It is simply gorgeous outside today, so I’ll keep this brief. My kids are pressed against the window on the porch, asking when I’ll join them — and waiting for their smoothies — so I must hurry.
As a child, my favorite treats were milkshakes, purple cows, and my mom’s version of an Orange Julius. There was something magical about the blender transforming chunky, varied ingredients into a perfectly smooth, drinkable dessert. I also loved anything I could sip through a straw.
A few years ago I had a renewed appreciation for my mother’s kitchen wisdom. Consider the ingredients in a Purple Cow: plain yogurt, frozen bananas, and grape juice concentrate. That’s it. It’s inexpensive, simple, and far more nutritious than many packaged snacks. Yogurt supplies protein, calcium, magnesium, riboflavin, B6, B12, and vitamin D. Bananas add vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and manganese. Grape juice concentrate contributes vitamin C and antioxidants. Best of all, Purple Cows take five minutes or less to make. Thank you, Mom.
Purple Cow Smoothies
- Prep time: 5 minutes or lessCooking time: NA
Yield: 4–8 servings, depending on cup size
Ingredients:
- 4 cups plain yogurt, divided
- 1 (11.5 ounce) container frozen 100% grape juice concentrate, divided
- 3 frozen bananas (peeled before freezing, if possible)
Directions:
- Put yogurt, frozen bananas, and grape juice concentrate into the blender jar.
- Place the lid on the blender and blend on high until smooth. If the blend is too thick or the blender struggles, stop, remove the lid, stir, and add a splash of cold water or milk. Replace the lid and blend again.
- Divide the smoothie among serving glasses, add straws, and enjoy.