Purple Power Smoothie

     Our niece Erin arrived in Kansas last week to attend the Excite Camp (focus on high school girls in engineering, science, technology, etc.) at Kansas State University. So it seemed only fitting that we create a Purple Power drink. It was one of those concoctions where we added a little of this and that . . . but the results were quite favorable. Even Uncle Barry, who is not a smoothie fan, gave it a thumbs up. 
     Here's what we came up with . . . and it was amazing the effect the vanilla had on the overall taste — vary anything else you want but don't leave out the vanilla.

Purple Power Smoothie   2 servings
1 banana

1 cup (8 oz.) milk – we used almond milk

¼ cup plain yogurt – we used Greek

Pinch or two of ground nutmeg, cardamom & ginger

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen (we used frozen)

2 tablespoons agave syrup or other sweetener –adjust to your own taste

2 teaspoons “good” vanilla

1½ cups of ice

1. Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until ice is crushed and drink is frosty. Add additional milk if drink is too thick.

Erin peels the banana to add to the blender.

Erin adds the agave for sweetness.

2.  Put on a K-State shirt and enjoy your drink!

Erin added a mint leaf and is ready to take a drink!