Thursday, July 2, 2009

Summer Equals Smoothies!

It's time once again for the Etsy Bloggers Carnival! What's that you say? I haven't done one on here in awhile? Well...that's true. See, I'm the kinda crazy girl who runs THREE blogs. So my blog carnival entries end up on which ever one I deem most appropriate for the theme. Lately that's been my Jedi Blog because the options I've chosen have involved more personal stories than anything to do with art. Since that's part of the realm of that blog - it goes over there! I also do a lot of book reveiws over there and share some of my writing. If any of that sounds interesting to you, be sure you check it out!

One of the options for this weeks theme was your favorite summer recipe. Now it's hard for me to do a recipe because I tend to mess with recipes. I very rarely cook anything exactly according to the original recipe, and once I start cooking something regulalry I often abandon using a recipe at all. I sometimes even abandon using measuring tools. I blame my mother. Which is aweful because I used to complain to no end about her cooking like that because it made it harder for me to learn to cook! Don't worry, I've since forgiven her now that I understand ;)

My hubby and I discovered during our first year of marriage that we LOVE drinking smoothies during the summer. (I can say that! I'm on my second year! LOL) In fact I get kinda sad during the winter because it's usually just too cold to want to make smoothies. Of course then I make lots of coffee and other hot goodies... Anyway, I payed close attention when I made smoothies to go with dinner tonight (chicken burritos!), so I have a "recipe" for you!

Needed:
1 blender
Juice
Fruit
Sugar
Ice

Yes, I know that wasn't measurements. I'll give you rough one's in the recipe - be patient!

1. Set up your blender :P

2. Pull out your juice. I usually use a citrus based juice. Pineapple, Orange/strawberry/banana, Mango/orange, take your pick!

3. My blender measures liters. I usually put in just over 1/4 a liter of juice. Now here's a secret - putting in extra juice is MUCH better than putting in too little! Too little and it won't blend well. So be generous!

4. Add your fruit. What fruit? What's in your fridge? During the summer I tend to keep strawberries in the fridge and that's my mainstay. I put 6 big one's in tonight. If they are big I usually cut them once or twice to make things easier on the blender, and don't forget to cut off the stems! You can add anything you want though, bannana, mango, blackberries....be creative!

5. Sugar. I don't put much in, maybe a two and half spoons? Tends to be just a little too tart if you don't add anything though.

6. Blend breifly until smooth.

7. Add ice. How much will depend on how big your ice container is. I tend to put in about 3/4 a tray. Experiment until your happy - these are yummy experiments!

8. Blend until smooth. This could take a bit. Depending on your blender you may need to stop it at some point and kinda shake or stir the ice down towards the bottom. This is where having used extra juice can help!

9. Pour and enjoy! (Serves two large cups)


Aren't you jealous of my nice Dollar Tree cups? You know you are!

Don't like my recipe? Too imprecise for you? I found a whole web-site of smoothies called Smoothie Web! They even have a section called "Crazy Smoothies" - I may just have to experiment :D

11 comments:

Dzign by Jamie said...

Oh, I was just off to make a smoothie myself. when I first started making them I had no idea what to do. Now, after a few trial runs, my fav is: 1 serving vanilla yogurt, 1/2 cup milk, and frozen strawberries.

Great post, thanks for sharing, and the chuckle at the coffee pot/blender picture! We are two of a kind!

Arlene said...

Mmmmmm Sounds scrumptious! I might just have to try some this summer.

BeadedTail said...

Sounds refreshing! Thanks for sharing!

storybeader said...

for my carnival, I wrote about a shake (smoothie!) I make!

Jenn said...

Awesome post! I've been wanting a good smoothie recipe! :D

Memories for Life said...

Yum! I've been making lots of shakes lately too :)
I found a recipe that uses chocolate pudding mix, milk, vanilla, and a banana...mmmmm!

Splendid Little Stars said...

(You crack me up!)
I am now thirsty!
I like smoothies, too, but use soy milk and honey, oh, and frozen fruit.
I also relate to your manner of "cooking." Measuring stuff just takes the fun of creating out of the process.

The Fab Miss B said...

So many great smoothie recipes to try from this carnival. Thanks so much!

wwww.jewelrydelicacies.etsy.com said...

Love smoothies, I usually get them from Jamba Juice "orange berry blitz" Gotta get myself a blender to make some homemade! Thanks for sharing...

Adaptable Kay said...

Hm. I'll have to pass that recipe on to my mum and family who love smoothies.
I on the other hand just can't get into them for some odd reason..I try time and time again, but I just can't.
I think it's the textures >.<

Unknown said...

I love smoothies too! Thanks for sharing your receipt! In the winter time (also summer because it's cold where I live) I use a oat or hemp milk base for mine and slightly warm it. That way you don't have to give em up at all.
P.S. I was randomly at your shop earlier and saw some of your amazing jewelry. I can see how much energy you put into your work!