Tropical Fruit and Berry Smoothie

I found some really pretty and sweet smelling papaya at the Mexican Food Market near my house. Since I have never tasted, let alone cooked with papaya, I thought a smoothie would be a great way to introduce it into my kitchen! This smoothie is sweet and tangy and very refreshing! The best thing about smoothies is you can add any berries or fruit you have on hand and it will always be refreshing and satisfying.

Tropical Fruit and Berry Smoothie

1/2 cup skim milk
1/3 cup fat free yogurt, plain or vanilla
1/4 cup frozen roughly chopped papaya
1/4 cup fresh raspberries
1/4 cup fresh blueberries
1/4 cup frozen roughly chopped pineapple
1/4 cup frozen roughly chopped mango
1/2 to 1 tablespoon honey, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Place all the ingredients in a blender. Blend, pulsing the machine if necessary, until smooth. Make sure the honey is dissolved. Top with fruit and serve immediately.

Berry Yogurt Smoothie & Berry Banana Smoothie

I just got a new food processor that had a blender attachment and I have been dying to try it out. With the summer heat, I thought a berry smoothie would be the perfect treat. I have it as a snack or even sometimes as a breakfast on the go. It's a healthy alternative to a milkshake and it's so simple to put together!! Here are two similar smoothie recipes - one with and one without banana. :D

Berry Yogurt Smoothie

makes 2 generous servings

1 C. plain non-fat yogurt

1 C. frozen mixed berries (mine had blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries)

5-6 fresh strawberries, quartered

1/2 C. skim milk

1 -2 Tbs. sugar or Splenda, optional

Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until no lumps of ice remain and the drink is smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Pour into glasses and serve cold.

Berry Banana Yogurt Smoothie

makes 2 generous servings

1 C. plain non-fat yogurt

1 C. frozen mixed berries (mine had blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries)

5-6 fresh strawberries, quartered
1 banana, slightly frozen

1/2 C. skim milk

1 -2 Tbs. sugar or Splenda, optional

Add all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until no lumps of ice remain and the drink is smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Pour into glasses and serve cold.