Berry Banana Smoothie by Patrick…delicious!

One of our favorite summer activities is going berry pickings. We have delicious Hood Strawberries in our backyard and pick up local berries of all varieties weekly at our farmer’s markets, but there’s something special about going to the berry farm.

It’s a family tradition – has been since last year when our then-three year old could join my son and I on our berry adventures. This year, we all got up, got ready and went about fifteen minutes from our home to a familiar farm to pick raspberries and strawberries.

As usual, we ate as we picked – some of us more than others I have to admit. Fresh raspberries are irresistible. (note: we pay a little extra to make up for what we eat)

We freeze a lot of berries throughout the season so that we can use them year round. One of my kid’s favorite ways to enjoy our “fresh” berries is in smoothies. Sometimes we just toss a bunch of different things in the blender, but we often make this recipe that my daughter calls berry-licious.

This is a great breakfast or snack that your children will enjoy making as much as drinking. Whether they help wash the berries, peel the bananas or measure the ingredients, getting them involved has a long list of rewards – for them and you!

Patrick’s Best Berry Banana Smoothie

Makes approx. 16oz.

Ingredients
12 Really ripe strawberries
1   Cup frozen blueberries
1   Banana
1   Cup milk (we use almond milk)
4   Tsp raw oats
2   Tbsp almond or peanut butter
1   Splash of vanilla

Making the smoothie
In the blender, grind up the oats – they help thicken the smoothie. Wash the strawberries and remove the hats. Peal the banana.

Put all the ingredients in the blender. We learned the hard way not to put the milk in first – all the fruit splashes! Blend well. Pour in your glasses and drink up.

You could also add in 2 or 3 ice cubes or substitute the milk for yogurt.