BERRY BANANA SMOOTHIE

In our quest for the perfect smoothie, Gary and I have experimented with a variety of fruits and juices. Pictured at right is a strawberry banana smoothie with an orange juice base.

1. Place in a high-powered blender and blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds:

1½ cups apple, orange, berry, pineapple or orange-blend juice

1 large banana, sliced

1½-2 cups frozen berries

2 Tbsp ground flax seed (optional)

2. This recipe makes a thick smoothie. Add juice as it blends if you'd prefer a thinner consistency. Yields two tall glasses.