Frozen Vanilla Yogurt + added bonus- dino sprinkles

I accidentally bought a large tub of organic vanilla yogurt at the supermarket instead of PLAIN. Whoa... I am not use to food things with added flavor & was really taken aback by how sweet it was. So it sat there, sadly, in my fridge, pleading with me to use it. I thought hard... for what? I usually like to add my own vanilla... It's sweet, I should use it for a dessert where it will be the predominant flavor... Hmmmm... AHA!!!!!

Added the colorful dinos for the toddler-
frozen, sweet goodness!

Frozen Vanilla Yogurt

• 32 oz. Vanilla Yogurt (Or 32 oz. Plain Yogurt + 1 TBSp Vanilla Extract)
• 1 Cup 2% Milk



Hmmm- which one's real? ;)

• 1/4 Cup Sugar

Combine the ingredients in a bowl.  Follow your ice cream maker's instructions... Mine are to add the mixture to the turned on machine (bowl having been chilled overnight). Mix for 30 minutes. Then allow to freeze for 3 + hours. 


*Lishie tips- The key for any frozen yogurt or ice cream is in having ALL of the cold ingredients, well, COLD. Take out the yogurt & milk at the last minute before mixing... the colder, the better!

I kept the plastic yogurt container- a big 'ol 32 ouncer- to repurpose as a frozen yogurt container!

Smoothie Time!

Well, just when isn't it smoothie time?! I love smoothies for Gabriel, my toddler, as much as I love them myself. They are great snacks & very filling! Plus they are super healthy with fresh fruit & ingredients. And did I mention oh so versatile?!? You can use any combination of fruit (but keep in mind that a banana as a "base" provides for a good, smooth texture). You can also use any kind of milk- from skim to whole, almond, or soy or even frozen yogurt or ice cream! (YUM)... And get creative with fresh herbs, etc... And to change the texture or make it colder, slushier, just add ice!

If you have a picky tot, make a healthy smoothie &, in a pinch, sub. as a meal. If you pack it with fruit & calcium, your little one is set to go!

This was Gabriel's "choice" this morning:

Banana & Pear Smoothie
1 banana, sliced
1 pear, peeled & sliced
3/4 cup plain (or vanilla) yogurt
1 cup milk (I use whole, organic)
1/4 tsp Vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla yogurt)

Place all of the ingredients in the blender & puree until smooth.

Mama's choice*:
Banana-Ginger Smoothie

1 banana, sliced

3/4 cup plain (or vanilla) yogurt

1/4 tsp Vanilla extract (omit if using vanilla yogurt)

1 TBSp Honey

1 tsp freshly grated Ginger

Place all of the ingredients in the blender & puree until smooth. 

Enjoy!

*Lishie Tip: The banana/ginger combo is a natural antacid & digestion helper.