Smoothies are very in vogue. And not surprisingly. It comes from the realisation that it can be a complete meal, and a very nutritious one at that. Smoothies can be pretty high-caloric, but that isnt a good enough reason to toss it out of your menu. It’s almost instant energy, an excellent source of calcium, vitamins and minerals and a great way to get nutrition down a child or an ill person. Basically, you can toss whatever your favourite are into a processor and what comes out is a quick fix meal when you dont feel like eating anything. Er… did I mention it makes for great breakfast-on-the-run?

What actually is a smoothie?

Wikipedia defines a smoothie as a cold beverage that is made by mixing fruit and juice and sometimes ice in a blender. The use of frozen fruits obviates the need for ice in the recipe. Originally, the smoothie was invented in California as a healthy, non-dairy alternative to milkshakes. Many recipes for drinks called smoothies are found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, typically using yogurt and honey as well as fruit. The addition of yogurt would be against the original intent of the California-style smoothie. In addition, there are some who hold the strictest definition of a smoothie, that it should be entirely vegan.

The smoothie depends on a banana to give it its thick, creamy texture. It is from this smooth consistency that the smoothie derives its name. Berries, peaches, orange juice, pineapples, mangos, and kiwifruits are all popular ingredients, but a banana must be included in the recipe in order for it to be considered a proper smoothie.

Smoothies appeal to a wide range of age groups because of their balanced sweetness, fresh fruit flavor, and nutritional value. Most are high in dietary fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. Many smoothie makers will add nutritional supplements to the mix, things like wheat germ, pollen, and vitamin C powder. </em>

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COCOA BANANA MADNESS Serves 2

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INGREDIENTS

• 2 frozen or room temperature banana
• 1 cup vanilla soymilk or skim milk
• 2 tablespoons flax meal
• 2 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1-2 dates for added sweetness if required

PREPARATION

Put all the ingredients into a blender and mix. Start with the ‘Blend’ setting, and then transfer to ‘Whip’, and last do the ‘Frappe’ if you have these settings. The idea is to have the liquid look frothy – look for bubbles on top. Pour it into a tall glass and enjoy!

This is a great smoothie for breakfast or as a snack.

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STRAWBERRY SONG Serves 2

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INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 chopped banana
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
• 4 ice cubes

PREPARATION

Put all the ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

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EXOTIC HAVANA SMOOTHIE Serves 3

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INGREDIENTS

• 2 mangoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup passion fruit juice
• 1 banana
• 1 cup yogurt

PPREPARATION

Pop all the ingredients into a blender and blend till smooth. Serve in tall glasses with pineapple cubes if you like.

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