A little while ago I got a great note from Courtney: “Long time listener, first time caller. Not sure if you take requests but could you do a smoothie matrix?” I sure can! Here you go! It’s all pretty straight-forward, but I think the best formula for a smoothie is frozen fruit (keeps it cold + means you can do less prep!) covered with liquid, plus something a little creamy (a spoonful of yogurt of half a banana usually do the trick!), plus a jolt of something really flavorful. This last bit is what sets most smoothies apart from the rest. It could be a squeeze of fresh lime or a spoonful of peanut butter — just a little
Our house go-to smoothie is frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, a splash of whole milk. Topped with cacao nibs for crunch. So thick & delicious. BTW, I buy a bunch of very ripe bananas every week to freeze (cut in slices and freeze on a parchment-lined tray), then store in a big freezer bag. Smoothies are a cinch when frozen fruit is ready to play!
Midwesterner here: my favorite kid dinner was meatloaf and cheesy potatoes. I can’t wait to make confetti meatloaf again with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert!
I like smoothies, but run screaming from most of them (and every one that I don’t make myself) because as far as I’m concerned, that long curved yellow fruit thing with a great propensity to show up in smoothies is NOT NOT NOT food. Ice cream works well to replace it, in terms of replicating the bulk and texture, but ice cream doesn’t quite fit other qualifications, as it turns the smoothie into a milkshake. Nobody bats an eye at a smoothie for breakfast, but as soon as you have a milkshake before lunchtime, all the heads turn and all the fingers wag. Any suggestions?
I have no issue with a milkshake for breakfast or anytime before lunchtime! I would suggest challenging whose opinions you're taking in :)
but also other ideas for creaminess include frozen peaches or pineapple (both blend into a thick/creamy consistency), thick greek yogurt, or using kefir for liquid!
Thanks for recommending the Ninja blender! I love smoothies and sauces but often don't make them because I don't feel like schlepping out and cleaning my full-sized blender. If folks are seeing this in real time, it's heavily discounted ($64+tax) on kohls.com through Sunday. Just ordered one. Happy blending!
I love frozen cherries in smoothies - usually combined with either frozen peaches and frozen blueberries or with frozen pineapple. I always use greek yogurt, either oat milk or coconut water as the liquid, sometimes avocado for creaminess and a little splash of vanilla extract.
Our house go-to smoothie is frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, a splash of whole milk. Topped with cacao nibs for crunch. So thick & delicious. BTW, I buy a bunch of very ripe bananas every week to freeze (cut in slices and freeze on a parchment-lined tray), then store in a big freezer bag. Smoothies are a cinch when frozen fruit is ready to play!
Oh your smoothie sounds great! And so smart about the bananas.
Midwesterner here: my favorite kid dinner was meatloaf and cheesy potatoes. I can’t wait to make confetti meatloaf again with pumpkin cheesecake for dessert!
A former Midwesterner...craving that dinner you mentioned!
Please tell me more about this cheesecake!!
I used to make milkshakes in my Suzy Homemaker blender. They were so good.
Love this!
I like smoothies, but run screaming from most of them (and every one that I don’t make myself) because as far as I’m concerned, that long curved yellow fruit thing with a great propensity to show up in smoothies is NOT NOT NOT food. Ice cream works well to replace it, in terms of replicating the bulk and texture, but ice cream doesn’t quite fit other qualifications, as it turns the smoothie into a milkshake. Nobody bats an eye at a smoothie for breakfast, but as soon as you have a milkshake before lunchtime, all the heads turn and all the fingers wag. Any suggestions?
I hate bananas in smoothies so much - I've used a little avocado to make the texture creamier before.
I have no issue with a milkshake for breakfast or anytime before lunchtime! I would suggest challenging whose opinions you're taking in :)
but also other ideas for creaminess include frozen peaches or pineapple (both blend into a thick/creamy consistency), thick greek yogurt, or using kefir for liquid!
oh also, a handful of raw cashews!
I wondered if you’d take that bait. :)
lol
Thanks for recommending the Ninja blender! I love smoothies and sauces but often don't make them because I don't feel like schlepping out and cleaning my full-sized blender. If folks are seeing this in real time, it's heavily discounted ($64+tax) on kohls.com through Sunday. Just ordered one. Happy blending!
ah great tip! and yes I agree so much on the SCHLEPPING AND CLEANING!
I love frozen cherries in smoothies - usually combined with either frozen peaches and frozen blueberries or with frozen pineapple. I always use greek yogurt, either oat milk or coconut water as the liquid, sometimes avocado for creaminess and a little splash of vanilla extract.
sounds perfect :)