Yogurt Smoothies (Soy, Fish, Nut, Egg, and Wheat-Free)

Strawberry Yogurt Smoothie

I'm sure that this recipe isn't original necessarily, but it is one I came up with on my own. It is very customizable, creamy and smooth, tangy yet sweet and perfect for a hot summer day! It is a great alternative to a milkshake when you're craving something like one but don't want to use up all your calories on dessert. ;)  It's also nutritious enough to have for breakfast or snack.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy it as much as I (and the rest of my family) do! :)

Please note that this recipe is only soy-free if you use all soy-free ingredients and is fish, nut, egg and wheat-free.

Yogurt Smoothies

frozen fruit of your choice such as berries, peaches, mango, pineapple, bananas; any combination

soy-free vanilla yogurt

(I recommend Stonyfield Organic French Vanilla in Low Fat or Full Fat)

honey or white sugar (optional)

1. Place desired amount (about 1 Cup per person) of frozen (yes, it MUST be frozen) fruit in a blender.

2. Add desired amount of yogurt (start with 1/4 Cup or so per person and add more if you want the mixture thinner) to reach the desired consistency. (You may have to pulse the mix at first until it is slightly blended, then continue full boar.  I use "Ice Crush" mode normally, but you can play around with the buttons and see which works best for you. :) )

3. Taste the mixture.  If you like it as is, feel free to enjoy it as is.  If you find it too tart, add honey or sugar (I would recommend starting at about 1 Tablespoon per person, re-tasting and then adding more if desired) and re-blend until well incorporated.

Substitutions:

• Yogurt Substitution: You could use plain yogurt in place of the vanilla yogurt or even milk.  A flavored yogurt would work as well, though that would probably take away the "soy-free" status of the recipe in that soy-free flavored yogurts (other than vanilla) are hard to find.
• Honey/Sugar Substitution: You could use Splenda or another sweetener if you are looking to cut the calories or are diabetic.  You could also use jam or preserves, maple syrup, molasses - any form of sweetener that you prefer.

And whatever you do...If you make one for yourself, make one for your sweet little 2 year old, too, because (if you don't) this could happen:

And this:

Live and learn. :)

(This recipe was originally posted on my original site, Natural and Free.)