Summertime calls for something sweet and tasty, so close your eyes and imagine. You are lying on a lounge chair on the nearby beach or pool and have a tropical smoothie, tasting the different flavors and while staying cool. While that situation is ideal, it may not always be practical. If you find yourself on the go most of the time, like me, smoothies give you the benefit of having some of your favorite fruits and are very convenient.
As you may know, one of my favorite past times is learning new things, and if I find them to be interesting, sharing them with all of you is my first reaction. Looking through many different outlets on the web, I decided to condense three of my favorite smoothie recipes for you (and maybe some loved ones) to try at home.
We would love to know how the smoothie making process turns out for you. Connect with us on social by using the hashtag #SharpHome on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Now it is time to dust off the blender and wind up some awesome smoothies!
Banana Breakfast Smoothie
Everyone has been asked this question at least once before, if you are trapped on an island and can only bring one thing for survival, what would that item be? My short answer would be a lifetime supply of bananas. The nutrient powerhouse of fruit has been one of my all-time favorites from before I could even speak. When you go into my closet and take out a bin of old photos, a picture of me eating bananas in a highchair is one of the first images in the deck.
Therefore, when I found this banana breakfast smoothie recipe from “Marsha’s Baking Addiction,” I was sold. This limited ingredient recipe has been proven to be ideal for any time of day from morning to night, and yes, that means breakfast. If you have some downtime now or are preparing for guests, this recipe can be served right after you put it together, or you can keep it covered in the refrigerator overnight.
Feel free to increase the number of ingredients and the proportions for a larger serving size. This may simplify the creation process and allow you to whip up a few more for a dinner party, family gathering, or if you want seconds (I don’t judge and would do the same).
To create this masterpiece, head over to your kitchen cabinets or local grocery store to pick up the four ingredients. The most essential are bananas. To effectively mimic the taste, you will need two large or four small ones. A Greek-yogurt to add flavor, thickness, and creaminess to the smoothie. It is recommended that you use a plain or vanilla flavor (I am rooting for vanilla). A bit of honey for some sweetness with the amount entirely up to you, depending on how sweet you will like the smoothie to be.
Lastly, you will need some milk. Almond milk has is recommended to ensure thickness. However, if dietary restrictions or personal preference prefer otherwise, feel free to substitute it with the milk of your choosing.
This is a creation that will be loved by the entire family, so spread all the ingredients across the kitchen counter and plug in the blend. Wash your hands as we are about to jump into creating one of the best smoothies you will ever taste. Let’s get started!
- The process is simple. To begin, simply add all your predetermined ingredients into the blender and blend them until they are smooth. While a mixer is ideal, a food processor will work just as well.
- Regularly check the thickness of and process of the smoothie as it is being blended in the blender or food processor. If you are noticing that it may be too thick, feel free to add more milk to smoothen it a bit.
- After a few minutes (dependent upon which type of blender or food processor you use), you may stop blending and pour the smoothie into individual glasses.
- To add more flavor, if desired, drizzle a bit of honey on the top. If you do not plan on drinking or serving it all in one sitting, simply refrigerate it overnight by covering it. Enjoy!
Birthday Cake Protein Smoothie
It is officially summertime! While that means the sun is shining and outside is calling, it also means that kids are out of school. While conducting my search of finding and sharing some of the best smoothie recipes, I came across a chocolate birthday cake protein smoothie provided by “The Seasoned Mom.” This unique and innovative smoothie design can get children and kids at heart (like me) excited for something new.
Growing up, I was known throughout the neighborhood for being a real picky eater. While I still can be a bit stern over my food preferences today, I am, for sure open to trying new things. Therefore, if anyone knows about picky eaters, it is me. This smoothie recipe allows you to include protein-rich ingredients while allowing it to taste like your typical chocolate birthday cake.
If you are fortunate enough to have a summer birthday, like me, you could always swap this recipe as an alternative when planning a birthday party. With the process taking less than five minutes, it is for sure a more convenient and quicker option than whipping up the traditional birthday cake. Also, your party guests will be intrigued and feel special by having an individual smoothie designed just for them.
In order to get the ball rolling, you will want to gather a few quick ingredients. The first few ingredients include crushed ice (1 ½ cups), almond milk (1/2 cup), and salt (1/8 teaspoon). Now let’s get to the tasty components. The secret ingredient is a scoop of chocolate protein powder. This allows for abundant protein to catalyze the chocolate taste. A tablespoon of coffee and unsweetened cocoa powder will help enrich the taste as well.
This part, I am sure the kids, actually anyone, will enjoy most. Grab a tablespoon of rainbow sprinkles and a can of whipped cream. These final two ingredients will give the smoothie the traditional birthday cake design and appeal that we all love.
Has your sweet tooth arrived yet? Grab the blender and set the timer. In less than five minutes, you will be enjoying and sipping on the smoothie of your dreams. Ready?
- Simply take the lid off the blender or food processor and add all of the indigents, except for the rainbow sprinkles and whipped cream.
- Once these ingredients have been in the blender and are smooth, add in half of the rainbow sprinkles and continue to blend them.
- Next, stop blending and pour the creation into different glasses or cups. Top it off with a bit of whipped cream and sprinkle the rest of the rainbow sprinkles on top.
- If you are up to it, feel free to add some chocolate syrup to the top. Serve it to yourself, children, or guests and enjoy it!
Mango Lime Smoothie
Whenever I write a recipe roundup, I get selective of the recipes I share with my (favorite) readers. With the summer season in full effect, mangos are more popular than ever. The sweet and creamy fruits that are rich in potassium and vitamin C are commonly found in the warmer months; therefore, a mango lime smoothie is something we all never knew we needed!
A considerable part of the cooking and baking process for me is imagery. Whenever I think of something to eat or drink, I go a step further and put myself in an environment where they originate from or are commonly consumed. Therefore, drinking a mango lime smoothie allows me to imagine myself on the white sand beaches of Bermuda or ziplining through South America. Indulging in this tasty creation enables you to use imagery and bring your mind to a place of relaxation and bliss.
Deemed as the “perfect post-workout pick,” this “tropical and zingy” smoothie design from “Annie’s Noms” is a favorable favorite among many. With a splash of lime adding for a sweet taste, the combination allows for an enjoyable experience.
To get started, we will need a few ingredients. First, you will need at least 2 cups of mango chunks. This is an essential ingredient as it accounts for most of the nutrients and taste within the smoothie. Dependent on how sweet of mangos you choose, feel free to take out some honey or sweetener to give it a little more flavor.
You will also need either a small lime or ½ a large lime. Grab a juicer as you will need to liquefy the lime before you place it in the blender. To cool it down, you will also add a cup of ice cubes and 2 tablespoons of a sweetener, if you find that you need it. While it is recommended that you use agave, honey, or sugar will also act as perfect substitutes. It comes down to personal preference and dietary restrictions.
While your searching through your kitchen cabinets, select a mason jar or a fancy cup to use when you are all finished. A colorful straw will also serve as the perfect supplement and add to the overall experience.
Now that we have all of our ingredients, I see no other reason not to get started.
- First, gather and layout all the ingredients and tools needed to create the smoothie, including plugging in your blender or food processor.
- Take the lime(s) and juice it, collecting the juice in a small cup. Once finished, add it to the blender. At this time, you may also add all the other ingredients.
- Blend all the ingredients, and when completed, pour it into a cup (or two if you have a partner to share with. I hope you like it!
