Simple Summer Smoothies

For several summers, I've experimented with different ingredients to make smoothies.  I love smoothies, but I could never make one that was exactly what I was looking for until this summer.  The two most important factors for me in a smoothie are the fresh-fruit flavor and a refreshing feel.  I tried ingredients such as yogurt, ice cream, vanilla extract, etc. to concoct something that suited my taste buds.  This year, I found what I like using goat milk, frozen fruit, ice cubes & sugar.

Just a note, I do think the goat milk is key to the recipe because goat milk is so creamy, but I realize that many people don't have access to goat milk.  I would guess that whole cow milk would produce a similar product.  However, keep in mind, that whole cow milk has a butterfat content of 4%.  My Nubian goats are known to produce a 5-6% butterfat, which means that their milk is creamier than cow's milk.

This isn't an exact recipe; it is more of a process.

Step 1 - Fill your blender about 2/3 full of frozen fruit.  Add 6-10 ice cubes.  Fruits that we enjoy are frozen strawberries, peaches, bananas, and blueberries.  This one is peaches and bananas.

Step 2 - Nearly cover the fruit and ice with milk.  As I mentioned, we use raw goat milk, which gives these smoothies a creamy feel without adding any yogurt or ice cream.

Step 3 - Add sugar to your suit your taste buds.  I add about 3 tablespoons of sugar.

Step 4 - Blend until all ice cubes and frozen chunks of fruit are gone.

And the best part - enjoying them as family on a hot summer evening!