Beat the Summer Heat with this Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

These are the dog days of summer. When it’s this hot, a cool refreshing smoothie hits the spot. But this usually means high calorie drinks loaded with ice cream and sugary yogurts. Below is a lighter version of a smoothie that is creamy and sweet without all the calories. Orange flavored water enhancer and creamy almond milk gives this smoothie the classic orange creamscicle taste we all remember from our childhood. It’s so refreshing, you’ll be making it all summer long.

Serving size:	1 Smoothie
Number of servings:	2
Calories per serving:	15

Ingredients	Calories
2 cups water	0
1 tsp agar	0
1 tsp orange flavored water enhancer	0
1 cup unsweetened almond milk	30
1 Tbsp no calorie sweetener	0
1 cup crushed ice	0

In a small sauce pot bring water to boil. Add agar and boil for 2 minutes. Remove pot from stove. Let cool for 5 minutes. Add water enhancer and no calorie sweetener. Pour liquid into a bowl and place in the refrigerator until liquid has completely cooled and set into a gelatin.

In a blender, add almond milk and orange flavored gelatin. Puree until smooth. Add crushed ice. Continue to puree until smooth.

Pour into two tall glasses. Serve.

Barbara's Tips

Agar is a natural vegetable gelatin derived from algae. It is sold in packages as dried strips or in powdered form. It can be found in grocery stores and specialty markets. Since it is used extensively in Asian cuisine, it is much cheaper if purchased at a market that specializes in Asian food.

The agar needs to be dissolved in boiling water in order to be activated. It sets and turns to gelatin as soon as it is cooled.

The gelatin gives the smoothie the thickness typically achieved by using creamy yogurts or ice cream.

Essential Flavor Ingredients

Orange Flavored Water Enhancer adds orange flavor to water without adding calories. It comes in powder or liquid form and can be found at any grocery store.

Almond Milk is made from almonds. It has a creamy, nutty taste. Unlike cow’s milk, it has no cholesterol or lactose and unsweetened almond milk has about one third the calories of regular milk.