tried and true smoothie recipes

[sionkali]

I'm so sorry for adding yet ANOTHER smoothie recipe thread, but I'm about to start pulling my hair out here.

I've tried three different times to make a smoothie, two times making a green smoothie and once just a fruit smoothie. Both came out not so good. I absoluteley HATE to waste anything, but I just couldn't bring myself to drink/eat the smoothies I made. I think I might be doing something wrong. I know that practice and trying different concoctions is the best way to find what I like, but I just can't afford to keep trying and failing.

So, what I'm asking is: what are your "tried and true" smoothie recipes? What recipes have you found that just seem to work every single time you make them? I absoluteley LOVE fruit (except coconut, allergic, which may bring up another question later), but I know for a fact that I don't get enough greens in my diet everyday.

Again, I sincerely apologize for adding another thread to the ever growing smoothie recipe thread count, but I really have no idea what to do.

Also, speaking of coconut, what is a good substitue for a recipe (Key Lime Pie - Rainbow Green Live Food Cuisine) that calls for coconut water the "Pulp of 1 coconut"?

Thank you so much for being patient with me!! I'm such an obvious newbie, but its ok (I hope), as long as I make sure I learn something.

[Rawkinlocs]

What smoothie combos have you made thus far?

I always have success with a basic banana and berries (strawberry and/or blueberry) with a little water (to desired consistency); maybe throw an apple or pear in with it and when you add pineapple...SUPER yum!

[Jo-anne]

The base I use for smoothies is exactly the same as the one Rawkinlocs uses, the only thing different is I freeze all the fruit, for some reason the smoothies always seem to taste (to me anyway) yummier when I blend frozen fruit. Although be very careful though, I have to stop and start my blender several times so it doesn't overheat. I already lost one appliance (my food processor) by not allowing it to cool down before starting up again.

[desertroadrunner]

I make my green smoothies using 1/4 of a pineapple, 1 1/2 frozen bananas, 1/3 to 1/2 head of collard greens and a bit of water to get the blend smooth. I prefer collard greens to kale. Collard greens seem less bitter. I can have that instead of a meal. It usually lasts me the same amount of time energy wise. I usually have one every day and miss it when I don't. You're brave to try the green smoothie as one of your firsts. Most people are turned off by the color or even the idea of a green smoothie. The first time my husband tried one he said it tasted like his lawn clippings, but has since become accustomed to the taste and enjoys them with me! Another favorite is banana and strawberrry. My husband came up with this one. I use 1/2 cup to 1 cup almond milk, 1 1/2 to 3 bananas and some frozen strawberries. Blend until smooth. Tastes like a strawberry milkshake. I also make a mango lassi using 1 cup orange juice, 1 cup water, 1 mango, 1/4 cup cashews, tsp cinnamon and 1 tsp. cardamom. This one tastes like a 50-50 bar. You know the ones we used to get off the ice cream truck as it went around the neighborhood. Vanilla ice cream covered with orange popscicle. Yummy! The newest one I've created is a mocha type smoothie. I start with about 1/2 to 1 cup almond milk then add 1 1/2 to 3 frozen bananas, 1 to 2 Tbs instant decaf coffee, 1 to 2 Tsp raw chocolate, 1 tsp vanilla and 1 to 2 Tbs honey. I can't think of any others I make right now. I hope this helps. Ket us know what you think.

[desertroadrunner]

I've used water in the past in place of coconut milk/water. As far as the coconut meat substitution I can't help there.

[sionkali]

You're all so very very helpful!! Thank you so much!!


Another favorite is banana and strawberrry. My husband came up with this one. I use 1/2 cup to 1 cup almond milk, 1 1/2 to 3 bananas and some frozen strawberries. Blend until smooth. Tastes like a strawberry milkshake.

I am all over this recipe for lunch tomorrow. I love the taste of strawberry milkshakes, so this one should definitely (I'm hoping!!) be a winner with me.

I'll let you know how it goes!! :)

[Autumn]

My fav is banana-strawberry-pear. I freeze the bananas and strawberries beforehand. Add a little water to get the consistency you like. I add *very* little, since I like my smoothies super thick. I have NEVER had this one fail, plus for some reason I am always in a good mood and have a lot of energy after drinking this.

[GlimR]

My favorite~
Mango, pineapple, frozen banana, big handful of baby spinach, ice if needed, almond milk or water to thin .......deelicious~

[Kris]

[QUOTE=sionkali]I love the taste of strawberry milkshakes, so this one should definitely (I'm hoping!!) be a winner with me.QUOTE]

Me too -- love strawberry milkshakes, and I made my first raw one last night! I was so impressed with myself that I raved about it all night, and it's so easy.

First I made some really creamy almond milk (a little over 1 c soaked almonds and 2-3/4 c water, small handful of dates, pinch of salt, splash of vanilla) and strained out the pulp. I put most of the almond milk back in the blender (all but about 1/2 c I'd say) and then threw in a bunch of frozen strawberries and blended it again until the strawberries were all broken up. Then I got into a hot bath with a magazine and my milkshake and enjoyed myself to no end.

I realize that, for you more experienced raw folks out there, this little milkshake may seem old hat. But for me it was incredible!! I'm definitely having another one tonight. So delicious and so guilt-free -- I love it!