CITRUS SMOOTHIE - Joy the Baker

When I saw this posted on Joy the Baker I knew it would be delicious. Really, anything citrus is divine. This is creamy (frozen bananas) and tart (all that lovely citrus). And it is healthy so drink up!

A juicer

A blender

2 Tablespoons Meyer lemon juice (I used our local lemons)

the juice of 1/2 a grapefruit

1/2 cup fresh orange or tangerine juice

2 tablespoons honey

heaping 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1 frozen banana (they blend better when frozen)

1/2 cup ice cubes

In a blender, combine juices, yogurt, and honey. Blend for a few seconds. Add the ice cubes and blend until smooth. This makes two regular sized smoothies. Heaven.

LESLIE'S WASSAIL

My cousin, Heather, claims that Wassail is really a fancy word for Apple Cider. Although it has apple cider as a main ingredient, lots of yummy additions make it far more interesting than just cider.

My friend, Leslie, is famous for her Wassail (she even uses it to bribe others to donate to her beloved Southwest Shakespeare). I recently made a batch for our family Christmas party and it was a hit. We shall be drinking this on Christmas morn.

1 quart water
3 sticks cinnamon
5 cloves
1 cup sugar
3/4 teaspoon ginger (fresh would be lovely)
1 teaspoon allspice

Bring the above ingredients to a boil and then simmer for 10 minutes. Remove cloves and cinnamon sticks, then add:

1 12 oz. can orange juice concentrate

1 6 oz. can lemonade concentrate

2 quarts apple cider

Serve warm

BANANA MILK SHAKE

This is a great treat-and it is not what you think. There is no ice cream--just over-ripe frozen bananas with milk, vanilla, and a little sugar. Instead of tossing out your over-ripe bananas, peel and freeze them. You can use them for baking and cold, frothy drinks.

Banana Milkshake
1 frozen ripe banana, cut into chunks

1 cup milk

1 - 2 tablespoons sugar

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
Blend all ingredients until smooth. Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top--yum!
Makes two servings

Recipe from Pinch My Salt.