Courier Cookbook Sunday Smoothies

Rounding out the "week of recipes" is the Courier Cookbook collection of Sunday Smoothies. Smoothies wake you up, start the blood flowing, give you energy that lasts all morning and are a great way to eat some fruits and vegetables.

Try one of these variations for a great start to your day.

DAILY DOSE OF ENERGY SMOOTHIE

Submitted by Catherine Marylander

A delicious and healthy way to start every day.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh spinach

1 frozen banana

1/4 c frozen pineapple

1/2 cup or more oat milk

Protein powder

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl.

Enjoy a good day!

BERRY-MINT KEFIR SMOOTHIE

Submitted by Peggy B. Graham

Kefir is similar to yogurt, it contains probiotics that increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your gut. It has fewer carbs and a more drinkable consistency, which is perfect for smoothies.

Ingredients:

1 cup of low-fat plain kefir

1 cup frozen mixed berries

¼ cup of fresh orange juice

1 Tbsp. fresh mint

1 Tbsp honey

Directions:

Place kefir, berries, juice, mint, and honey in a blender, and process until smooth.

Enjoy!

PINEAPPLE SMOOTHIE

Submitted by Amy Calderon

Ingredients:

2 cups frozen pineapple

2 cups pineapple juice

1 banana (optional)

Directions:

Mix in a blender and enjoy!

FRUIT OF THE LOOM SMOOTHIE

Submitted by John Rickenbach and adapted by Rosana Nieto Ferreira

Ingredients:

Equal parts frozen blueberries and raspberries

A few pineapple chunks

Half a banana, preferably frozen

Milk or oat milk

Cherry juice

Pineapple juice (more than cherry juice)

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 ½ tsp. smooth peanut butter or almond butter

Orange juice, optional

Ice, optional (if the fruit isn't frozen)

Protein powder, optional

Plain Greek yogurt, optional

Pinch of salt if the smoothie is too sweet.

Directions:

Blend well and enjoy. Now get going!