Blatantly anti-banana smoothie-related question

[joyous]

I'm starting to get really interested in smoothies, after reading the thread about them a few days ago. I've found several recipes that sound wonderful, except for the addition of the dreaded banana. In my world, bananas aren't food.

I'm afraid bananas aren't in there just for flavor--I think there's a texture issue involved. What could be substituted that would still allow for the thick "smoothie" texture?

[CheerLiz]

I'm anti-banana, anti-yogurt, pro-smoothie, too!

I find that if I just use frozen fruit (I use frozen strawberries or raspberries), and mix in a little orange or cranberry juice, and some pineapple or mango, they taste just fine. I tend to put some ground flaxseed in, too, but that's just my never-ending search for fiber.

Good luck, and I'm glad to see that there are other anti-banana-eaters out there, too!

Liz

[Jewel]

Girlfriends, I have NEVER in my life eaten a banana. I love the scent and flavor, and I love banana-nut muffins or bread, but even the FEEL of a raw banana creeps me out. I am nearly 39 years old, and last weekend I had my first raw banana...I drank it. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

I never, ever thought I would like bananas in smoothies, but I'm hooked! Strawberries and bananas are so good together! I'm the original picky eater, so I'm not gonna fault anyone for saying 'No Way Jose!' and passing on the nana.

I agree with CheerLiz, any fruit will do. If you're concerned about thickness, try my trick! My first smoothie was the Banana-Mango from March '01. CL calls for a TBS of nonfat dry milk and 2/3 cup skim milk in place of yogurt. Also a heck of a lot cheaper! Anyway, DH and I bought a canister of Vanilla Flavored Soy Protein Powder at the Health Food Store to use in place of the nonfat dry milk. 1 TBS of that in your smoothie will really thicken it up, and it's one of the best ways to sneak soy into your morning! We love them now. Enjoy! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[Tina_B]

I don't mind bananas, and I love smoothies. But my sister on the other hand, says that eating a banana feels like wearing sweaters on your teeth. Crazy girl.

[Mandy]

I've found that peeled fresh peaches give smoothie's a great texture. Add some berries and flax seed and your set to go.

[LGBurns]

Silken tofu (the kind in the box on the shelf not the plastic container in the refrigerated section). It adds the creaminess you want, and you're getting soy protein to boot!

[KathrynY]

Try the Tropical Tofu Smoothie from CL Jan/Feb '00. It has strawberries, pineapple, frozen yogurt, tofu, juice and NO bananas http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif.

[Maggie]

My favorite smoothie is completely banana-free.

It has only frozen strawberries, orange juice, soft tofu, a little sugar or honey and a few ice cubes. It's thick and creamy and no bananas are needed! The ice makes it slushy and the tofu gives it a great creamy texture.

[makedah]

Joyous and Cheerliz -- I feel your pain. (BTW -- I too, dislike yogurt. Plus, I'm lactose intolerant, so milk powder is a no-no, too.)

What's more, I started an almost identical banana-free smoothie thread a few months ago. Perhaps there will be some inspiration there for you.
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/Forum1/HTML/006114.html

[CheerLiz]

makedah, you are an angel! I am so excited to go to bed tonight just so I can wake up and make a SMOOTHIE!

Liz http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[joyous]

What great ideas! I'll have to make a lot of smoothies to test them all. Gee, the sacrifices I make in the interest of science. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Makedah, thanks for the link. I did a search, but didn't go back far enough, I guess.

[Melina]

If you don't want to introduce another fruit flavor into your smoothie, you could add some non-fat evaporated milk in place of the banana. It thickens the drink, and mellows the flavors at the same time. I especially like to use it when I'm making a "one fruit" smoothie. I also add some crushed ice. You can use it with fresh fruit or frozen fruit.