The Skinny On Smoothies

Writen by Cristie Will

Yummy! Those wonderful fruit smoothies make my mouth water just thinking about them. I have made many smoothies, learned from my experimenting, and wanted to share them with you.

First off, do your own exploring and experimenting. Let your taste buds decide for you. Add and or take away ingredients to may it your way. Go for it and don't be afraid to try something new and different.

Believe or not the consistency will depend on the blender you use. Some blenders are better than others. Be sure to use a blender that truly makes it smooth like its name smoothie. The blender needs to smooth out all those chunks from the fruit and ice. You need a good motor and ice-crushing blade. If a smoothie is too thick or thin, just add or take away fruit, yogurt, ice, sherbet, ice cream, milk etc.

To help make the smoothies really smooth, use crushed ice instead of cubed ice and if seeds bother you than just strain them out with a strainer.

If your smoothie is to tart or sweet then use milk, plain yogurt and or ice to take the extra sweet out or if it's not sweet enough than just add juice, sugar, honey, syrup or a sweet substitute like equal®.

If the recipe calls for orange juice and you don't happen to have that on hand just use a different juice or even milk. If you don't have fresh fruit then use canned. Last but not least if you are missing any ingredient just use what you have or don't use it.

After making your smoothies, serve right away. Smoothies are best when served right after they are made, because if they sit too long, they will be runny or inconsistent and those are two things you don't want in a smoothie.

Drink up fore they are good for you!

Cooking lessons for Cristie began at 8 years old with the best teacher in the world -- her Mom! Later, she cooked for the restaurant the family owned, and her love of the "trade" has grown ever since. Cristie's creative cooking has continued for over 40 years. Her creations can soon be on your kitchen table. Check out Cristie's books at http://www.cristiescookin.com and http://www.tjstokes.com