Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberries were the fruit of my youth. In the summertime, they were consumed almost daily. We would chop up the strawberries and mix them into a bit of vanilla ice cream (topped with a generous dose of chocolate syrup, of course). On special occasions, they were spooned on top of angel food cake and topped with a dollop of whipped cream. Usually, though, we ate them simply—sliced and sprinkled with a spoonful of sugar to make them sweet and ooze strawberry juice.

I never could resist liking that bowl clean.

One of my favorite bedtime snacks was the classic strawberry smoothie. I would sip them up on hot summer evenings. The chilled drink would always cool me down until I got goosebumps. The taste was close enough to a strawberry milkshake that I felt like I was getting a special treat even though my smoothie was anything but unhealthy.

Mothers are good at tricking you like that.

Nowadays I tend to enjoy them while strolling around outside or for a light breakfast when I'm on the go. One of my favorite qualities of smoothies is the versatility. They are perfect for all hours of the day. Morning, afternoon, or evening, you can always enjoy this understated treat.

This strawberry smoothie is a light, fruity drink that will satisfy any sweet (or health conscious) tooth. The base of the smoothie is low-fat vanilla yogurt and milk. Strawberries and ice provide a nice variety in texture, while a splash of vanilla extract will help round out the flavors. Remember, you control the amount of sugar in the drink. If you're afraid it may be too sweet (or you're watching your sugar levels), add a little sugar at a time until it is just right for you.

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Strawberry Toasted Oat Yogurt Parfait

Dear Mother Nature,

I need a little spring in my life. Six months of winter is a little much even for a Northern-dwelling, frostbite-resistant me. I know you have a flair for creating frigid temperatures, snowflakes, and winds that rival a hurricane (which, don't get me wrong, I do appreciate so very much), but I could use a little break. A hiatus, if you will. Just a month or two (maybe three?) of a little sun and some non-snowy terrain. I don't think that's asking too much of you.

It's April. I want to see flowers. Green grass. Birds singing. I wouldn't say no to a bit of rain. Even thunderstorms, if you're not finished making enough of this fierce weather. Though, I must admit you were really clever with that thundersnow a week ago. I haven't seen that one before—a little bit of spring and winter at the same time.

I know you're busy wreaking havoc around the world and the desperate pleas of one of its inhabitants probably doesn't mean much to you. I think I've been pretty complacent until now—few complaints, fewer protests. I don't ask for much. I even forgave you for that freak snowstorm in the middle of May a couple years ago. You remember it, don't you? That day I was packing up and moving? You certainly made that day one to remember.

Now, I didn't want to come out and say this but you've left me no choice. I think you've gotten a bit callous and spiteful these past few years. Cold-hearted, even. You're supposed to be Mother Nature, not Tyrant Earth. Have you forgotten your gentle and nurturing instincts? Perhaps you are hanging out on the beaches of sunny Florida without a care in the world, but I'm knee deep in a snowbank and I'm not liking the weatherman's forecast. Another month of winter, Mother Nature? Really? What did I ever do to you?

Your disgruntled friend,
Kristin

This parfait will bring a bit of much needed spring into your kitchen. The parfait features layers of subtle vanilla yogurt, sweet strawberries, and toasted honey oats. Although this parfait is simple to make, the flavors are complex enough to keep you coming back. This is the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack.

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