Frozen Yogurt Smoothie

Frozen yogurt smoothies are the perfect summertime treat, especially for those who enjoy the cold, refreshing and tasty delight of a milkshake but want a healthier, fruit-based alternative. Making your own frozen yogurt smoothie at home can be made even healthier because you will have control over what ingredients and flavor components you put in.

Frozen yogurt makes for an ideal smoothie base. It is lower in fat (or nonfat, depending on the yogurt used) than ice cream, but offers wonderful textural consistency and flavor. Vanilla flavored yogurt is the most popular option because it already offers a hint of sweetness that complements additional fruit or chocolate flavors well, but plain yogurt is also a nice option for those who are especially health conscious.

With a virtually unlimited list of fruits and flavor additions to choose from, making a number of different delicious frozen yogurt smoothies is quick and easy. Typically, you will need:

• Frozen yogurt


• Non-frozen yogurt (optional)


• Flavor additions (fruit, chocolate, peanut butter, spices, etc.)


• Ice


• Blender

Here are a few favorite recipes to enjoy during these hot summer months:

Strawberry Banana Frozen Yogurt Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 banana


• 1 cup fresh strawberries


• 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt


• 1cup ice


• 1 cup strawberry/banana yogurt

1. Cut up the fruit and add it to the blender.


2. Add remaining ingredients to the blender and blend on high for 40 seconds, or until you’ve reached your desired consistency.

Vanilla Yogurt Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 Banana


• 1 1/2 cup Dannon Vanilla Yogurt (substitute with fat free)


• 3/4 cup frozen peaches


• 8 oz. whole frozen strawberries


• 1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate

1. Place all ingredients in blender, add ice to fill blender and blend.

Wheat Germ Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 ripe  banana


• 1 cup vanilla yogurt


• 1/4 cup orange juice


• 1/4 cup wheat germ


• 1 cup cracked ice


• 1 cup sliced fresh peaches or banana slices (optional, for garnish)

1. Cut banana into small pieces.


2. Put banana and yogurt in a blender with peaches, orange juice and wheat germ.


3. Add cracked ice.


4. Blend until smooth.


5. Garnish with peach or banana slices and sprinkle some more wheat germ on top.

Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 small ripe banana, sliced


• 2 tablespoons peanut butter, creamy


• 1 tablespoon honey


• 1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt

1. Put banana, peanut butter, and honey in a blender.


2. Blend until smooth.


3. Add yogurt and blend until creamy.

TIP: If you want to use frozen fruit instead of fresh such as frozen strawberries or peaches, do not add any ice. Blend for an additional 5-10 seconds.