I definitely prefer “fruit” smoothies, but as you can see by all the smoothie recipes I’ve pinned to my “Smoothie Board” — there are some pretty yummy looking veggie smoothies too!
I know this might sound crazy, but I’ve always been a bit intimidated when it comes to making smoothies at home. I guess it’s because some of the recipes seem so elaborate, and I never have all the ingredients in the house.
However, since we’ve been without a kitchen since June 10 (yes, I’m counting the days) I’ve had a couple months to experiment and get creative in my make-shift kitchen. We’ve tried many new slow cooker recipes, we’ve been cooking everything we possibly can on our grill, and I recently started experimenting with different smoothie recipes thanks to my New Blender from Hamilton Beach!
Believe it or not, I never actually had a blender — I always just made do with my mixer and food processer. However, when it comes to making smoothies, this blender makes life pretty easy!
Not only does it have a button just for smoothies, it also has a convenient pour spout that makes the entire process “spill-less”!
Oh, and the people at Hamilton Beach were smart when they designed this blender… because they made a little cut-out in the base so you can easily store the cord inside the base WITH the top stil attached. {They must have realized how much women hate cord clutter!}
Obviously, this blender is fantastic for much more than just smoothies… but during our insanely hot Michigan summer, we’ve definitely been making good use of the smoothie button on our new blender!
Recipe for Any-Fruit Smoothies
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 1 c. fresh or frozen fruit {we often use a combination of frozen bananas, strawberries, and blueberries}
- 1/2 c. ice {if you have a “crushed ice” feature on your fridge, that would be ideal}
- 1 8 oz. container yogurt {any flavor}
- 1/2 c. water or juice {any juice you have in the house could work}
Directions:
- Put fruit, ice, and yogurt in your blender
- Add 1/4 c. water or juice and pulse/blend until smooth
- Add additional 1/4 c. water or juice as needed to reach desired consistency
TIP: if you’re using all frozen fruit, you’ll most likely need more water/juice than if you’re using fresh fruits.
As you can see, this recipe is extremely simple — and I’m guessing you most likely have the ingredients in your house! So, if you’re looking for a sweet summer treat that’s actually healthy, get out your blender and mix up a delicious fruit smoothie.
What is your favorite fruit/veggie smoothie?
Thanks to Hamilton Beach for the fabulous blender…
And thanks to Pinterest for such an amazing array of delicious smoothie recipes!
Visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family friendly, recipes!
Marl says
Thank you for sharing the delicious recipes!
Sandra says
Andrea,
I get intimidated making smoothies at home too! Right now I’m just using a small
hand blender but it leaves chunks (usually of bananas) but I’m happy to have it!!
Sandra
holly says
The smoothies sound yummy! I get lots of renovation ideas from Pottery Barn catalogs and HGTV. Good luck with your new kitchen.
Minerva says
This looks like a perfect smoothie recipe, but we are cheapskates and don’t buy juice; any advice about how to keep a juiceless smoothie from being too bland?
Janice says
Great recipe! I’m with you…for the most part I like fruit smoothies, but I have put baby spinach and carrots in with the fruit. It adds more good nutrition and it’s palatible for my taste. I’m working my way into adding other veggies, as I’m wanting to eat even healthier. The beauty of smoothies is you can throw in just about anything. I don’t eat dairy, so it’s really not necessary to use it, although it does make it go further. I just squeeze the juice from an orange or if I’m not using an orange, which isn’t often, I do use glass bottled juices and put it into the bottom of my Vitamix (more on that in a minute) before I add the other ingredients. When fresh fruit is in season AND on sale, of course, I buy it and freeze it for the winter months. I do the same with veggies from my garden. Seriously….. Fred Meyers had pineapples on sale for $1. I’ve NEVER seen whole big pineapples for that price, unless you want to go back when I was a child. I bought 20 of them (wish I had bought more) and my family thought I had lost my mind.They laughed at me, but I know that being “crazy like a fox” was worth their jeers. Although I have to admit, it did look a little insane with 20 pineapples lined up on the dining room table :^) I experiment with all kinds of fruit and never know what I’m going to make that day, as I have a freezer full of fresh fruits. I’m like a kid in a candy store. My boys are now adults, but they grew up on smoothies and still today when I ask if they want one, they always reply with a smile and a resounding “Yes please”. Ok…so now on to the Vitamix. Depending if you want to invest into a complete nutrition center, it is known as the most dependable machine around. My mother in law had one for over 35 years, until she was no longer able to live by herself. She juiced every day. My husband to this day, doesn’t like smoothies because of the “weird” combinations she would create. I bought mine at Costco when they have their traveling demo products come in. That is the cheapest way to buy it. I know it is pricey, but you have to look at it as an investment, knowing it most likey will last you for MANY years to come. It was a sacrifice financially when I purchased it and I wrestled with trying to justify paying the price but, I have never regretted it and I’ve had mine for about 10 years now and look forward to having it for anpther 20-30years. They also have a dry container available. A side benefit…you can actually make HOT soup in this thing and you never have to cut up whatever it is you are putting in to your creation. It’s amazing! Try it….you’ll like it :^) Thanks Andrea for all your great posts! It is obvious you love your job and we reap the benefits from your passion!
kris says
Ooh, I am in need of a new blender. I’ll have to check this one out. I used to make smoothies all the time then got out of the habit. I’ve been getting back into it this summer and discovered I NEED a new blender. For added nutrition I throw fresh baby spinach leaves in mine.
Katie says
I make a smoothie almost every day and I don’t use any fancy recipes either. Just frozen fruit (I have gotten great deals on the Market Pantry frozen fruit lately at Target!), milk and/or a splash of apple juice, and your homemade yogurt! My favorite combinations are strawberry/pineapple and strawberry/blueberry/banana. Enjoy your smoothies!
Kimberley says
Really like that blender! Wish mine had that cord feature…I dislike cords very much!
Tried a yogurt/strawberry/blueberry smoothie last night with my husband and son! All three of us loved it!!! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Malgorzata says
Thank to your post I am now smoothie obsessed ! Can’t wait to prepare it !
Regards from Poland !
Donna G says
My favorite smoothie is made with 6-10 oz. Greek yogurt, 6-10 oz. 1% milk (the two together to make 2 cups, so you can have equal amounts or a 6 oz. container of yogurt and 10 oz. of milk or vice versa), a banana, a bunch of strawberries (6-10, fresh or frozen), a handful of walnuts and a splash of vanilla. Makes two. Yummy. My blender is just for smoothies, I think. It has two speeds, plus off. And I bought it like that on purpose.
Guest says
That’s a good looking blender, cool cord feature too, more need to have it.
Cathleen says
Yum – I like your proportions.
We have a dairy allergy in the house so we use Soy or Almond milk instead of the yogurt, which makes the consistency a little thinner.
We also like to add ginger to a few of our veggie smoothies.
And they are the best way to beat the heat!
Sasha says
IKWYM about the elaborate recipes, but smoothies are like salads – recipe not required (not to say there aren’t good ones out there!!!!). I need to get back into smoothie making.
PS. I SOOO hear you about the cords – cool feature!