I Love Smoothies

The reason for this Blog is simple, it is to introduce my readers to the job of the smoothie.

I have developed a passion for smoothies since visiting health conscious friends in California some five years ago: they are a great way to start the day, to have a break during the day, and a great way to unwind after a hard days work.

The summer fruits smoothies are typically made from are packed full of vitamin C and antioxidants, great protection against free radicals, as well as providing fibre and upping your daily fruit intake to the recommended five portions – but I’d better stop here this is not a health blog

Magazines and recipe books will tell you that the best smoothies are made from fresh in-season fruit. But I have to be honest and say that coming from Ireland where we have a relatively short summer season, I find that good quality frozen fruit is just as tasty. I’ll leave others to argue over the difference in health benefits.

I’ve got to the stage now where I’m not afraid to experiment with my smoothies, it is really a matter of trying to balance tart and sweet fruit, plus fibre-rich bananas, mangoes and pineapple with watery fruit like strawberries, kiwi fruit and oranges. Add yoghurt for creaminess and calcium. If it is a really hot day, or you just fancy something really cool try ice cubes for extra chill, but only if your blender has strong enough blades; otherwise try and get your hands on some crushed ice.

I have a real treat in store for you. Over the next four days I’m going to give you my eight favourite recipes (that’s two a day). Here is what you are going to get.

• Strawberry, Orange Juice and Kiwi
• Creamy Raspberry, Mint and Yoghurt
• Blackcurrant and Blueberry
• Gooseberry, Elderflower Cordial and Yoghurt
• Strawberry, Blueberry and Raspberry - Very Berry
• Peach, Nectarine and Apricot
• Mango, Banana and Orange Juice - the Fibre Provider
• Three-melon Smoothie

And we are going to start tomorrow off with:

• Creamy Raspberry, Mint and Yoghurt
• Strawberry, Blueberry and Raspberry - Very Berry

Join me tomorrow.