Recipe: No-Fail Smoothies

Today is the first official day of summer, and what better way to mark it than with one of my favorite summer refreshments? That's right, smoothies! Smoothies are an ideal summer food, incorporating all of those fresh, in-season fruits we have on hand to make the perfect summer breakfast or treat. You're craving one right now, aren't you? Here is a simple recipe that you can use as a template to create your own delicious smoothie flavors, using (at least) two different fruits and any flavor of yogurt. No-Fail Smoothies

• 2 cups ice
• 1 cup sliced, diced, or chopped fruit A
• 1 cup sliced, diced, or chopped fruit B
• 1 cup yogurt, any flavor
• 1-2 cups milk (pick your thickness)
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1-4 Tablespoon sweetener (sugar, Splenda, or honey)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions Blend all ingredients in a blender, first on slow speed, then up to high speed. Serve immediately. My favorite smoothie fruits are: mangoes, strawberries, peaches, bananas, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, pineapple, cantaloupe, and avocado (yes, avocado!). Leave me your favorite smoothie combinations in a comment. TIP: If you use plain, unsweetened yogurt, you'll want to double the amount of sweetener you use. TIP: Freeze and store extra fruit for all-year smoothie bliss. TIP: Use frozen bananas for an even creamier flavor.