Berries

Creamy Banana Blueberry Milkshakes

 

I hope you guys love milkshakes as much as we do. With the steamy summer days that have been sweeping the USA a little relief from a creamy dreamy shake would be nice huh! Take out your favorite magazines, set up the kiddie pool pull up a lounge chair and let’s have some shakes…..

 

Healthy fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

 

Recently via my friend Barbara from the blog Creative Culinary brought my attention to a fun food event called Goaterie. “A group of people with shared interests in goat.”  One eyebrow raised. And then the other. Time to get my goat on. I have always been a big fan of goat cheese, my Berry Goat Cheese Pizzas are proof of that. It was time to experiment with more….much more.

 

Healthy diet fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

 

The frozen bananas blended with milk, in this case goats milk tastes like rich half melted ice cream. Amazing. If you are vegan go with coconut milk, almond or rice milk.

 

Healthy diet fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

 

To up the ante I made a blueberry sauce. Pour some in the middle of the shake and then even more on top. Yes, more + more = heaven. I can’t seem to get enough fruity sauces in my world. Chocolate sauce isn’t bad either.

 

Healthy diet fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

 

There was something very special about this shake that goes beyond the delicious taste. It was the first time I used a big girl blender. A big, high power kitchen appliance that I knew I wanted and now finally own. It sits like a big trophy in my kitchen. Blendtec reached out to me recently and offered to send me one of their can do anything blenders.

How could I refuse?

 

Healthy diet fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

I first puréed the blueberry sauce and then the frozen bananas some ice and the goats milk. The ice blended so perfectly, not a misplaced chunk to be found. It was as if the best coffee shop or juice bar on the planet made me a shake. But I did it myself! Do you like shakes? Love ’em? What is your favorite kind of milkshake?

 

Healthy diet fruit milk shake on MarlaMeridith.com blog

 

 

 

Creamy Banana Blueberry Milkshakes

Makes two 10 ounce milkshakes

NOTES:

  • Feel free to experiment with any fruit combinations. The frozen bananas make this shake extra creamy.
  • Add any spices to taste. Pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc. would all be great choices.
  • Instead of goats milk you can use any milk or yogurt you have on hand. Coconut milk would be awesome in this.
  • I have you make a lot of blueberry sauce here, much more than you will need for two shakes. You will be happy I had you do this. We use it over pancakes, parfaits, pudding and love to eat it with a spoon. It stores well in the fridge when packed in an airtight container. For long term storage you can freeze it.

INGREDIENTS

  • 11 ounces fresh or frozen Blueberries
  • 2 frozen Bananas
  • 8 ounces of Goats Milk or any dairy or vegan milk
  • 1-4 to 1/2 dropper of Vanilla Stevia Drops (this will depend upon how ripe/sweet your fruit is) or your favorite natural sweetener to taste
  • 4 ounces Ice Cubes

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS

  • fresh Blueberries for topping
  • some ground spice, I used a dash of Ginger in these shakes

METHOD

Blueberry Sauce: Put blueberries and a few teaspoons of water in a sauce pan. Heat over medium high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 6 minutes until berries have burst. Let cool a bit and then purée in your blender. Taste the sauce and add any sweetener if desired.

Milkshake: In a clean blender add milk, banana and ice in that order for the best results. Blend your shake until it is nice and creamy. Taste  to see if it is sweet enough. If you are using any spice add it now.

Shake Assembly: Fill a tall glass half way with banana shake, add a few spoonfuls of blueberry sauce, top with more shake. Add more sauce or fresh blueberries if desired.

 

 

Looking for more ways to use that Blueberry Sauce? 

Milkshake Recipe Links

 
 
Don’t forget to check out Goaterie. You can submit your recipes to their link up too!
 
MarlaMeridith.com disclosure: I was contacted by the folks at Blendtec to review their blender. All of the opinions in this post are my own and I only promote items that I stand behind and enjoy using. This blender rocks!

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~ Marla Meridith

Join the Conversation

567 thoughts on “Creamy Banana Blueberry Milkshakes

  1. Ahh…what a dream! I only have a $9 piece-o-crap blender…and desperately need a Blendtec! 😀 Thank you for the giveaway Marla!
    As for what I’d blend up:

    Oatmeal Raisin Cookie {Smoothie}
    http://chocolateandcarrots.com/2011/04/oatmeal-raisin-cookie-smoothie
    Ingredients
    2 medium bananas
    2 scoops of vanilla whey protein powder
    1/3 cup old fashioned or quick cooking oats
    1/2 tablespoon cinnamon
    1 tablespoon raisins
    2/3 cup skim milk
    1 cup crushed ice
    How-To
    -Blend together and enjoy!

    Servings: 2-4 (It’s a meal for 2 or a snack for 4)

    1. Caroline, are you addicted to Instagram or what?! Blendtec says it can blend an iPod? Huh, what? For some reason I do not think we will try that over here 😉

  2. My favorite shake is this insane chocolate-espresso-Frangelico milkshake at B Spot Burgers in northeast Ohio – it is seriously indulgent but pretty much the most delicious thing ever. 🙂

    However, I don’t really make milkshakes at home, I usually leave them for a treat when I’m out. I’m much more likely to make smoothies at home – my favorite version is:
    1/2 frozen banana
    frozen mangoes
    fresh cantaloupe cut up into chunks
    as much orange juice as it takes to get my hand blender to run

    I bet I would need less juice and be able to use more whole fruit if I won this blender, which would be great!! 🙂

  3. I am currently enjoying a daily green smoothie for breakfast or lunch. Raw leafy greens, banana, frozen berries, kefir, honey, and a raw farm-fresh egg. It gives me a ton of energy to get through the morning.

    The only problem is the number of times I have to stop my plastic, 18-year old Walmart blender to stir it and get it blending again ; ) Would LOVE a Blendtec!

    1. Katy, that is exactly the same problem I was having with my less expensive blenders. The power in this thing is amazing & it has custom settings for all types of recipes. Your shake sounds awesome!

  4. I like to make a quick and simple chocolatey protein shake after I get home from the gym. Depending on the amount of liquid used, you can make it more like frozen yogurt consistency or more like a smoothie shake. I like to change it up depending on my mood!

    1 c almond milk
    1/2 banana, frozen
    1 c strawberries, frozen
    1 scoop chocolate protein powder
    1 tbsp cocoa powder

    1. Jessica there is something about those frozen bananas that bring about the best texture, flavor and make shakes seem like something “more” A great way to feel like you are drinking a “real” milk shake.

  5. I learned that the best way to load a Blendtec blender is liquids first, soft ingredients, and then hardest ingredients/ice last.

    1. Thanks for sharing, I wonder if this applies to other blenders, because I always put in my ice cubes (the hardest thing) first!

  6. I went to the Blendec website and learned that they’re the company that made those awesome WILL IT BLEND videos!!! I LOVED those in college but never knew that was the company that made them – they rock!!

  7. I’m not the biggest shake fan, but this would be great for making gazpacho (especially in all the heat!)

  8. I would love to win a Blentec blender. I’ve been making green smoothies with spinach, kale, frozen fruits like berries and bananas along with almond milk. Unfortunately my blender leaks 90% of the time. I hate to waste good ingredients. Having the Blendtec would be fantastic.

  9. I would love to win a Blentec blender. I’ve been making green smoothies with spinach, kale, frozen fruits like berries and bananas along with almond milk. Unfortunately my blender leaks 90% of the time. I hate to waste good ingredients. Having the Blendtec would be fantastic.

  10. This shake looks fabulous Marla!!…….we don’t own a blender, so I would LOOOOVE to own a Blendtec!!! We’d be whipping up milkshakes and smoothies all the time!!

    My favorite milkshake? plain old chocolate!!

  11. My favorite shake to make is a mint chocolate chip milkshake. Pretty basic, using just ice cream and milk, but oh so good! Homemade ice cream makes it even more divine!

  12. I love just about any combo of fruit and (almond)milk, but my recent favorite is a coconut milk/pineapple/banana combo.

  13. I learned on Blendtec’s website that you can make your own almondmilk with the blender – something I’d love to do but my current blender is too weak. :/

  14. Here’s my basic green smoothie recipe:

    -3 medium collard greens leaves, hand-torn into smaller pieces (about 2 cups, chopped)*
    -7-8 strawberries, frozen
    -1/2 apple, chopped (preferably a sweeter variety)
    -Cold water/juice/milk, 6-8 ounces

  15. I make a protein shake every morning. Water, goats milk yogurt, cherries or blueberries, protein powder, and a little espresso/cocoa paste that I make at the beginning of the week. So satisfying! I am so in need of a blender and this one looks DEVINE! Your shake looks delish,

  16. We love to make smoothies at my house. My favorite is strawberry, banana and orange juice. The volume depends on how many you will be making. Start with frozen fruit (bananas and strawberries). Add 2 cups of strawberries and 1/2 a banana to blender. Use approx 1/2 cup of yogurt (can be unsweetened or strawberry flavored). Then add orange juice till it just about covers the fruit in the blender. Blend till smooth. Delicious and a healthy breakfast or snack!!

  17. My favorite smoothie recipe: 1c. coconut milk, vanilla whey protein powder, 2T. of ground flax seeds, 1T. coconut oil, 1c. fresh berries, 1T. raw cacao powder, 1T. goji berries. Yum! I would love to win a Bendtec Blender!

  18. I love making green monster smoothies! Spinach, frozen fruit, and blend away! Than I pour it over my cooked oatmeal.

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

  19. On the website, I learned you can make berry syrup on your blender! Just combine, and press button #3!

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

  20. I am craving a milkshake now!

    My favorite shake right now (since it changes weekly!) is spinach, a frozen banana, frozen blueberries, vanilla protein powder and unsweetened vanilla almond milk 🙂

  21. I just love to throw in some yogurt and fresh fruit (Blueberries, Strawberries, and Mangoes) and a dash of milk and I am good to go!

  22. I love shakes but my true love is smoothies (& fresh fruit margaritas/daquiris when I’m feeling really indulgent!). (Ok, so my waistline made that decision for me!) I have a tendency to go nuts when I go to farmers markets when they have fresh fruit, half of it winds up being chopped up and frozen and then being used for smoothies. I’d love to share a recipe but it’s usually just throw whatever I have in the blender and go to town. My current blender is fairly new but very pathetic. I would love a new blendtec blender to replace my cheapo! 🙂

  23. I’d love to have a big girl blender! My favorite shake/smoothie is a peach/blackberry that is just bunches of the fruit, some greek yogurt and a little juice if needed for thinning. Best if the fruit is frozen first, then it will really be thick. No need to worry about the blackberry seeds- they’ll just fall to the bottom so if you don’t slurp the last bit, no seeds!

  24. I just like a basic Milkshake, but I would definitely use Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream to make it!

    ½ cup milk (refrigerated)
    ¼ cup chocolate syrup
    2 cups Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream

    mmalavec@med.umich.edu

  25. Oh I’ve always wanted a Blendtec! I’m going in a different direction with the recipe though! This is my favorite healthy soup that I whip up in huge batches for the week. Its all veggies and blended together tastes more decadent than you would expect!

    South West Soup
    – 1 Tbsp. olive oil
    – 1 medium red onion, finely diced
    – 1 large clove garlic, minced
    – dash ground cumin
    – dash ground ginger
    – sea salt to taste
    – dash turmeric
    – 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes (or yams), peeled and cut into 1/2 inch chunks
    – 1 cans black beans, well rinsed and drained
    – 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and chopped into 1/2 inch pieces
    – 1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
    – 1 quart chicken broth (can do vegetable broth to make vegetarian)
    – Juice of one lime

    Saute onions and garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes in dutch oven. Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low (covered) for 30-45 minutes. When sweet potatoes are soft, its done! Carefully blend soup until there are no visible chunks left (I had to do this in batches) and serve hot!

    Soup keeps well for a week in the fridge or freeze portions for later. Great as a side or even a main course!

  26. I’ve never heard of Blendtec before so I learned a lot on their site, but specifically just how many appliances they have! The kitchen mill would have been perfect when my son was a baby.

  27. We are smoothie fans here!
    1 c fat free plain yogurt with Splenda
    dash of vanilla
    about 3 T of wheat germ
    a banana
    combination of frozen fruits, we love mango, strawberry, blueberries and cherries
    enough milk add to make it blend smoothly

  28. And on the Blendtec website, I learned that one can spend over $1000 on a blender. AMAZING! I am trying to spend only $1000 on a whole living room redo!

  29. Blendtec.com has some great recipes and I read about the wildside blender. I love how it can blend so much at once!

  30. Awesome giveaway! One of my favorite smoothie combos involves a container og Brown Cow coffee yogurt, a banana and chocolate syrup!

  31. I love a cookies and cream shake. Or a banana pudding shake. Yum! I would definitely try to make my own homemade version 🙂

  32. I learned on their site that there is a $1000+ blender called the Tom Dickson Extreme Blender that can be built-in to one’s countertop. I didn’t know $1000 blenders existed!

  33. Aw, thanks for the link love! 🙂 Your smoothie looks absolutely drool worthy!

    I think one of my favourite smoothies is like this one…blueberries and bananas!

  34. dark chocolate berries shake: dark chocolate almond milk, frozen berries (love strawberries and raspberries), and ice!

  35. Blueberry Banana Protein Smoothie
    1/2 cup no salt added cottage cheese
    1/2 cup milk
    1/2 frozen banana
    1 cup fresh blueberries

    Blend cottage cheese and milk until smooth. Add blueberries and banana and blend.

  36. Green smoothie is the first thing I’d make! I don’t have an exact recipe – just plan on throwing in blueberries, spinach, pineapple, and probably a dark juice – like grape cherry. My magic bullet does not do well with chopping up the spinach. I”ve been lusting after a blendtec for a long time! 🙂

  37. thanks so much for linking to my blueberry crumb pie milkshake! your blueberry banana milkshake looks amazing!

    i would love to have a blendtec blender! i would definitely make tons of milkshakes in it, especially chocolate shakes! yum!

  38. I love chocolate-cherry smoothies. I use 1/2 frozen banana, 1/4c forzen cherries, 1-2T cocoa powder, almond milk to desired consistency.

  39. I learned how shocking it can be to look at the prices of blenders!

    Wow, 1000$ blenders! I didn’t know that blenders could have so many zeros on a price tag…..lo!

  40. I’m a sucker for green monsters. My favorite monster goes like this:

    -Around 1/2 c. Almond milk
    -A couple dollops of plain yogurt
    -A few big handfuls of spinach
    -A TON of frozen strawberries. I have no measurements, I just drop em in.
    -A tablespoon or so of cocoa powder… I usually use a a lot more than a tablespoon cos I’m a chocolate fiend :p

    Blend everything up and enjoy! This makes a GINORMOUS, incredibly thick smoothie. I guess it could be split into two servings, but really… who likes sharing? :p

  41. What a wonderful give-away! My favorite smoothie is so simple: 1 banana, a bunch of spinach and some frozen strawberries with soymilk to get the right consistency. yumm!

  42. Great photos as always. Those shakes look so cool and refreshing on a 100 degree day. I’d be making peach shakes with this blender. I’m loving peach ice cream right now. Thanks for the giveaway. Be Blessed!!!

  43. Mmm, your milkshakes look incredible! On a regular basis we love having green smoothies which basically all follow the same recipe
    1 banana
    1 C+ frozen fruit or berries(our favorite right now is raspberries)
    1-2 C milk
    vanilla
    a couple handfuls of spinach or other mild flavored greens
    other add-ins like flax seed, peanut butter, etc. Yummy!

  44. I’m Amazed at the amount of things you can make with a Blendtec! Including scones! One of my favorite things!!!

  45. I’d use this instead of my ancient kenmore blender for making my protein oat waffles! Oatmeal, protein powder, egg whites, baking soda and vanilla! Maybe some flax seed and cinnamon if I’m feeling fancy!

  46. I LOVE a good vanilla malt milkshake…..
    2 scoops vanilla ice cream
    1/2 cup milk
    2 tablespoons malted milk powder
    1/2 tablespoon vanilla

  47. Ahh I would LOVE a blender!!! I would make a good old fashioned Malted Milk Shake like Nanny used to make -=D SO YUMMY!

  48. This milkshake looks awesome!
    I love to make banana soft serve…except, it takes ages because I only have a cheap-o, almost dead blender. I’d also use it to make nut butters – something else that’s becoming quite difficult to make! My favorite is figgy peanut butter – peanuts, dried figs, cinnamon and maple!

  49. I learned that the Total Blender WildSide can replace up to 9 other kitchen appliances. Crazy!

  50. Aaand, lastly, I’ve tweeted this giveaway. I’ll get out of your hair now 😉 Thanks so much for hosting and sharing!

  51. Awesome milkshake Marla! I’ve never tried goats milk. I’m intrigued!
    We love smoothies around my house. You name it we’ve tried to mix up in the blender. A Chocolate, Banana, Almond Butter smoothie is high up there on the list these days if you ask my munchkins. However, if you ask my husband he’s all about milkshakes!

  52. Great giveaway!

    I’d use the Blendtec to make smoothies! Our fave one is:

    Strawberry Banana Almond Milk Smoothie

    1 banana
    1 cup of frozen strawberries
    1/2 cup of almond milk
    1 tb. of ground flaxseeds

    Put it all in the blender, puree’ and enjoy!

  53. I am Canadian, so I’m afraid I can’t participate! However, I am dying to know how you made the top of the milkshake look so amazing! How did you get that frothy look? Made my mouth water just by looking at it!

  54. Ooooo. That’s like asking me what my favorite flavor ice cream is. Ummm… All of them? Blended up together? With Oreo cookies on top?

    I’m a big chocolate peanut butter fan. Mmmmm. Haagen Dazs chocolate ice cream with a big spoonful of peanut butter, and just a teensy bit of milk. I like it thick.

    I bet I’d adore that blueberry banana milkshake though. Goats milk is an especially great twist!

  55. The shake looks amazing, I wish we had weather for it here, I love the idea of the coconut milk and added the blueberry sauce afterwards. Roll on summer

  56. A blender is actually one of hte few kitchen tools that I DON’T own…which is sad because I really want to make this milkshake! I love that it uses frozen bananas!

  57. I would definitely be making my daily morning Green Monsters with this bad boy…I’d also love to try your banana blueberry milkshake! I grew up next to a goat breeder and have been aware or goat’s milk, but have never ever tried it. Interesting!

  58. I checked out the Blendtec website and saw the recipe page! What a good idea to put healthy recipies on the product website!

    1. Alyssa, that is a great idea more and more companies are beginning to do that. Very helpful. Fun too when they enlist their favorite bloggers 😉

  59. I love smoothies, but lately my favorite has been unflavored whey protein and frozen mango, with a little stevia and salt. Tastes like a frozen mango lassi!

    I would L-O-V-E to have this blender.

  60. And I learned on the Blendtec website that they have a blender for more than $1000! Man, would I love to see what that baby can do…

  61. I don’t make smoothies because I don’t have a decent blender. I tried using my Magic Bullet, but never liked the way the smoothies turned out and the smell of smoke wasn’t appealing. It just couldn’t handle the ice.

    But I love berry smoothies! Especially raspberry with only a tiny bit of banana in it so the banana isn’t too overpowering. I’ve been drooling over the Blendtec blenders every time they come to our Costco, but I haven’t been able to work it into the budget yet.

    1. Kathi, I agree the smell of metal grinding and smoke could kill the buzz on a great smoothie. Thankfully this blender is waaaay stronger than that.

  62. I went to the Blendtec website and learned that it can make bread dough. I knew it could do soups, salsas, batters, ice cream, etc but never actually knew that it could make a dough!

  63. I liked this post on StumbleUpon and followed you there. I also posted it to Facebook. I don’t have a blog so I can’t do any of the blog-specific actions. I’m keeping my fingers crossed on this – I’ve never entered a blog giveaway before. There’s a first time for everything!! I look forward to reading more of your posts. 🙂

  64. the best shake i had was called the Elvis Presley – I’ve tried to re-create it but it doesn’t come out quite the same as the original..it is vanilla ice cream, reese’s pb cups, bananas and chocolate syrup…it is soo good!

  65. on the BlendTec website I learned that you can find alot of recipes using the blender..I didn’t know there were so many. I’ve been missing out!

  66. I found an excellent dressing recipe on the website that i will be trying out! I am so excited.

  67. I would try the “Will it blend?” ipod shake! Just kidding, I definitely wouldn’t risk my brand new fancy blender on that. But I definitely would start adding greens to my shakes! My current blender doesn’t blend well enough for that… they end up stringy and gross.

    1. Ohhhh Jennie, stringy and gross greens are never a good thing at all. Yup, sounds like you need a big ‘n fancy blender for those healthy shakes.

  68. I learned they sell a factory reconditioned version for about $100 less. Still too expensive for me…

  69. On the Blendtec website i learned that the Blendtec has different settings for icecream and soups. It pulses slower but more powerful for ice cream and for soup it goes very fast, fast enough to get hot so you can have hot soup! sooo cool!

    1. Kayla, it is so cool when you actually get to watch each of those blender modes in action. They really are all so different. I must/need to try every kind of recipe in this thing!

  70. Smoothies in the morning: Any frozed fruit, but our favorite is strawberries, banana, blueberries and vanilla yogurt, maybe a little orange juice to thin it. Delicious.

  71. My favorite blended drink is my version of an orange julius…you put some frozen orange juice concentrate, milk, vanilla extract and ice and blend until smooth…not exactly like the original but still very tasty.

  72. Went to the Blendtec site and learned that you can buy some awesome accessories for your blender…including dough hooks, and even a mixing bowl…so cool.

  73. I went to the Blendtec website and found that I can make ice cream right in the blender….no need for an ice cream maker!!

  74. I maintain a dairy free diet and I’ve come across dozens of recipes that blend cashews that have been soaked in water for a couple of hours, a bit of lemon juice, and sweetener to taste to create a vegan cheesecake filling. I’ve been dying to try it out, but sadly my cheapo blender can barely handle soft fruit, so there is no way it could blend cashews to a creamy texture. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!

    1. Ashlie, I see so many raw nut based drinks and shakes that I am dying to try too. Cashews and almonds seem to be the popular nut to use.

  75. I love key lime pie, so a key lime pie milkshake would be great. I would have to do some experimenting to get the shake just right.

    1. Lana, Key Lime Pie Shake sounds awesome. Not such a bad thing if you need to experiment a whole bunch with it 🙂 Bet there would be many grateful taste testers.

  76. I use my blender most for soups! Bean soups, veggie soups– pureed beans, cauliflower or potatoes make a great alternative to cream.

  77. Went to the Blendtec website and learned how to make lemon velvet smoothies. Sounds delicious, im definitely going to try that.

  78. I love smoothies & milkshakes and would like to try the recipe for your banana blueberry one posted today!!

  79. I just want to make shakes! Many shakes! I’ll throw random things in and discover new recipes for myself. 🙂
    Ever since our blender got busted up a few months ago, I just haven’t been the same.

  80. My Milkshake of the week seems to be something along these lines: 1/2 cup yogurt, 1/2 cup almond milk, 2 frozen bananas, 1/4 cup Flax Seed, 1 scoop Super Green, 2 stalks celery, then some honey and maybe even peanut butter some days! I grew up experimenting with “milkshakes” which were always just some combo of yogurt and fruits, it never gets old!!

  81. That is awesome! I just made a smoothie with almond butter, a banana, protein powder, cocoa powder, coffee, milk, and ice. It’s perfect after my morning run.

  82. I just went to the Blendtec website and learned how much more powerful this blender is than my old hand-me-down Cuisinart (that just died and left my kitchen with a lovely molten plastic smell)!

  83. My favorite shake always includes frozen bananas for sweetness and whatever fruit is in season, sometimes yogurt and/or orange juice. Another favorite is chocolate hemp milk, frozen banana and peanut butter – sweeter and good for a snack.

  84. My favorite shake is a chocolate malt! I’d use a Blendtec way more for smoothies, though, as I’m trying to be semi-healthy. 🙂

  85. I learned on the Blendtec site that the device came about due to the founder’s desire to push as much power into devices as possible.

  86. I’m amazed after reading about Blendtec’s blenders on their website. I’d LOVE to have something so so much powerful than the cheapo blender I have now (that is currently dying, I think).

  87. A new blender would be nice! Here’s my favorite smoothie recipe:
    1 large banana, broken into pieces
    1/2 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
    1/2 cup frozen mixed berry blend
    3 or 4 large fresh or frozen strawberries
    1/4 cup water
    8 or 9 ice cubes

    Blend all ingredients together until smooth and serve. Makes 2 servings.

  88. My favorite smoothie-shake recipe is Apple Pie!

    To prep the day before:

    I bake some apples in my oven. When they are done cooking, I cut each apple into quarters and put the cut up apples ( now in 4 pieces…) into Ziplock bags to freeze overnight.

    By the next morning the apples are frozen solid and ready to use!

    Then to my blender I add:

    1 baked apple ( now in frozen apple goodness chunks..)
    a healthy dash of cinnamon
    1c. soy milk ( can use any milk, dairy or non-dairy..)
    1 scoop vanilla protein powder
    3 packets stevia
    1 tsp. vanilla extract

    Blend and whizz away till creamy.
    The frozen apples take the place of ice-cubes and your shake should be rich and thick.

    Dee-licious!!

    Alli

  89. If I won this blender, I would make the Chai Smoothie from the Stonyfield Farm website. I can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Here it is:
    1 ripe mango, cubed
    2 cups Stonyfield Organic Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt
    1 cup ice
    1 teaspoon crushed cardamom
    1 teaspoon vanilla
    1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
    1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
    1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

    Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until smooth.

  90. I also learned on the Blendtec website that Blendtec has a 7 year warranty,
    *and*, it can help you lose weight by using the whole part of vegetables and fruit, fiber and all!

  91. When I went to the Blendtec website, I learned that you can mix cookie dough and other desserts in a blender. I never would have known!

  92. Well this is sad, but what came to mind was a chocolate shake from McD’s. I haven’t had one in years, but I’d like to. Is that awful? I do like Frappucinos and would love to try making my own.

  93. This shake is stunning, Marla! It looks like something from an old fashioned ice cream shop…only healthier and more delicious! 🙂

  94. Wow. Looks like a lot of people want this BIG GIRL blender too. Ah well, might as well through my hat into the ring…Reason? Because my husband and I make shakes every morning to start our days off right. Our favorite? Kefir, fresh fruit (blueberries and strawberries, of course), a scoop of coconut oil or almond butter, a scoop of protein powder and voila! Delicious! Hope I win! Thanks for hosting this contest!

  95. Marla, this shake looks amazing. So does the blender. Too bad I can’t win one but that won’t stop me from loving that shake and the pictures! Beautiful.

  96. Coconut milk bliss milkshakes, hands down! Melt 2-4 tablespoons of dark dark chocolate in the microwave. While that cools, pour 6 – 8 oz chilled coconut milk into the blender and blend with one frozen banana drizzle in the melted chocolate while it is blending. Feel free t add a tablespoon of nut butter while you are at it and voila!

  97. I didn’t know Blendtec sold a Tom Dickson Extreme Blender. Really expensive but totally worth it to ask the question, “Will it blend?”

  98. Since it’s summer, why not my go-to summer milkshake? I throw some frozen slices of banana, frozen strawberries, maybe a touch of orange juice for fluid value, and then some rich vanilla ice cream. It would be even better if I could manage some Mexican vanilla ice cream; that stuff even makes appearances in my dreams!

  99. I’d like to join this “giveaway” but I can’t …I live in Italy but still I can sing up for email and follow your blog. This milkshake looks delicious !

  100. i love fruit smoothies….take a cup of frozen fruit (i like mango, strawberry, pineapple combo), a 1/2 c or so of vanilla yogurt, some ice cubes and enough milk to make it your desired consistency and blend it all up.

  101. from the website i learned there are machines that allow you to mill your own flours….cool. i also like the fact that the blender can blend ice so well it’s like shaved ice….and it makes ice cream!!

  102. My favorite shake is my strawberry blueberry smoothie:

    1 heaping cup frozen strawberries
    1/2 cup frozen blueberries
    a handful of organic baby spinach
    a little more than 1/2 cup fat-free milk
    1 6 oz container organic yogurt
    1 scoop Natures Life Healthy Veg protein powder
    2 Tbs rolled oats
    1 Tbs flax seed meal
    1 Tbs wheat germ
    1/2 Tbs chia seeds
    1/2 packet Truvia

    It’s very thick, so I use a spoon to eat it.

  103. Oops, I typed my email wrong. I’ll just repost my comment.

    My favorite shake is my strawberry blueberry smoothie:

    1 heaping cup frozen strawberries
    1/2 cup frozen blueberries
    a handful of organic baby spinach
    a little more than 1/2 cup fat-free milk
    1 6 oz container organic yogurt
    1 scoop Natures Life Healthy Veg protein powder
    2 Tbs rolled oats
    1 Tbs flax seed meal
    1 Tbs wheat germ
    1/2 Tbs chia seeds
    1/2 packet Truvia

    It’s very thick, so I use a spoon to eat it.

  104. What an awesome giveaway! I’m dying to give one of these blenders a try. In fact I don’t even own a blender…it’s pretty pathetic. I would love to make a vegetable and fruit smoothie. We are part of CSA and sometimes feel overwhelmed with all the green vegetables. It would be nice to just throw them into a smoothie and enjoy them in liquid form…yum!

    1. Sounds like you need an awesome high powered blender. I hear those CSA baskets are awesome, but can get overwhelming at times.

  105. i love making banana, PB, choclate milkshakes and smoothies… making popcicles with any leftovers ( doesn’t happen very offen, the leftovers that is 🙂

  106. I think it’s more like what *wouldn’t* I do with this blender! Can you really do bread dough? I suppose to break it in, though, I’d have to do an adult smoothie. Just a bunch of frozen fruit, maybe some coconut milk (not the canned stuff from the ethnic section of the grocery store. The boxed stuff by the almond/soy/rice milks) though I could try goat milk and some vodka.

  107. You can make bread dough with this thing?! That would be awesome. I love making fresh bread and don’t own a bread machine because I prefer to bake them in pans. But anything that would help with mixing would be great. Oh, and I’m pretty boring with shakes – usually strawberry banana.

  108. FYI, I am absolutely going to be making this milkshake tonight, and I just want to thank you for making my horrible week so much better. <3 thanks!

    1. 1967? Yeah, girl you need an upgrade big time! I would be scared that thing would blow up!! Sounds like it has a motor that wants to live forever 😉

  109. I love to make smoothies for my two daughters and myself! A current favorite is Banana, nectarine smoothie. Yummy!!! Would love a stronger blender to make lots of things!

  110. My favorite easy protein shake. 1 cup fat free milk, 1 cup natural chocolate protein powder, 1 frozen banana, and 2 Tb. of Chocolate PB2. Yummmy!

    1. Cathy, they make chocolate PB2? No way!! I must get my hands on some. Love the original one. Great in shakes & yogurt parfaits too.

  111. My favorite smoothie – 8oz of almond milk or coconut milk, a scoop of my favorite vanilla whey protein powder, 1/2 banana and four ice cubes(sometimes a handful of spinach if I have it)!! YUMMY. My current blender is so old and sad that I end up having to fish out the ice cubes that it didn’t end up crushing :o(

  112. I like a milkshake with vanilla ice cream, banana, peanut butter, and chocolate syrup. Yummy, but could better with a BlendTec blender!

  113. Hey Marla! Gorgeous shots, as always. This summer I’ve been addicted to starting my days with a Mocha FraPROccino (that’s my made-up word for a thick, frozen beverage made of casein protein powder and iced coffee.) I like to think my blender does the trick, but I don’t know what I’m missing without a Blendtec! I’d sure love to find out 🙂

  114. Oh my goodness I need this!! Here’s my vegan banana soft serve recipe:

    Freeze a banana+some other fruit overnight.
    Blend until soft serve consistency.

    That’s it! But difficult with a regular blender!

  115. I absolutely love the Espresso Protein powder Click, and I absolutely love to make tasty shakes with it in the blender. Here is one:

    CLICK Red Eye

    8 oz. milk, soy or almond
    8 oz. coffee
    2 scoops CLICK
    2 TBS lite Hershey’s chocolate syrup.
    ice
    Pour milk and coffee into blender. Add CLICK. Then, add ice (enough to reach 2 cup mark on blender). Pulse, then blend until smooth. Add more ice and blend to make a thick shake you can eat with a spoon. Enjoy this as a meal, snack, or dessert. . You’ll feel like a cheater with this simple recipe.

    BTW… You can totally sneak a handful of spinach in this baby and no one will ever know! Doubt me? Well then… I guess you gotta try it. One serving of veggies… down the hatch!

  116. I love this shake:

    1c milk of choice
    1.5 frozen bananas
    1-2c ice
    3T raw protein powder [opt]
    1T raw cacao beans
    1t unsweetened cocoa powder
    1-1.5T creamy pnut butter
    1t maca powder [opt]
    1/2t cinnamon
    1/2t vanilla extract

  117. I learned that Blendtec makes a kitchen mill for grinding your own flours. They even make roller for rolling your own oats!

  118. I don’t think I have tried goat’s milk yet, but I keep seeing that Goaterie sign on blogs and yes, I raised both eyebrows too!
    Don’t think I can pick a favourite shake to make, but we would definitely do my husband’s smoothies in this blender!

  119. We LOVE smoothies around here and here’s mine
    (altho, I’d use this powerful blender for our 100% gtube fed 3 y/o foster child. Here’s to hoping we win!)

    Tonya’s Smoothie
    Half a carafe of orange juice
    two bananas (mushy is great, frozen works too)
    half a bag of frozen strawberries
    half a large carton of vanilla yogurt
    (notice the precise measurments?)

    Blend and then have kids fight over who gets more.

  120. avocado shakes are my favorite, but I’d love to try making a shake with frozen berries. (I’m not convinced my current blender can handle it.)

  121. I’d want to try out the Blendtec Kitchen Mill. I love baking bread and the idea of milling my own flour sounds like fun. 🙂

  122. This sounds like the most amazing milkshake. You have a wonderful culinary imagination, my friend. No need to enter me into the giveaway – I’m lucky enough to have one of these beauties sitting in my kitchen.

  123. on Blendtec’s website, I learned that every machine they sell is made in the USA!!!! how wonderful is that! So hard to find these days….

  124. Would love to have this blender. These days we are loving the banana pudding smoothie that we recently invented.

    3 Cups of Milk
    1 packet of instant vanilla pudding mix
    2 cups ice cubes
    2 bananas
    6 vanilla wafers

    Put them all in a blender and blend and blend and blend until smooth. Suspiciously delicious.

  125. what a tasty treat, marla, and it’s so stunningly beautiful too! my favorite shake is one made with toasted marshmallows. thank you, spike from top chef!

  126. I rarely ever enter giveaways – but this is one I cannot resist! I love to make smoothies and my very favorite one is a blueberry smoothie I posted last year.

    HoneyB’s Blueberry Smoothie
    1/2 cup frozen blueberries
    1/2 cup vanilla flavored fat free yogurt (I use Stonyfield)
    1/2 cup 1% milk (or more if needed to loosen smoothie up a little)
    2 packets Splenda sweetener – feel free to sweeten to your taste with your favorite sweetener
    2 teaspoons flax meal

    Put ingredients all together in blender and blend until smooth.

  127. I had never heard of blendtec before, however I learned from the about page the engineer behind the invention (Tom) has a curious mind that doesn’t stop thinking and that curiosity is what brought him to this invention!

  128. First of all I would try this shake recipe! I really would love to make more smoothies, but I have a cheap, crummy blender and I gave up trying to use it. This one would make my dreams come true! 🙂

  129. my favorite smoothie recipe is a green smoothie! They are quite popular in the blogosphere and I’ve learned that adding greens to your smoothie is not only nutritious, it can also taste delicious! My fav green smoothie would have to be:

    2 large handfuls fresh spinach
    1/2 c. frozen blueberries
    1 large frozen banana
    3/4 c. almond milk
    1 tsp cinnamon

    Add the greens first, along with the berries, milk and cinnamon. Blend on high until the greens are chopped up nice and small then add frozen banana for a creamy texture. So delicious and nutritious! 🙂

  130. My favorite smoothie is kale, almond milk, a frozen banana and cherries w/ a sprinkle of hemp seeds on top. My current blender never fully blends the kale so this blender would be amazing for me!

  131. I’m addicted to oat smoothies! I just throw together oats, milk, and whatever ingredients come to mind, refrigerate overnight and blend in the morning. Love love love!

  132. I checked out the website! Umm I learned that I desperately “need” a grinder so that I could grind my own flour. A girl can dream!

  133. I also followed you on Instagram. I’m a newbie there and am looking forward to checking out all of your fab pics!

  134. I don’t have a blender and I am definitely in need of one! This would be a great win!

    I love this fancy fruit blend smoothie:

    * 1 plum, pitted
    * 1 orange, sliced
    * 2 handfuls of seedless grapes
    * 1 banana
    * 4 T grape juice
    * 1 c frozen strawberries

    Place all ingredients in a blender and mix well on high speed. May add ice for thicker smoothie.

  135. I learned that the best way to use the Blendtec is by adding the soft ingredients before the hard ones. I was a bit surprised that you add the ice last!

    1. Robin, so was I. Really makes a difference to add the ice last though. I always used to throw everything in the blender in no particular order. With Blendtec I am learning how to be a pro!

  136. My favorite healthy milkshake is fat free milk~vanilla extract~truvia~lots of ICE…and blend for awhile.
    It honestly taste like a milkshake~
    I desperately need a new high powered blender!
    xo

    1. Teresa, back at you girl! I love following you over there on Instagram too. Besides, how would I stay connected with the daily adventures of Dugan??!!
      btw: I will never forget when you asked me for my side bar button. Made me feel so good & still does every time I visit BIB
      I like the idea of your favorite vanilla shake, sounds like exactly what I do with a table spoon of instant coffee (cause I always need my “go” juice) It is amazing how we don’t need to add too many ingredients and we can keep things light – while they still taste like all those so called “guilt” foods.
      And yes, you do need a high tech, super powered blender! Everyone does….

  137. Let’s see…what else!
    Would it help me WIN if I told you I think you are one of the most adorable~HIP~FUN~talented~CREATIVE~lovely girls I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!
    Can’t wait to meet and HUG and hike one day!
    LOve to you!
    Thanks for the chance to WIN this fab blender!
    xo

  138. Oh my, my husband totally has been wanting one of these since he saw all the it could blend up. We make tons of smoothies so it would sure be handy for that, but I also have a wheat pancake recipe that is made in the blender yum!

  139. From the blendtec site I learned that it matters what order you put ingredients in the blender…I usually just add randomly:)

  140. My favorite blender recipe is:
    Harvest Whole Wheat Waffles
    Add: 1 c whole wheat (uncooked)
    1-1/2 c milk
    Blend in blender at high speed – about 2-1/2- 3 minutes until thick and creamy .
    Then add: 4 t baking powder, 1/2 t salt, 4 T brown sugar, 1/4 c oil, 2 eggs.
    Blend an additional 2-3 minutes on medium. Bake in greased waffle iron.
    Serve with vanilla syrup.

  141. Love this feature! ” Blend Cycles
    Total Blender® comes with our exclusive Smart-Touch Tec-nology™ which means when a cycle button is pushed, the Total Blender® automatically speeds up and slows down, then shuts off when the cycle is complete, so recipes turn out perfect every time. ” My blender definitely doesn’t do this!

  142. I’d blend up my fave “Tropical Green Monster” post-run smoothie –
    1/2 small carton coconut water
    1 scoop Vanilla brown rice protein powder
    1 tsp. ground flaxseeds
    1/4 C. frozen pineapple chunks
    1/4 C. frozen tropical blend fruits (mango, papaya, …)
    1-2 large handfuls fresh spinach
    YUMMMMMMMM…..

  143. I just made these amazing strawberry milkshakes for my kids. They are simple and I’m sure if I win this Blendtec Blender, I can make a larger batch in no time! 🙂 Here;s my recipe:

    Strawberry Milkshake:
    serves 2 (tall) glasses

    1/2 cup whole milk
    2 cups strawberries (hulled and halved)
    1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
    2 tablespoon agave
    whipped cream for garnish on top (optional)
    2 whole strawberries for garnish

    In a blender, add milk, strawberries, ice cream and agave, blend until smooth. Pour into 2 tall glasses. garnish with whipped cream on top and a strawberry on top.

    Very delicious and my kids loved them! Thanks for a chance to win this giveaway! I can’t wait to get my hands on this hi-tech blender and make more milkshakes! 🙂

    amy [at] utry [dot] it

  144. Wow, I’m really amazed by this blender’s technology! Love the Blend Cycles function that the blender can automatically speeds up and slows down, then shuts off when the cycle is complete, so recipes turn out perfect every time! Really sounds perfect and I can’t wait to try it. Didn’t know a blender can be so advanced! 😀

  145. I love smoothies and milkshakes of all sorts! Here’s my favorite as of late…
    Minty-mint choc. chipper:
    1/2 cup mint chocolate chip ice cream (not the fake green stuff, I buy mine at a local creamery)
    1/3 c. whole milk
    1 T. chopped fresh mint leaves
    4 ice cubes
    1/2 frozen banana (for a little extra thickener)

    Blend and enjoy!

  146. I want in! frozen berries, banana, chia seeds, teff, chocolate protein powder and a little milk… gets gobbled up by all of my little people!

  147. Just learned this fantastic healthy recipe from Blendtec:

    Flaxy Green Smoothie
    Elizabeth Brown
    Published 11/19/2010
    2 Tbsp flax seeds
    2 Clementine oranges, peeled
    1 banana, peeled
    2 cups spinach
    1/2 cup water
    1/2 cup frozen pineapple
    Add water and flax seeds to Basic or WildSide pitcher and secure lid. Press “Pulse” 4-6 times. Add remaining ingredients to pitcher in the order listed above and secure lid. Press “Ice Crush” and serve.

  148. Marla~
    Sweet adorable~hip~FUN~GLOWING~inspring Marla!
    I can’t tell you what this BlendTec means to me.
    Seriously~
    I have always wanted a really really nice blender.
    A week or so ago we were in Costco.
    I stood for 3o minutes watching a girl demonstrate a blender…making soups and smoothies.
    I really really wanted a nice blender.
    I can’t WAIT to showcase all that I can create with this BlendTec!
    I thank BlendTec~
    and I thank you!
    Gotta scoot!
    I’m headed to the airprot!~
    Flying to Telluride to HUG you!!!!!!!!
    Smiles and hugs and kisses and LOVE from Bainbridge Marla!
    Honestly~
    I am so grateful.
    xo

  149. Jolly Green Smoothie
    Ingredients:
    2 cups almond milk
    2 tbsp honey
    1 banana
    1 orange, peeled and halved
    1/2 cup raspberries
    5 strawberries
    3 cups spinach
    2 cups ice cubes

    Combine all ingredients, select “Smoothie” and blend for a delicious and nutritious green smoothie!