Bob & Mary Jo Stamper, owners of the Aska Lodge B&B in Blue Ridge, Georgia, have created a no-fail, signature smoothie for pampering their bed & breakfast guests with this refreshing recipe for Green Tea Blueberry Smoothies.
Packed with antioxidants capable of neutralizing free radical damage in the body, the Aska Lodge B&B's signature smoothies also benefit from the addition of frozen banana for that extra kick of potassium---perfect for invigorating inn guests before hiking & white water rafting trips.
From Mary Jo of the Aska Lodge B&B...
Even when the blueberry bushes on our property aren't in season, blueberries have been so reasonable in our local groceries that our signature Green Tea Blueberry Smoothie has become a popular, year-round treat. Whether I'm harvesting berries from our own bushes or buying them on sale, they are so easy to prep (simply wash, dry and freeze) that I always have an abundant supply of blueberries on hand.
For re-creating our signature smoothies at home, I suggest keeping a few, frozen bananas on hand as well---they will make this enticing drink even more frosty and delicious! I try to buy (and freeze) overripe bananas when available since they're less expensive to purchase and are perfect for lots of different recipes: just peel, put the bananas in a zippered, freezer-safe bag, freeze and take out as needed.
Also, I recommend Celestial Seasons Blueberry Green Tea, which gives this smoothie extra blueberry punch, but any good green tea would work.
Editor's note: I have found that using chilled Pomegranate Green Tea works nicely as well and adds a nice dimension to the flavor. By following Mary Jo's suggestions and using frozen blueberries, frozen bananas and chilled green tea, you are sure to be rewarded with thick, frosty smoothies of perfect consistency. Enjoy!
Green Tea Blueberry Smoothies
A "Best of" Inn Cuisine, recipe courtesy the Aska Lodge B&B, adapted from Woman's Day magazine
- 1 & 1/2 cups strong, chilled green tea (made with 6 standard tea bags)
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 1 frozen banana, sliced into 1" chunks
- 3 tablespoons honey
In a blender, whirl chilled green tea, frozen blueberries, banana chunks and honey on high speed until smooth and combined. Top with fresh blueberries, a sprig of basil or mint if desired, and serve immediately.
Yield: Makes 3 (1-cup) servings.
So gonna try this, however since I'm allergic to honey I'll be using Agave nectar.
Posted by: Kathleen | 01/21/2011 at 03:50 PM
I must have missed this the first time around! Copied and pasted - it sounds delicious (and looks beautiful!).
Posted by: Susan | 01/22/2011 at 08:10 AM