Summer Smoothies in a Kilner Jar sippy cup

Phew! It's been hot this week and I've been trying to spend as much time outside as possible to make the most of this spell of gorgeous weather. 

These lovely sippy cups made from Kilner Jars were my daughter's idea and are brilliant for sipping a cool smoothie, fruit juice or cocktail from while lounging in the garden. I love them because there's less chance of spillages and she loves them because they greatly reduce the chance that insects of the winged variety will inadvertently find their way into her drink! 

Kilner Jars are ideal for this purpose as they're made from thick glass and are therefore nice and sturdy so great for outdoors but really any kind of jar could be used. Kilner is a UK brand of glass jar but if you're from North America I think Mason Jars are the nearest equivalent.

Kilner Jar sippy cups are really easy to make so feel free to check out my daughter's blog to find out how.

On the subject of smoothies, I couldn't let this opportunity pass without sharing a couple of delicious recipes. Both of these recipes make 2 large smoothies.

Strawberry, Raspberry and Ginger Smoothie

Notes: I found this recipe on Driscoll's website. They have lots of great recipes using raspberries, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries so is worth checking out for some great ideas. I have reproduced the recipe below in the quantities I made it with using metric measures.

The finished smoothie has a lovely berry flavour with a hint of ginger. As the yoghurt is quite bitter I think it needs the honey to add sweetness but by all means, make it without and then add at the end to taste.

Ingredients:
160ml milk (full-fat, semi-skimmed, almond, soya...whatever you fancy)
250ml natural yoghurt
1½ tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
2 tbsp honey
400g strawberries, hulled
150g raspberries

Method:
Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.

Banana, Blueberry and Lavender Smoothie

Notes: The lavender that's added to this smoothie adds a fragrant aftertaste but feel free to omit if preferred. I've added 2 teaspoons of honey which I think gives the smoothie a nice sweet touch but, as with the strawberry one above, feel free to leave it out and add it at the end if you think it needs it.

Ingredients:

1 banana

375ml milk (full-fat, semi-skimmed, almond, soya...whatever you fancy) 

400g blueberries

1 tsp edible dried lavender flowers

2 tsp honey

Method:

Put all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blitz until smooth.