If you take a look at smoothie recipes most of them will tell you to simply throw everything in a blender and blend until smooth. Yes smoothies are that easy, but there are some things that can make them even better.

CHILL OUT

Use frozen fruit. The recipes don't always specify, but if you have time to freeze your fruit beforehand, your smoothie will stay colder and be thicker than if your fruit was warm. Large fruits (like bananas or melons) should be chopped into pieces before freezing. Spread the pieces on a plate or baking sheet while in the freezer. That way they won't freeze into one big lump. Once frozen, then you can store them together in a freezer bag or container.

SCRATCH THE JUNK

To keep it healthy, there are lots of small substitutions you can make to lower the fat content of your smoothies. Use skim or soy milk instead of regular milk, or frozen yogurt instead of ice cream. Add nutrition with some wheat germ, protein powder, or brewer's yeast.

TOO RUNNY?

Your smoothies are coming out thinner than you'd like, add a few more ice cubes to the recipe.

HASSEL FREE BLENDING

Add the liquids to the blender first, to prevent it from binding up on the frozen fruit and getting stuck. Also, invest in a good blender. Not just the cheap $10 sale blender, but one with some real power. The right blender can make all the difference in your smoothie experience.

         * DVO welcomes your kitchen hints and cooking or nutrition questions! Email us and we'll post your hints and Q/A's in upcoming newsletters! *