Cynthia Clarke's 60 Smoothie Sensations

From the publisher:

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Cynthia Clarke's 60 Smoothie Sensations

            "You gotta try this! It's good and fresh, and it fills me up. The fruit flavor is so powerful." Cynthia Clarke was looking for a healthy alternative to ice cream shakes and sodas when she first tasted this frosty drink. A mixture of berries and bananas with sherbet, her first smoothie was a real eye opener. "The energy I felt after drinking my first smoothie was incredible." She admits, "I've been hooked ever since."

            Before smoothies evolved, it was just orange juice or milk with breakfast. Now we can drink a fresh combination every morning from all the different blends Cynthia has invented. It took years of trial and error, but she has a big family, so she experimented on a daily basis to get the formulas just right. Actually, Cynthia has been training for this her whole life. She grew up in sunny, Southern California with tangerine, grapefruit and lemon trees in the backyard. "My dad used to make a citrus blend of fresh squeezed juice from our fruit trees. It was very refreshing on a hot afternoon," she remembers. "When we added crushed ice to the blender it was a real treat."

            With a family of her own and six little boys to feed, Cynthia has lots of hungry volunteers to sample her new creations. The book has been a family project. Her husband Chris is the photographer and designer. Each boy is pictured with his favorite smoothie (and cute smiles with lots of energy). Chris says, "It took a lot of work to put this book together, but it's been a delicious adventure."

            "We borrowed sixty place settings from a store with glasses, pitchers, napkins, utensils and placemats for the photos. Then we started blending and taking pictures," Chris recalls. "We used a digital camera with lights set up all over the house," he said. Cynthia asked friends and neighbors for help with the project. She remembers, "We asked if we could set up a photo shoot in their homes, and afterwards spent time sipping smoothies together." Everyone agreed, "It was a fun project."

            Cynthia Clarke's 60 Smoothie Sensations has been featured in book clubs and at local bookstores and gift shops all across the country. Chris says, "It's very popular. In fact, we're writing some new cookbooks on Outdoor Cooking and Bagels & Pretzels that will be out in 2001. We've developed a bunch of creative recipes we want to share with everyone."

            Cynthia is a blue ribbon cook with awards from state fairs, contests, and a wealth of experience. Chris loves to contribute his talents and will share his favorite camping recipes in their upcoming Outdoor Cooking book. If their first book is any indication of the quality we can expect from the Clarkes, we will all be healthier and happier as a result.

            We'll start with Cynthia Clarke's 60 Smoothie Sensations. Just in time for the holidays, it is a must-have recipe collection for every kitchen. A book of tasty treats the whole family will enjoy.

The following review is copied with permission from Amazon.com

            Cynthia Clarke's 60 Smoothie Sensations is better than all the rest!

            Raspberry Shower, Pineapple Berry Riot, The Ultimate Pina Colada, Peach Pleasure, Watermelon Rhapsody, Lusty Lemon, Cranberry Velocity, Pineapple Lime Whimsy (Front Cover Photo), Tickle Me Lemon, Strawberry Kiwi Rush and Mango Blossom are only a few of the fabulous smoothies that you will find in this book. These recipes have been tested by all kinds of people with great results every time.

            Cynthia Clarke is a prize winning cook and really knows how to make the best! These smoothies are exceptionally delicious and will quench your thirst and satisfy your appetite!

            This book is also fun to look at with a full color photo opposite each recipe so you will know what to expect before blending. Each smoothie has been photographed in imported glasses and stemware to show a variety of ways to serve your smoothies. You will also find bonus recipes to make out of smoothies, such as a smoothie pie, dip, ice cream sauce, salad dressing and more. There's a menu/ingredient list, stir-ins and supplement suggestions and fruit tips. All you need to know for refreshing blending is in this book. So give it a try.

            SAMPLE RECIPE: Peachy Passion, 2 cups passion fruit juice (Ocean Spray), 1 cup frozen peach slices, 1-1/2 cups frozen strawberries, 1 large banana (optional), 1 cup (packed) orange sherbet. Blend on high speed until smooth. Stop after 10 seconds to push down the peaches, if necessary. Pour into four 10 oz. or two 20 oz. chilled glasses. Serve immediately. Enjoy!