Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie (original) (raw)

Summer is finally in full swing here, after a late start marked by thunderstorms and cool nights. This did a number on my vegetable garden, which is still trying to find itself, but I have to say, I loved the temporary stay from the heat of our summers. That heat has now arrived, which means I’m not leaving my house ’til September.

I’ve really been enjoying plain, unflavored yogurt lately and have began buying two large cartons of the stuff every time I go to the grocery store. I made my homemade ranch dressing last week, substituting yogurt for sour cream (only because I’d forgotten to buy the sour cream) and I was pleasantly surprised at how delicious it was. Then I became obsessed with my Yogurt Cream, which I’ve basically slathered over everything in my house that will stand still—blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and yes, even Marlboro Man…but that’s another story for another time. My grandmother reads this site.

Since it’s been so hot, I’ve been making smoothies using a plain yogurt and milk base. They’re delicious. Creamy. Healthy. And so much more nutritious than Mountain Dew, which sometimes creeps in and establishes itself as my punks’ default summer drink if I don’t stand at the door and beat it away. I wasn’t sure I’d be able to convince my semi-picky eaters to embrace something with a yogurt base, but here’s the thing: I don’t tell them. When it comes to getting your kids to eat healthy foods, honesty doesn’t always work.

Begin with 1 cup plain, unflavored yogurt (unflavored is best; then you can build your own masterpiece) and 1 cup of your choice of fruit…bananas, berries, peaches, pineapple—anything works! I used blueberries. They’re so darn good for you.

Have some milk nearby to get the smoothie to the consistency you wish. If you like your smoothie very thick, you can leave out the milk.

Also have a little honey or fruit juice for sweetness. I like honey because it adds only sweetness without competing with the purity of the fruit you chose. I’m kind of a one-fruit smoothie girl. Actually, I’m not. I just made that up. I also prefer honey to fruit juice because it doesn’t thin the smoothie like juice does.

Also: Ice. Ice makes it yummy and more like a milkshake.

This is a blender. Aren’t you glad you have me here to explain these things.

Throw everything into the blender:

Yogurt…

Equal parts fruit…

A splash of milk…

A handful of ice…

And honey to taste.

Now blend ’til smooth:

Then give it a quick taste and make sure it’s sweet enough for you. Sometimes, depending on the fruit, you don’t need to add much sweetness.

And that’s it!

I like to serve smoothies in fun glasses. Makes me feel special. I need all the help I can get.

Know what else makes me feel special? This smoothie.

Oh, baby. Will you take a look at this? What good things must this deep, dark hue of violet do to our bodies?

Now, on my honor, I did not Photoshop the color of this smoothie. It’s all natural, no joke.

I know it’s sad that I have to even point that out, but that’s the world we live in today. One can ever know what’s been Photoshopped and what hasn’t. Especially on this site.

Now, I happen to like the seeds of blueberries and strawberries; they don’t bother me at all, and I actually feel healthier when I gobble them up. But if you’re averse to seeds, try pineapple, banana, melon…

Oooh, yum. A honeydew melon smoothie. That’s next on my list.

Make a smoothie today! Your body will thank you. I promise.