With my son starting school this fall, I am thinking of the afterschool snacks that I can make for him when he gets home from a long day. My favorite idea: smoothies. This recipe for a Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie is fabulous with yogurt and milk for calcium, a bit of protein-rich peanut butter, and a banana for that extra fruit serving.

Ingredients

• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter

• 1 very ripe peeled banana
• ¼ cup cold skim milk

Instructions

1. Combine the yogurt, peanut butter, banana, and milk in a blender.

2. Process until smooth and creamy.

3. Serve immediately.

Tips

• Making smoothies is a great way to use past-their-prime bananas, but if you have more than you can handle, peel them and freeze in a resealable bag until ready to use. That way you can always have a super-sweet recipe-ready banana to use.
• Choose a yogurt that you like. For instance, you can definitely use Greek yogurt in this recipe but only use if you love it. Otherwise, stick with your usual brand.
• Make it ultra-cold: add ½ cup of ice to the blender before processing.