Recipe: Summer Smoothies

Cool down with these three refreshing smoothies.Check out the recipes below:


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Raspberry-Vanilla Smoother by Giada De Laurentiis
Makes 4 servings


Inspired by her husband Todd (raspberries are his favorite!), this frosty recipe is a perfect mid-morning treat. Giada suggests using 2 percent Greek yogurt because it’s thicker and creamier, giving the smoothie a nice consistency.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/2 cup apple juice or cider
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: In a small saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil over medium-high heat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved, about 5 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.

STEP 2: Pour the cooled syrup into a blender. Add the yogurt, raspberries, apple juice, vanilla, and ice. Blend until the mixture is smooth and thick.

STEP 3: Pour into glasses and serve!




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Spa Cucumber Smoothie by Food Network Magazine
Makes 4 servings
Need an escape? Close your eyes, sip on this cucumber concoction and your taste buds will be transported to a tranquil state of bliss. Made from all natural ingredients, you won’t feel guilty for indulging in extra servings.

INGREDIENTS

2 medium cucumbers
Juice of 1 lime
1/2 cup water
1 cup ice
3-4 tablespoons sugar or honey

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: Peel, seed and chop cucumbers.


STEP 2: Add cucumbers to blender with lime juice, water and ice. Add sugar or honey.

STEP 3: Blend until smooth and serve!



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Spiked Weekend Smoothie by Claire Robinson
Makes 4 servings
For those weekend mornings when you need a little extra oomph, the French Culinary Institute alum has your answer. She serves up strawberry and citrus with a hint of orange liqueur. We feel better just talking about it.

INGREDIENTS

8 large strawberries, trimmed, halved, and frozen
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream
1 tablespoon sugar (or more if berries aren’t very sweet)
2 tablespoons orange liqueur
Orange wedges, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, orange juice, and orange zest. Pulse to coarsely chop.


STEP 2: Add orange liqueur, frozen yogurt, and sugar. Continue to blend until smooth and frothy.

STEP 3: Divide between four small glasses and garnish with an orange wedge and serve.



Disclosure: I did not receive any products nor was paid for this post. I was provided info from the PR firm to share. Thanks to A Bullseye View. Any expressed opinions are my own and personal thoughts. No other compensation was given.