Tropical Cooler Smoothie by the Lake

Looking for a summery pick-me-up? Try out this refreshing Tropical Smoothie recipe and let it transport you to a warm sunny day by the lake in the Okanagan! As always, these recipes are extremely adaptable to your own tastes/diets. You can use fresh fruit in your smoothie (if in season), frozen, or canned. In the summer when mangoes are in abundance here I like to use them fresh, with some frozen pineapple and banana chunks.  Do what I do and buy a bunch when the fresh stuff goes on sale, then chop it and store it in your freezer for a quick and easy smoothie.  I always like to use some frozen fruit and try to minimize the amount of crushed ice I add. Ingredients

• 1 cup orange juice
• 2 cups pineapple chunks
• 1 banana
• 1/4 cup milk or milk substitute
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 cup crushed ice

Directions As always, toss your ingredients in the blender and mix until creamy!  One thing I love to add in to this smoothie is coconut oil.  The coconut compliments the pineapple amazingly, and the health benefits of it are huge! Go ahead and add in whatever healthy boosters you prefer. Once blended, pour into a chilled glass, add some pineapple for garnish, sit back and enjoy!