Summer Fruit Idea & Smoothie Recipe

I am addicted to the strawberries, peaches and blueberries of summer! I drink smoothies all year round for lunch most days for their refreshing, sweet flavor and also for the benefits of antioxidants that the blueberries can add to your diet as well and the other vitamins they provide.

Blueberry pie!

 In the Midwest where I live, strawberries are cheapest and best-tasting from about April through July.  Peaches are best in July and part of August and blueberries in July and August as well.  A couple of years ago I had the bright idea of buying them in large quantities while fresh and freezing them. (You're probably already doing this, but in case you aren't...)   :)

 I use the strawberries in smoothies and quick bread recipes and they can also be  used to make ice cream topping.  Peaches and blueberries are also great in smoothies and we also enjoy cobblers and pies.  Blueberry pancakes and muffins are also favorites we enjoy year-round.  I rinse & dry the strawberries and blueberries and sort them, discarding any that are overripe or cutting out the bruised portions, etc.  In order to keep them from freezing together in lumps you can place them in the freezer on parchment paper-lined cookie sheets.  Just spread the fruit out a little and then freeze for about 4 hours or so.  Afterwards, drop them into freezer bags and put them back in the freezer.  They'll keep for several months if sealed well.

The peaches take a little more prep, but it's worth it.  You'll want to peel them, so you can use a blanching process that makes it a whole bunch easier!  Just bring a large pot of water to boil, cut an "X" just through the skin on the bottom of the peaches and place them in the boiling water a few at a time until you notice the skin beginning to pull away a little - should be only 2-3 minutes or so.  Have a bowl of ice water ready and with a slotted spoon drop them into the ice water for 40 seconds or so.  Then, using the slotted spoon again, place them on paper towels to dry.  Peel and slice them and then follow the same instructions as for the berries above.

Mary Lou's Smoothie Recipe

1  frozen banana
1 8 oz container of vanilla yogurt (I use coconut or almond milk yogurt because of my dairy sensitivity)
Approx 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
Approx 3/4 cup frozen strawberries
Approx 1/2 cup frozen mixed berry blend (purchased at the store)
Approx 1 1/2 cups 100% juice (I use cherry-apple or whatever looks good)

Place the banana, yogurt and about 1/2 the fruit and juice in the blender to begin...then slowly add more juice and fruit until it mixes well and is not too thick or too thin.

It's very important that you realize these amounts are approximate - I generally start with half that amount of the frozen fruit & keep adding fruit and juice until it's as thick as I want it. It makes about 3-4 8-10 ounce servings, so I just keep the rest in a pitcher in the fridge.  It should be fine for 3 days.

Here's hoping your summer is full of nature's finest!  Make the most of the delectable fruit of summer!