Thread: smoothies
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Old 12-09-2005, 07:40 AM   #3 (permalink)
rsl12
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Good topic. I just got a super-fancy blender as a gift (the kind that would make amputation painless it's so powerful) and am curious what to do with the thing.

Seems to me there are three general approaches to making a smoothie--creamy, bright, and banana.

In creamy smoothies, you use milk/yogurt/soymilk as a base. This makes a thicker, frothier, and more filling product. If you use acidic fruits, you need to use them in moderation.

For the more 'refreshing' type, you use just ice and maybe a little lemon/lime juice to bring out the flavor a bit. Tends to be better for more citric/acidic-type fruits (mangos, oranges, and the like).

Bananas are in a class by themselves, since they seem to give a good consistency, whether or not dairy is added. Smoothies with bananas are thicker and richer than those without. Vanilla extract (just a little bit) and nutmeg are good flavors to add to many smoothies, but particularly good for banana ones.

Besides the typical fruits you can add, you might consider:

nuts (almonds, walnut), peanut butter
coconut milk/flake
chocolate, coffee (brewed or instant)
grains (instant oatmeal in particular is a good addition. Also, Koreans have an 'instant ceral' powder, composed of all sorts of roasted grains, which I think is quite good)
malt powder
raw egg (a little dangerous, but good for protein)
carrots (depending on how powerful your blender is--you may blend and strain as well)
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