Kefir Orange Julius Smoothie

I've always enjoyed the flavor combination of orange and vanilla. When I was a kid, I would always choose a creamcicle push-up when the ice cream truck came through our neighborhood. And when I was a teenager spending my own money at the mall, an Orange Julius was worth the expense, even on my limited budget! Right now, there's a very juicy and sweet seedless tangerine available at my local Whole Foods called Satsuma Mandarins (see photo below). They're only around for a short time and, although I normally don't eat a lot of fruit, this is one fruit I look forward to every year and enjoy in moderation only during this season. This kefir smoothie has the taste of an authentic Orange Julius! It's frothy and sweet with the perfect blend of orange and vanilla, just as I remember. The orange oil or extract is important to give this recipe the orange punch of the original drink. I used a few drops of culinary orange oil, which is available through specialty cooking stores or on the internet, but regular orange extract that you can find at any grocery store will work too, just make sure it's pure orange extract, not imitation flavoring. This recipe makes about 3 servings, so you can share it or save some for later. It makes a delicious breakfast smoothie, afternoon snack or healthy dessert.

Kefir Orange Julius Smoothie

Makes 3 servings (about 1 cup each)

1-3/4 cup plain milk kefir, unsweetened

1 peeled seedless mandarin orange (or small navel orange)

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk)

6 drops of Valencia Orange stevia

1-1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-4 drops of orange oil (or 1/8 teaspoon orange extract), to taste

1/4 teaspoon stevia powder, or to taste (I used Sweet Leaf brand)

4-5 ice cubes

1 tablespoon coconut or flax oil (optional)

1 scoop prebiotic powder (optional)

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust flavorings and sweetness, if desired. Serve immediately or store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Nutritional Information per 1 cup serving (no optional ingredients): 146 calories, 6.8 g carbohydrate (0.5 g dietary fiber, 6.8 g sugars), 8.5 g total fat (3.5 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 28 mg cholesterol, 56 mg sodium, 140.1 mg calcium, 213 mg potassium, 346 mg Vit A, 8 mg Vit C, 5.7 g protein. Net carbs per serving: 6.3 grams

Recipe by Kathy Sheehan, copyright 2016

All rights reserved. Please do not duplicate without author's permission.