Smooth Operator…

A smooth operator I am not. But I sure felt like one blending up some wonderful fresh ingredients for my first foray into becoming a “smoothie person.” My “smooth” feeling disappeared quickly as my rainbow concoction took its turns and started to mysteriously ooze through the blender. But all was not lost and the results were delicious; I now declare myself: a smoothie person.

For that I have to thank sisters Sara Corpening Whiteford and Mary Corpening Barber, the authors of “Super Smoothies- 50 Recipes for Health and Energy.” I have had the recipe book for a while but never spent any time with it until recently. The idea came on a craving for something cold and refreshing, filling and fresh.

“Super Smoothies” delivers everything I needed for my initial smoothie experience. First, the photographs in the book are bright and colorful, tempting my palate more than a little. The early pages are filled with tips for super smoothies which were great for a novice. Then there is a fruit and vegetable glossary which details how to choose your produce, possible health benefits, and the virtues of canned versus fresh versus frozen. Small sections on binders (bran, almonds, tofu, etc.) and a glossary of nutrients follow. The authors also provided information on additives such as ginseng and protein powder, though they believe that a smoothie is best using all natural ingredients and no nutritional supplements. Next comes the recipes! (Each listed with nutritional information- a major bonus)

I really appreciated how this recipe collection was divided into sections such as Immune Boosters, Energy Elixirs and Weight-Conscious Concoctions to name a few. It really showed me how versatile smoothies are and that they are adaptable to whatever you or your family may be going through. There are also sections for the “gals” and the “fellows” as well as “kids shakes.” How appropriate that the first smoothie I chose was from the kids collection.

This smoothie virgin, rapidly turned enthusiast decided to sample the “Over The Rainbow” smoothie. Described with an intent to resemble the orange, raspberry, and lemon lime sherbet we enjoyed as children, this one hit the mark. It was refreshing and sweet, and did make me feel quite nostalgic for summer trips to the ice cream counter. The recipe is as follows:
- 1 cup orange segments
- 3/4 cup chilled apple juice
- 1 cup orange sherbet
- 1 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
Combine the first two; add the others and blend until smooth (the authors put it much more eloquently)

As the experiment continues, I will share with you some of my favorites. Next up for the Smoothie Gal- Grape Escape (also from the kid’s section) Next up for the semi-willing to oblige Smoothie Gal’s Guy- The Incredible Hulk. It’s good for him to dream!

Sara Corpening Whiteford and Mary Corpening Barber own Thymes Two Catering in San Francisco (www.thymestwo.com.) Their other publications include “Smoothies,” “Wraps,” and “Cocktail Food.”