Nothing is more depressing than UK’s fruit scene during winter.
Most fruit are imported during this time and on top of being exorbitant they are tasteless. There are only so many apple pies, pear crumbles and fresh oranges I can stomach before repeatedly hitting my head against the wall out of pure boredom. At last I have figured out a solution!
A while back I complained to a friend about Gabriel getting constipated. As a foodie I don’t know where I have gone wrong because I can’t get him to eat anything else other than meat, bread, pasta, cheese and yogurt. Fruit, vegetables and even potatoes he gives one look at and refuses to eat them. Mysteriously, he is a very strong and healthy child. I refuse to join the brigade of parents who go through great lengths to hide vegetables in dishes. Most produce taste good in their own right, don’t they?
She suggested experimenting with smoothies. Hmmm, interesting idea. A little while later I got to work. Since it was winter, the fruit scene was still dreary at the shop but then something caught my eye in the frozen section that I have not noticed before. Frozen fruit! Not over my dead body would you catch me eating them but in smoothies they are ideal and you don’t even need to chill the drink with crushed ice. Oh, and did I mention they are almost half the price of their fresh counterparts?
There are two types of smoothies I make. One is orange juice based and the other milk and yogurt. Usually I blend tropical fruit with the orange juice and berries with the dairy. So far, everything has worked a charm.
The good news is Gabriel loves them. And he’s regular again. Now only to get him to eat his greens…
Print
Strawberry & Orange Smoothie
Description
Author: Michelle Minnaar
Ingredients
- frozen strawberries
- orange juice
- caster sugar [optional], to taste
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, orange juice and sugar in blender.
- Blend until smooth.
Notes
- Use a ratio of 2:1 for orange juice and strawberries.
- If the juice seems too thick, add a bit more orange juice to thin it.
- You can use fresh strawberries but will need to blend in some ice cubes as well to chill the drink.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 187
- Sugar: 29.6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 2.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35.8 g
- Fiber: 5.6 g
- Protein: 8.8 g
- Cholesterol: 7 mg
beth
Daughter eats lots of fruit – it’s hubby thats the problem in our house, plus he doesn’t like bananas. I’m going to make this one for him for sure
Jen
Raspberries, vanila frozen yogurt & honey is one of my faves. For my son (who is growth hormone deficient) we do chocolate peanut butter smoothies adding in some whey protein to chocolate frozen yogurt and drizzling in some slightly melted (microwaved) smooth peanut butter. It’s a painless way to add in more calories for him.
Maria
I love the color of this smoothie. Perfect drink for strawberry season!
Valen
I love fruit and can’t wait for summer because of all the different varieties of fruit! I love mangos, and nectarines especially. This smoothie looks delicious!
lindsey
Lovely story. Try adding a handful of spinach to your smoothie. You won’t taste it, but will get all the nutrition.
Ivy
Michelle, believe me you did nothing wrong. I have raised three children the same way and they like different things. One of my sons is just like yours: meat, pasta, milk, eggs and desserts. I also temp them by making milkshakes in order to eat some fruit. Have to try this combination. Would never had thought that oranges and strawberries match.
Marisa
Deeelish! You should try a green monster (smoothie) for him to get his greens in… The fiercely green colour might appeal to him.
Bonita
Delicious…. and healthy too.
Love it very much….
Lea
My husband never eats any fruit but recently i’ve started making him smoothies and this is by far his favourite! Can always count on you Michelle x
★★★★★
Michelle Minnaar
Thanks Lea! It’s one of my favourites too.