Chai Spiced Pear Smoothie
Chef Robert Schram
Clovis West High School
Clovis, Calif.
Chef Robert Schram created his own chai spice blend for this quick smoothie. It can be made ahead and stored in a covered container to save even more time. Canned pears shorten the prep and add just the right flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Chai Spice Blend
4 tsp. ground ginger
4 tsp. ground cinnamon
2 tsp. ground cloves
2 tsp. ground nutmeg
2 tsp. ground cardamom
1 tsp. ground black pepper
Smoothie
3 bananas, peeled and sliced
3 cups (24 oz.) nonfat vanilla yogurt
¾ cup lowfat milk
2 cans (15 oz. each) diced canned pears in extra light syrup, drained
5 tbsp. Chai Spice Blend
Steps
- For spice blend, combine all spices in spice grinder to mix well. Set aside, reserving ¾ teaspoon for topping.
- For smoothie, place banana slices in freezer for 30 minutes.
- In blender container, combine frozen banana slices, yogurt, milk, drained pears and chai spice blend; cover and blend until smooth.
- Pour smoothie into six 10-ounce glasses; garnish each with 1/8 teaspoon spice blend. Serve immediately.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Northwest Canned Pears