5 Delicious Smoothie Recipes For Your Kids To Enjoy

Does your child turn up her face every time you put a glass of milk in front of her? As a parent, do you sometimes struggle to come up with innovative ideas to make that plain glass of milk more appealing to your little one? Most parents would have faced this situation sometimes.

Majority of parents want their child to have milk at least once a day because it provides essential nutrients. Various studies point out that milk has many vitamins and minerals that promote physical and brain development in children. The calcium and Vitamin D present in cow's milk help in preserving bone health. Even variants such as almond, cashew or soy milk contain nutrients that help in growth and development.  

So, we have made your work easier -- these smoothie recipes are sure to entice your little one. What’s more, if your child is lactose intolerant, you can always swap cow’s milk with nut/soya milk.

1. Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

Makes: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, frozen
  
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
  
• 1 tbsp honey
  
• 200 ml milk
  
• 2 drops of vanilla extract (optional)
  
• 2 tbsp roasted and crushed peanuts
  

Method:

1. In a blender, combine the bananas, peanut butter, milk, honey and vanilla extract till you get a smooth consistency.
   
2. Pour into two, tall glasses or mason jars and top it up with roasted peanuts.
   
3. Your creamy and healthy smoothie is ready to serve.
   

2. Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Makes: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries
  
• ½ cup thick yoghurt
  
• ½ cup milk
  
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
  
• 1 tbsp honey
  

Method:

1. Blend all the ingredients together till they are combined well.
   
2. You can substitute regular cow’s milk with almond or cashew milk
   
3. When can use any frozen berry mix or even a mango, if strawberries are not available.
   
4. Enjoy this luscious smoothie with your children
   

3. Chocolate Almond Smoothie

Makes: 2 glasses

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp of organic drinking chocolate
  
• 200 ml almond milk
  
• 1 tbsp sugar/honey
  
• 1 tbsp crushed almonds
  
• 2 tbsp crushed bourbon biscuits (optional)
  

Method:

1. Blend the almond milk, drinking chocolate and honey in the food processor.
   
2. Lightly roast the crushed almonds
   
3. Once you get a smooth liquid, pour into glasses and sprinkle the roasted almonds
   
4. You can make the smoothie look more appealing by topping it up with the crushed bourbon biscuits
   

4. Dried Fruits Smoothie

Makes: 2-3 glasses

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed dried fruits (almonds, cashew, pistachios, raisins)
  
• 3-4 dried figs
  
• 5-6 dates
  
• A pinch of cardamom powder
  
• 1 tbsp honey
  
• 2 cups milk
  

Method:

1. Soak the almonds, cashews and figs separately for a couple of hours
   
2. In a mixer-blender, combine all the ingredients including the soaked ones.
   
3. If you feel the consistency is too thick, use a little more milk.
   
4. Pour the smoothie into glasses filled with crushed ice and top with a few chopped nuts.
   

5. Avocado Apple Smoothie

Makes: 3 glasses

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
  
• ½ avocado
  
• 2 tbsp honey
  
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
  
• 2 ½ cups milk
  

Method:

1. Core the apple and cut into cubes
   
2. Scoop out the flesh from half an avocado.
   
3. Put all the ingredients, including the fruits, into a blender and combine well.
   
4. Pour into glasses and serve. Consume immediately.
   

Enjoy these recipes with your children on a hot summer day at home. These smoothies make a hearty meal and can be served for breakfast. 

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