Rise 'n Shine

Ronda L. Halpin

When August heat has you sweating before you get out of bed in the morning, it might be time to consider a cool and easy breakfast that will keep you and your kitchen cool.

Enter smoothies. Smoothies are blended drinks consisting of fruit, yogurt and often another liquid to aid in blending. I love them because they are easy to put together, healthy and even a great option for breakfast on the go. People often ask me for my smoothie recipe and, honestly, I had to think hard about it. It's not really a recipe ... more of a formula that goes into making one. It takes a cup of fruit (often frozen), some yogurt and maybe a flavoring or two, and a bit of liquid to help the blender do its magic. In 5 minutes ... often less ... you have a healthy way to start your day. And no sweat equity required!

As always, I encourage you to share your recipe ideas and comments. You can always post comments in the discussion board using the forms provided in the articles or email me directly at .

No Fuss Smoothies

Fruit (1 cup of any combination of the following)

Sliced fresh or frozen banana
Frozen strawberries
Frozen blueberries
Frozen peaches
Frozen mango
Frozen raspberries
Frozen blackberries

Yogurt/Flavorings

6 oz. plain or flavored low or non fat yogurt
1 T. honey (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla or other extract (optional)
1 T. toasted wheat germ (optional)

Liquids (choose one of the following)

1/2 c. orange juice
1/2 c. skim milk
1/2 c. pineapple juice

In the pitcher of a blender, combine all of your chosen ingredients and blend until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve immediately.

Yields: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes