Dan's Papers - July 13, 2007 - Frozen Treats to Tempt Your Tastebuds

The hot days of summer have arrived and my favorite summer treat is not ice cream, it's smoothies. There is nothing more refreshing than sipping down an ice-cold smoothie on a hot, muggy day. Smoothies don't only taste great, they are also a healthy snack and can help you loose weight. Smoothies often satisfy your sweet craving while taking up space in your stomach, causing you to feel full. Here are a couple of smoothie recipes to try:

2 cups milk
1/4 cup unsweetened instant tea
1/4 cup nonfat vanilla yogurt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves, optional

In a blender, combine all ingredients but the ice and mint. Process until blended. Gradually add enough ice to make a thick consistency. Pour mixture into tall glasses and serve. Garnish with fresh mint, if desired.

12 ounces fresh raspberries (or 12-ounces frozen raspberries, thawed), divided
1 quart vanilla gelato (or ice cream), lightly softened, divided
2 tablespoons almond liqueur (recommended: Amaretto), divided
2 teaspoons orange zest, divided
Ice
4 Italian macaroon cookies (recommended: Amaretti), divided

Place half the raspberries in a blender with half the ice cream, 1 tablespoon almond liqueur, and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Pulse the blender until the mixture is combined. Add about half a tray of ice and blend until smooth.

Divide the smoothie between 2 highball glasses and continue making the other 2 smoothies with the remaining ingredients. Crumble the macaroon cookies over the top of the smoothies. Serve with long spoons and a straw.

2 large, ripe bananas, sliced
2 cups frozen sliced strawberries, slightly defrosted in microwave, just to break up the block a bit
2 cups sliced frozen peaches, slightly defrosted in microwave, just to break up the block a bit
2 cups strawberry banana lowfat custard yogurt
2 cups milk

In half-batches, combine all ingredients in blender and blend on high until smooth. The frozen fruits will make the smoothies extra cold and frothy, too!

For an interesting twist on an old favorite, try these snow Gogh Cones, made with vodka and adults in mind. With 19 flavors, including three that feature color (Double EspressoT, Pomegranate and the new Acai-Blueberry), Van Gogh Vodka provides a wide variety of refreshment options for the hottest summer days.

"In addition to our flavored vodkas, any of our designer cocktail recipes will also work in snow cone or slushy form," said Van Gogh Vodka corporate Bartender Stacy Nicoll.

Mix 2 oz. Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka
2 oz. lemonade
3-4 drops of blue raspberry syrup
pour over shaved ice.

Combine 2 oz. Van Gogh Pomegranate Vodka
2 oz. pineapple juice
3-4 drops of cherry syrup and pour
crushed ice.

Mix 1 oz. Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka
1 oz. Van Gogh Coconut Vodka
1 oz. pineapple juice and a splash of cream
pour over crushed ice.

Combine 1 oz. Van Gogh Double Espresso Vodka
1 oz. Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka
1 oz. Kahlua and 1 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
pour over shaved ice.

Whether you need something with a little kick or just a frothy refreshment, smoothies and snow cones are the treat of the season. Enjoy!