Tropical Smoothie

Honestly, I haven't had the time to do any baking in a few days. I have been cooking some interesting stuff for dinner, but haven't taken any pictures.Most days, I just don't have the drive (or the energy) to go get the camera! And the rest of the time, I just forget! I really ought to hang my camera around my neck while cooking, so I don't forget to click a few pictures. My hungry family is grateful I don't make them wait around, though. :)

Anyhoo, my little girl is crazy about fruit. Lately, she's been devouring mangoes and strawberries like there's no tomorrow. For some strange reason though, she calls strawberries 'ice cream' (or 'ifeem' in 20 month-old talk). At least 10 times a day she asks for 'ifeem'. This smoothie drove her wild, and she kept nodding and saying 'more, more, more'. It was simple, easy to make and absolutely refreshing and delicious!

For a change from the regular smoothies, I made these with some coconut milk. Hence, the name 'Tropical Smoothie'. I was going to call it Mango-Strawberry smoothie, but then I didn't want Mr. Coconut to feel left out. The coconut had a very important role to play in this smoothie. He made it extra-yummy and creamy! SO GOOD! I also added a pinch of cinnamon, which added a lovely dimension to it.

I usually add sugar and lemon juice into smoothies, but this time I didn't need to add any. The mango was perfectly ripe and sweet, and the strawberries were just a little tart. I absolutely love the golden, peachy color of this smoothie. 

Tropical Smoothie
Ingredients
1 large ripe mango, peeled & cubed
3/4 cup strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/2 cup skimmed milk
1 cup coconut milk (not coconut cream)
Cinnamon, a large pinch
2-3 ice cubes
Sugar & lemon juice (to taste)

Method
1. Combine the mango cubes, chopped strawberries, milk, coconut milk, ice cubes and cinnamon in a large blender jar and blend until smooth.
2. Taste, and add sugar and lemon juice, if required.
3. Transfer to chilled glasses, and top with more chopped mango and strawberries, if desired.
4. Click some nice pictures of it BEFORE you serve it to your parched family.

(Oh wait. That's not a step in the recipe. Just a reminder for me for the next thing I make.)
This is a great summer drink, and packed with stuff that's good for you, too! Here's to your good health. And mine. :)

Technorati Tags: Fruit, Tropical, Smoothie, Coconut, Easy