"Mommy Juice"

We are a smoothie family! The kids refer to them as "Mommy Juice" not because only mom can drink them...but because mom loves to make them. I refuse to pay money at smoothie cafes because they charge an arm and a leg...and homemade smoothies are more fun anyway! Not only are they a great way to cool off in the summer but they can be nutritious too! Bring out the fun straws and glasses and the kids will love it!

***I should add that we have a Vita-mix which is a high-powered blender. It crushes up the ice and frozen fruit with no problem while another blender might suffer. It's pricey...but worth every penny.***

A lot of times I add half a big carton of vanilla flavored yogurt, a squeeze of honey, and a variety of frozen fruit (I've used berries, peaches, melon, grapes...etc.) You don't have to add ice because the frozen fruit makes it cold. You could also throw in some ripe banana.

Here are two recipes that we have tried in the last month that we love...you won't be disappointed!

Cool Papaya Smoothie (Harry and David)

1 ripe papaya, halved lengthwise and seeded

2 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. vanilla extract

The juice of 1 lime

1/2 cup cold milk

2/3 cup crushed ice

Scoop flesh out of Papaya skins and puree in a blender with lime and sugar. Add milk, vanilla and ice. Process until smooth and frosty, then pour into tall glasses. Serves 4.

Strawberry Tsunami wantabe (adapted or stolen from Jamba Juice)

16-20 oz. lemonade (depending on how much you want to make and the consistency you like, start with less and you can add more later)

4 scoops of Lime Sherbet

A handful of frozen peach slices

2 handfuls of frozen strawberries

Blend together, pour into a fun glass, add a straw and ENJOY!