Shamrock Smoothies!

To say that these Shamrock Smoothies are delicious is not an exaggeration by any stretch...scrumptious perhaps would be appropriate in describing them.

I jazzed up the original recipe that was in a Midwest Living magazine.
Preparing the smoothies doesn't take long and believe me you will be so pleased that you made them...refreshing to say the least!

Shamrock Smoothies:

1 banana, sliced in 1" chunks
6 Kiwi, peeled and quartered
Place the above prepared fruit on a parchment lined cookie sheet and freeze for approximately 4 hours.

In a blender, combine:
1 cup green grapes, seedless
6 oz. Key Lime yogurt (Yoplait)
1 cup orange juice
3 Tbsp. honey
4 -5 Tbsp. Rum, if desired
1/2 of the frozen fruit
Blend well and then continue adding the remainder of the fruit, blending well after each addition.

I added a few drops of green food coloring and that brightened the mixture beautifully!

Pour into desired vessels and top with whipped cream and a slice of Kiwi or fresh mint and you have a St. Patrick's Day treat!

I am linking to the following:
momscrazycooking
hoosierhomemade
sassy sites
paisley passions

Strawberry Mojito

I must admit that making mixed drinks doesn't occur often at our home so when it came down to the Family Throwdown I didn't really have a clue. I did a fair amount of recipe searching and decided on a Strawberry Mojito.

Personally, I thought the drink was tasty although a bit strong for my liking...the addition of mint leaves and sliced strawberries in the glass made for an attractive drink!

The Strawberry Mojito recipe is modified a bit from a Southern Lady magazine.

Strawberry Mojito:

1/4 cup fresh lime juice
3 ounces light rum
3 ounces Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup (recipe follows)
2 ounces club soda
Fresh mint leaves
Sliced Strawberries (fresh)

In a large (4 cup) measuring cup combine the lime juice, rum, simple syrup and club soda, stir to combine.
Place a few sliced strawberries and mint leaves in the bottom of desired glass. Fill glass desired amount of ice and pour drink over all.
Garnish withe fresh berries & mint leaves if you wish.

Strawberry Mint Simple Syrup:

3 cups water
3 cups sugar
3 cups chopped fresh strawberries
1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

In a large saucepan, combine the water and sugar over medium high heat, stirring until sugar is completely dissolved. Add the strawberries and bring to a quick boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the mint leaves, cover and steep for 15 minutes.

Strain syrup and cool completely.

The Strawberry Mojito looks most attractive and tastes good on a hot & humid day!!!

Refreshing indeed, although I would personally cut back on the rum just a bit.