Make your own smoothie shaker

I wanted to "invent" something NEW (sort of) that I could share that would be fun and easy - the idea is not my own original idea but the home version is my own idea (at least I hope so - haven't seen it anywhere).  I have seen those expensive Dole Smoothie Shakers in the grocery store and was really wanted to see if I could replicate the concept at home.

I came up with an at home smoothie shaker version that works fairly well - so far so good - and I thought I would show you what I came up with.

First you need to have a few items - I am always looking for uses for the ice cube trays (with lids) that I used to make my daughter's baby food.  This is a reason to bring those back out!!

Second - a mason jar or something similar.  The container needs to be "hard" so that when you shake, the frozen goodness breaks up and turns into a smoothie.  I originally tried a plastic container and it didn't do anything.

And last but not least, a food processor or something that will puree fruit.  (I will explain further).  I used my baby food maker.

Basically, here is what I did.

I had bananas that were getting really ripe (around three) so I decided I would try this out.  I pureed them but you can mash them with a fork or use a hand mixer.  Bananas are easy to mash up and are probably the best fruit to use for the at home version.  I recommend using ripe bananas or they are not going to taste is good and they will be too hard for this home version.

I also bought some strawberries that were on sale (buy one, get one) so I had a bunch.  I pureed them as well (not quite an entire pound).

I froze the mashed bananas, strawberries, and one container of Yo Baby Blueberry yogurt (you could probably use whatever you have on hand) all in the ice cube trays.  I kept everything separate but maybe you could combine as one mixture and freeze - I didn't try this - maybe next time.

I know it sounds like a little bit of work up front but makes a good amount that you can make quite a few smoothies without bringing out the blender every time you want to drink one.

Okay, fast-foward 24 hours once the fruit is frozen.

Here is how you make the "smoothie":

Get out your mason jar and add approx. three cubes of bananas, two cubes of strawberries, and two cubes of yogurt (makes about 8 oz of a smoothie).  Then I pour about 1/2 cup of apple juice over top (basically enough to cover the cubes) - less is better and then add more if you need to so it isn't too watery.  You can use any kind of juice you like - I am considering trying carrot or more of a vegetable infused juice in the future.

Put on the lid and SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE!!! It takes some good shaking and I will be honest, we do still have some chunks of fruit (which I usually try to break up a bit w/ a spoon) but all in all, this works pretty well.

I have come to the conclusion that you have to use bananas and yogurt because of their consistency and how they melt easily - not sure if you can try other berries b/c I haven't done that yet.  I have wild blueberries so I may try those.

I did puree some spinach b/c I wanted to add some iron to the smoothie but I couldn't get the spinach to break up enough even after shaking vigorously.  I think there is too much water content in the spinach (almost like an ice cube) HOWEVER I have it now and don't want it to go to waste, so I am just going to thaw in the fridge and add it in - this step is not necessary but wanted to give a heads up.

These come out really good and are easy and quick to make once you have done the original prep work.  Good luck and if anyone tries other vegetables or fruit, let me know how it works.  I would like to sneak in more veggies for my daughter and even for myself - I am probably the worst!!!

This is my at home version - I am not a chef or scientist but I don't have too many fears in the kitchen - so if anyone has any suggestions or tips, please let me know!