Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Reach for blender, get cool with smoothie
Holy mother of summer, it’s gotten HOT. My dog is sleeping in our shower because the tiles are cool. I’m testing recipes in the morning because I don’t want my oven cranking all afternoon. And (this is how I know it’s really hot), I may be coming close to drinking my daily recommended amount of water.
But water can get a little boring.
All this to say, if you have a blender, get it out. Buy frozen berries and other frozen fruit, or freeze the fresh stuff yourself. Cut watermelon into chunks and stash those in the freezer, too. Have some honey or agave or simple syrup on hand. Blend it all up, maybe with some crushed ice, or juice, or even some sort of milk or nut milk or yogurt for those of you who are into the creamier thing. Drink. Rinse and repeat.
After 5 p.m., you may wish to add liquor to the grownups’ glasses.
Watermelon Strawberry Smoothie
2 cups frozen watermelon chunks
1 cup frozen strawberries
½ cup crushed ice
1½ cups orange juice, preferably fresh
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon agave or honey, or to taste
Remove the watermelon and berries from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften just slightly.
Place all the ingredients in a blender. Process until blended and thick. Serve in glasses with straws.
Makes 2 servings.
Nutrition information: Each serving contains approximately 200 calories, 3 g protein, 1 g fat, 47 g carbohydrate (36 g sugar), no cholesterol, 6 mg sodium and 3 g fiber.