Teen Time: Smoothies!
Hey, teens, with all this time at home, have you started to try new recipes? I do love fancy beverages from local cafes, but I’ve been excited to experiment with my own versions over this last year.
Back in the day, I used to work at a coffee shop that also happened to sell stellar fruit smoothies. I love love loved their drinks, and splurged more often than I probably should have as a poor college student. When I left for library work, I started to make my own smoothies at home. They’re SO easy to make – and super tasty! It may seem like too much trouble, but all you need is a blender, fruit or veg, and ice. I mean, what recipe is easier than that?
You can use frozen fruit, fresh fruit, canned fruit – or a combination. Add yogurt, milk (or dairy free alternative), or a little juice. Add a bit of honey or sugar if you need it a little sweeter. Be a rebel and try adding spinach or other vegetables; you never know what deliciousness you may invent.
As the weather starts to warm up, I’m getting into my smoothie groove again, and thought I’d share a favorite recipe with you. Give it a try, and share your snaps on Instagram. Be sure to tag us @eclibraryteens.
Tropical Burst Smoothie
3/4 cup frozen pineapple
3/4 cup frozen mango
3/4 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 fresh banana
1/2 cup plain yogurt (or a splash of non-dairy milk)
4-5 ice cubes (or about 1 cup)
Throw the frozen fruit into a bowl. Microwave for 90-120 seconds to thaw out (or leave on the counter for a few hours. But who has time for that?). Once fruit is mostly thawed, place in blender. Add banana, yogurt, and ice. COVER with lid. You may want to hold the lid down to be safe. Smoothie on the ceiling is NOT fun. Blend until smooth. Poor into a glass, add an eco-friendly straw, and enjoy in the sunshine.*
Looking for more smoothie recipes? Google compiles TONS of great suggestions. Or try some of these awesome e-books from the library. We’ve got smoothie books for DAYS. You may need to log in to to see all of them. Use that library card power!
*Maybe clean the blender for your parents? Or double the recipe and bribe them with a smoothie so you don’t have to clean.
