Fruit Smoothies

This is a old picture from my early endeavors making smoothies. Since then I've learned how bad those smoothies were compared to how good they are now. Oh, I'm also on a different blender thanks to the "help" of little hand in the kitchen dropping it all over the kitchen floor. Note to self: Don't let him hold on to the blender top.

We make these a lot because it's a great balanced breakfast on-the-go with both carbs & protein. It travels with you in a hurry. Make what you like and it can be gluten-free, dairy-free, or whatever you want it to be.

Here's a bit of a process to help you make up your mind about what you exactly want to drink.

1. Decide what texture you want - smooth & creamy or slushy & icy
2. What fruit and/or veggies do you want to use - yes I said veggies. I was a skeptic too, but fresh spinach is really nice in a smoothie
   
3. Liquid, if you are using frozen fruit/veggies than you'll need a liquid to thin it out
4. Patience, the longer you blend the smoother it gets - if you like bits, cut it a bit short.
5. How sweet - if the fruit isn't in season, you might want to combine with a sweeter fruit or add a bit of sweetness (honey, jam, juice/nectar
6. To add protein powder or other additives
   

Slushy - I like mine with little bits of fruit

• Fruit/Veggies - berries, peaches, melons, carrot puree, etc
• Juice/Water/non-dairy liquid

Smoothie - I like mine really smooth

• Fruit/Veggies - berries, bananas, mango, carrot, spinach, peaches, etc
  
• Yogurt or Milk
• Protein Powder
• Juice/Milk/Water

My current favorite is strawberry/blueberry smoothies with yogurt, juice, and protein powder.

I'm looking for new ideas. What's your favorite combination?