Today I have a very special post…
When Nick was a little guy, he gravitated toward healthier foods. It was not unusual for him to saddle up to the kitchen counter when I was making meatballs with fresh parsley, pesto with fresh basil, or just about anything requiring fresh produce; he’d munch away like a little bunny. We used to call him, “Little Gid” – “Gid” standing for Gido, which means grandfather in Arabic. Dom’s dad, Freddie aka Gido, loved his fruits and vegetables. When the kids were little, it was rare if he came for a visit and didn’t walk in carrying a big box of produce. Freddie was well-known and well-loved at all the local farmers’ markets, and our kids always knew, after Gido’s visit to the market, a visit with us meant that their favorite fruits would also be making an appearance. When in season – Lauren got her mango, Chels, her pineapple, and Nick, his kiwi. They’d get so excited – it was better than candy. The kids would typically enjoy their fruit ‘as is’, but today we’re going to make a tropical fruit smoothie using only the freshest ingredients. Freddie’s love of fruits and vegetables has inspired me to create a nutritious recipe that will help spread the word about healthy eating.
I’m very excited to share with you a special opportunity you have to support local children’s charities, as well as Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, simply by shopping for healthy and nutritious fruits and vegetables at one or more of the 17 participating grocery chains across the country, including Price Chopper. Beginning May 2nd, Produce for Kids® kicked off its 12th annual Get Healthy, Give Hope campaign. This organization, committed to educating families on the benefits of healthy eating, has partnered with a large number of fresh produce suppliers who will make a consumption-based donation to children’s organizations – which means – the more items that shoppers purchase, the more local children’s organizations benefit. To help Price Chopper increase its donation, shoppers are encouraged from June 15 to July 26 to add more produce to their carts.
Because we’re so excited about this campaign, Price Chopper has donated a $25.00 gift card for me to use as a give-away! All you have to do is leave a comment and tell me the name of your favorite nutritious family recipe; one that includes fruits or vegetables. It’s that simple! Be sure to write your email in the appropriate field when you comment so I know how to reach you! Entries will close on Monday, June 23rd at 5:00 pm Atlantic time, and a winner will be chosen at random. US residents only.
Good luck!
Smoothies are awesome! Anytime I can assemble every ingredient for a recipe in one place – I’m a happy girl!
And nothing is more refreshing than this delicious smoothie which combines fresh pineapple, kiwi, mango and banana.
Are you imagining ocean breezes? Swaying palm trees? Crashing waves? Sun on your face? Sand in your toes?
This fruit smoothie makes for a perfect breakfast, brunch, lunch or healthy mid-day snack. And you can bet the kids will love it! They’ll especially love the virtual trip you can take together as you sit, sip and imagine frolicking on a beautiful tropical island. I can hear the kettle drums, now…
Happy travels!
Tropical Fruit Smoothie
- Category: Breakfast
Description
Nothing is more refreshing than this delicious Tropical Fruit Smoothie!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pineapple, cubed
- 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup mango, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
- 1/2 cup 2% milk
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 6–8 ice cubes
- Skewered pineapple cubes and kiwi slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a blender combine pineapple, kiwi, mango, banana, vanilla, yogurt, milk, honey and ice.
- Process until smooth.
- Garnish with skewered pineapple cubes and sliced kiwi.
Now share those favorite recipes…
Ciao!
Trish says
Wow! What a fun, colorful, and fruitfilled smoothie! I love it. Thanks for creating this amazing treat and thank you for your support of Produce for Kids.
Annie says
Thank you!! I loved having the opportunity to share your message!
Danielle Phillips says
My kids absolutely LOVE “Ants on a log- Phillips variation” We use celery (of course) but use dried cranberries AND raisins for flavor variations!
Annie says
I have not thought about Ants on a Log in a very long time! What a great idea! I really like the addition of the dried cranberries! Thanks, Danielle!
Tracy Higginbotham says
I am in love with a new Watermelon Gaspacho I found recently. My family and I can’t stop eating it. It is summer fantastic.
Annie says
Oh man, that sounds good! And so refreshing! Thanks for sharing!
Ann Sageer says
Annie,
Thankyou for your tribute to Dad! He would be so proud of you!! How wonderful to share with all your friends His love of feeding your children and his grandchildren their favorite fruits at the same time allowing us to be a part of such a worthy cause!!
Perfecto!!
XO Ann <3
Annie says
Hi Ann!
When I was invited to promote this important cause on my blog, of course your dad immediately came to my mind. His love for fresh produce is what Produce For Kids is all about. Such sweet memories…
Lucy says
This looks great! I can’t wait to give it a shot. And the pineapple skewers are adorable!
One of my fave healthy recipes is my homemade guacamole. Delish, fresh and oh so colorful!
Annie says
Mmmmmm, I want some! 🙂
Karen Edwards says
Hey Ann, I have all those ingredients on hand so I will definitely be making your smoothie this upcoming beautiful weekend!
I have a recipe for a very healthy dish I have been making in double batches for the past month. It is called Mediterranean Tomato & Grain Salad.
Annie says
Hi Karen, your salad sounds delicious!