It’s summertime, and even though the weather this week has been a bit on the cool side, it was boiling hot last week and the week before. So you never know. Anyway, summer calls for something a little different. I recommend that you try blending up this smoothie in your high-speed blender. Then sit back and relax while you drink it nice and slow…

• half an English cucumber (6-8 inches), sliced into thick chunks
• 1 small-med zucchini
• 1 orange, peeled and quartered
• 1/4 cup raw cashews
• 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup quinoa flakes or rolled oats (NOT stone-ground) 
• one generous handful of ice

Add the cucumber to a high-speed blender, and turn it on, adjusting up to high speed. If you use a waxed cucumber, peel it completely before adding it to the blender.

Add each subsequent ingredient, one at a time, in the order listed above, allowing each to liquify before you add the next. Blend at high speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy.

This recipe makes one generous or two medium-sized smoothies. It makes a great breakfast or mid-afternoon snack. The flavor is sweet, delicious, and fresh. More than anything else, it reminds me of a creamsicle!