THIRSTY THURSDAY

Another of my favorite publications is SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS. The recipes are just as the title implies-most are easy to prepare and usually are interesting and tasty. These smoothies are no exception.

BERRY DELICIOUS SMOOTHIE

Combine 1 1/2 c. fat-free strawberry Greek yogurt

3/4 c. acai mixed berry V8 juice blend

1 c. each frozen unsweetened strawberries and blueberries

1/2 c. each frozen unsweetened raspberries, blackberries, and pitted dark sweet cherries

1/4 c. wheat bran

1 tsp. ground flaxseed

SUPER MANGO SMOOTHIES

Combine 1 1/2 c. peach mango juice blend

1 c. each frozen pineapple and mango chunks

2 tbsp. each 2% cottage cheese and ground flaxseed

1 tbsp. toasted wheat germ

BLUEBERRY OAT SMOOTHIES

Combine 1 c. unsweetened apple juice

1 c. vanilla yogurt

1 c. frozen unsweetened blueberries

1/2 c. quick-cooking oats

2 tbsp. maple syrup

GREEN BREAKFAST SMOOTHIES

Combine 1 c. crushed ice

3/4 c. unsweetened apple juice

2 c. fresh baby spinach

1 medium pear, coarsely chopped

1 medium ripe avocado. peeled and cubed

3 tbsp. honey

SUNNY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIES

Combine 1/2 c. fresh baby carrots and 2 tbsp. water in a microwave-safe bowl; cover. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until carrots are tender.

Drain and rinse in cold water.

Toss carrots in a blender with 1 can (11 oz.) drained mandarin oranges

1 c. frozen unsweetened sliced peaches

1/2 c. orange juice

1/2 c. crushed ice

1/2 c. silken firm tofu

1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

TO MAKE: TOSS INGREDIENTS INTO A BLENDER AND PROCESS UNTIL SMOOTH. SERVE IN CHILLED GLASSES