peaches and cream oatmeal smoothie

I don’t know about you guys, but here in Alabama the weather has been gloomy, gray, and cold for what seems like weeks. Sometimes I wonder if the rain will ever go away, and I long for sunshine. I started making these smoothies in the mornings to bring back a little of that Alabama sunshine back to start our day off right. Nothing reminds me of summer and warm weather like a delicious peach. They’re my favorite fruit. Luckily, frozen peaches are readily available in the grocery store to bring back some of that summer warmth.

Those sunny frozen peaches are blended with lowfat yogurt for protein and oatmeal for fiber. You may think it is a little weird to put oatmeal into a smoothie, but you can barely taste it and I like the bulk that it adds – it helps keep you full longer. The banana in the smoothie is what adds the creaminess – bananas with a little brown on them are best. Even if you don’t like bananas, don’t leave it out – the texture they give is the key to this smoothie.

Feeling guilty for eating one too many candied bacon biscuits? Or need some sunshine in your life? Whip up this quick, easy, and healthy smoothie! Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.

Peaches and Cream Oatmeal Smoothie

Makes 2 servings

• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1/2 cup dry (not cooked) oats
• 1/4 cup peach nectar, water, coconut water, or juice (see Recipe Tips)
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. I use the ‘liquify’ setting and blend for a while until I can’t see flecks of oatmeal anymore. This will make the smoothie…. well, smooth. If you are having trouble blending, add a little more juice or water until it blends well. Add a straw, close your eyes, and pretend it’s 72 degrees outside.

Recipe Tips:

• The smoothie needs some sort of liquid to help it blend well. I typically use half of a 5.5oz can of Kern’s Peach Nectar to boost the “peachiness” of the smoothie. If you are watching sugar or calories, you could also use coconut water, plain water, or milk if you like. If you don’t have peach nectar on hand, any type of juice will work, it just may slightly alter the flavor of the smoothie.
• The honey in the recipe is completely optional. I usually add it if I am using water just to give the smoothie some extra sweetness.

Recipe Source: This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart’s oatmeal smoothie recipe, here.