Orange, Banana, and Pineapple Frappe

Growing up in New England, I always assumed a "frappe" was synonymous with a milkshake everywhere in the world. Turns out this is one of those quirks of the Boston area, and a frappe to everyone else is a fruit-flavored smoothie, so sweet it falls somewhere between a beverage and a dessert. Whatever you decide to call it, this drink comes together in moments for a refreshing treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 and 1/2 cups banana chunks 
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup orange sections
• 1/2 cup plain non-dairy yogurt
• 1 tablespoon flaked coconut
• 2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 8 ounces canned pineapple chunks, undrained

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a blender, and process until smooth.  The drink is best served immediately.

Note: Pretty much across the board for this recipe, I recommend organic ingredients, which won't be sweetened with bone-char sugar. That goes for the pineapple juice (try R.W. Knudsen or Lakewood), the coconut (try Woodstock Farms), the orange juice concentrate (Cascadian Farm is a good bet), and the canned pineapple (two to try: Whole Foods 365 or Native Forest).

Nutrition Info:
4 servings (1 cup), Calories 177

Tasting Notes:
Amazingly sweet from the fruit, so you'll hardly believe there's no sugar or agave added. This was much like a homemade Odwalla smoothie - the same thick, richness, but fresher. Definitely use yogurt rather than a non-dairy milk - it adds an extra layer of creaminess that is the icing on the liquid cake.  Little tidbits of coconut top it all off to make you feel like you're on a tropical beach.

Rating:
3.5