Smoothie help please

[goldilocks]

Apparently its National Smoothie Week next week. I want to make 1 a day with my childminded kids and have found several recipes on the net that sound yummy. I dont have a smoothie maker, but do have a blender and food processor. Some of the recipies have ice in them- do I have to crush it first/ add as cubes after its made, or stick the cubes in the blender with it?

Any tips for me?

Goldi
xxx

[RedTiger]

I stick the cubes in - makes a helluva noise for a few secs though, so maybe you are supposed to crush them a bit before you use them :lol:

[goldilocks]

Thanks for that. I was a bit worried they may knacker the blades. Will maybe bash them a bit with a rolling pin first I think

[Sashy]

I always put ice cubes in afterwards, as you would a normal drink.
Might give the crushed ice a try though.
If you find any nice smoothie ideas, would you mind posting them please?
I'm also trying out smoothies at the moment in an attempt to eat more fruit and smoothies are sooo nice. Thanks!

[goldilocks]

I'm going to do some from this kids site Sashy.

http://www.silkysteps.com/forum/showthread.php?t=767_

They look yummy so I'm hoping the kids will enjoy them too :smile:

[katkinn]

A really good idea that I was given a while ago was to use frozen fruit as that adds both the fruit and the ice at the same time!

Personally my fave is banana, frozen mixed berries, dash of orange juice and spoonful of greek yoghurt - whizzed up!

Bookie does a lovely one with bananas and peanut butter I think!

katkinn
xxx

[Sashy]

Thanks both of you!

I like the sound of the orchard spice one - I LOVE cinnamon!

Will also try the mixed berries, sounds gorgeous.

I'm sure the kids will love the smoothies - it's actually a really good idea for any kids that aren't too keen on eating fruit as smoothies taste so good, theyr'e 'tricked' into it!! Has worked for me anyway!

Would be keen to know which ones the were the kids preferred, if you didn't mind posting later on in the week?

Thanks

[goldilocks]

We did the strawberry banana one this morning and they loved it :grin: Even the 7 yr old who was adamant that she wouldnt as she doesnt like bananas tried it and came back for more. It was lovely.

[Sashy]

Hi there! :smile:

How did the other smoothies go? Bet the kids loved them.

I found this one if your'e interested;

DR MORIARTY'S FAVOURITE SMOOTHIE RECIPE: BLUEBERRY HI-FI

80g blueberries, 80g pineapple,80g strawberries, 80g orange, 80g bananas

I have tried it and would highly recommend it, even though the blueberries were a bit on the expensive side, well worth it! :nod:

Sashy

[goldilocks]

Hi Sashy

the smoothies were a huge success :grin: . I think we will now have 1 every day as part of our daily routine. The kids parents were thrilled that their kids were enjoying new fruit that they wouldnt normally eat.

So far the top 3 favourites are :

1) Strawberry Banana
2) Mixed Berry ( my daughter LOVED this one :smile:)
3) Vanilla Thriller

I think we'll try the peanut butter one today- sounds delish!

The Peachy Pineapple Punch wasnt too popular with the kids but me and DH loved it.

I love the sound of the Blueberry one. Thanks for the recipe. Will definately give it a go.