Summer of Smoothies

There are three basic guidelines for everything we do in summer: Easy, Simple and Fun. So today I realized why can't those same rules apply to our summer breakfasts?

Having three kids means you have three opinions on what's good, and that includes breakfasts. Two like eggs, one doesn't. Two like bacon, one doesn't. Two like Pop Tarts, one doesn't. Two like french toast, one doesn't. And on, and on, and on.

There are very few things they all agree on, except maybe chocolate chip cookies, but no, we're not having chocolate chip cookies for breakfast.

But, they all like some kind of fruit even if not the same ones. And they all like smoothies even if not the same flavor. So I decided this summer will be the Summer of Smoothies! What could be better to start a hot summer day than a healthy, cool and refreshing smoothie?

I'm going to move our bread maker off the buffet and set up a smoothie station, with a blender, bowl of fruit, cups, straws and measuring cups. I'll post photos when it's ready. I'll also create a Smoothie Recipe Book with easy measurements for the kids using just the fruits any of them like.

Of course, some ingredients will be stored in the refrigerator. I'll have to clear space for that and keep them all together, maybe in the fruit drawer.

Here are some smoothie sites I found doing a quick search. Now I just have to narrow down the list and make a basic recipe for each kind of fruit the kids like plus a few with mixed fruit.

All Recipes search: http://allrecipes.com/recipes/drinks/smoothies/
Fitness Magazine: http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/drinks/healthy-choices/healthy-and-refreshing-smoothie-recipes/
Food Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes-and-cooking/50-smoothies/index.html
Chiquita Bananas: http://www.chiquitabananas.com/Banana-Recipes/banana-smoothie-recipes.aspx
Martha Stewart Food: http://www.marthastewart.com/359609/smoothie-recipes

I know I'll add a powdered fiber like Benefiber to my smoothies. I also want to do some research to see if there are any easy vitamin powders to add for the kids to make the smoothies even healthier.

I can't wait for the Summer of Smoothies to begin!