Strawberry and Almond Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 ripe banana, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup almond butter
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prepare Ingredients:
   • Wash the strawberries thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and slice them.
   • Peel the banana and slice it into smaller pieces.
   • Measure out the almond butter, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a blender, add the sliced strawberries, banana slices, almond butter, almond milk, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and ice cubes.
3. Blend Until Smooth:
   • Secure the lid on the blender tightly.
   • Start blending on low speed, gradually increasing to high speed.
   • Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, with no visible chunks of fruit or ice remaining.
4. Adjust Consistency (Optional):
   • If the smoothie is too thick, add a little more almond milk, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
   • If it’s too thin, add a few more ice cubes and blend again until desired thickness is achieved.
5. Taste and Adjust Sweetness (Optional):
   • Taste the smoothie and add more honey or maple syrup if desired for additional sweetness. Blend briefly to incorporate.
6. Serve:
   • Once the smoothie reaches the desired consistency and sweetness, pour it into glasses.
   • Optionally, garnish with a fresh strawberry or almond slices on top for presentation.
7. Enjoy:
   • Serve the strawberry and almond smoothie immediately while it’s cold and refreshing.
   • Sip and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet strawberries and creamy almond flavor!
8. Storage (Optional):
   • If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick stir or shake before serving again.
9. Variations (Optional):
   • Feel free to customize your smoothie by adding other ingredients such as spinach or kale for extra nutrition, a scoop of protein powder for added protein, or chia seeds for a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Experiment and Enjoy:

• Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredient ratios to suit your taste preferences. Smoothie making is all about creativity and enjoyment!