Berry Granola Smoothie

If you haven't noticed, I'm a sucker for berries. I can eat them for breakfast, dessert, and even in green salads or dressings (soon to come). Because I tend to buy too many berries in the supermarket when I only need a few, I have to get creative in ways to enjoy them. I made this smoothie as morning after-workout breakfast. It contains 6 fruits! That's more than half of your 9-a-day fruits and vegetables recommendation. I realize there is some whipped cream, ok so not the healthiest. But, not only does the cream give some added sweetness- because there is no sorbet, sherbet, or ice cream in the smoothie, but it was an after-workout indulgence on my part.

The smoothie is very easy to make. The fruits included are frozen banana, fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, orange juice, and 1 thinly-sliced apple. I would have preferred just using apple juice, but since I did not have any on hand, I thinly sliced apple hoping to get some juice out of it when it blended. It worked out fine, and I added some ice to thicken the whole smoothie. What was novel about this smoothie, though was the addition of granola in between the layers of smoothies. I went off the idea of my favorite drink at Jamba Juice which is a berry smoothie topped with granola. I decided to put the granola inside rather than on top because I prefer more of an element of surprise and to get some crunches here and there without knowing. The directions are easy and the ingredients of course, are not fixed. Use what you like, or whatever fruit you have on hand that you think will taste good. One suggestion is lemonade with berries is always a winner. I know this recipe is easy but it tasted too good to not feature here. Drink up!

Ingredients (for 1 smoothie):

• 1 frozen banana
  
• Couple fresh strawberries
  
• Couple raspberries
  
• Couple blackberries
  
• 1 thinly-sliced apple
  
• Juice of 1 orange
  
• Couple of ice cubes
• 2 tablespoons your favorite granola
  
• Dollop of whipped cream (optional)
  
• Mint leaf for garnish (optional)

 Blend all fruit ingredients together and then ice. Place half of the smoothie in a wide based cup. Put granola on top. Then top with remaining smoothie. Garnish with whipped cream and mint if desired.

Half of the smoothie topped with granola: