The Covered Dish - Phillip’s Banana Smoothie

The date of this column is just scary, 2024 it’s here, we embrace it and move forward into a new year. No need to spend a great deal of time looking back, instead it’s full speed ahead into a fresh new start. When I was in my twenties and early thirties, I thought this was such a romantic time of the year. Now that I’m more mature I reflect upon it as the opportunity to re-mold myself into something new. To create a more balanced life with my faith, family & job. I discussed this very subject while we were attending family Christmas, in McPherson, Kansas, this past weekend. We set goals for ourselves, and sometimes it takes a great many steps to see them come into fruition. Often when our objectives in life aren’t met with the speed we desire, we throw in the towel. Keep in mind it’s not in our time, it’s in the great creator’s hands! It’s our job to till the soil, plant the seeds and nourish the growth. 2024 has plenty of space for a multitude of new beginnings, mine included! I’m not sharing them just yet; I’m pondering them close to my heart and laying the stepping stones for their journey.

Our good friend, Phillip, is staying with us for a few days as he does exactly what I’ve described in the above paragraph. A new start, a new state, a new look at the possibilities at our fingertips. All it takes is a positive attitude and the initiative to press forward. Go get em’ readers, make 2024 the year of positive progress!

When I was writing my second cookbook, I asked our son, Phill, to include one of his recipes. As we look at the new year sometimes this means starting new habits in our cooking and eating styles. Simplicity makes my life more content these days versus too much ‘foo-foo’ as I always called it. This smoothie can go so many different directions in the making process. Below you see 4 simple ingredients, but let’s looks at a couple of things that may change the way you make smoothies in the future. Many senior adults pick up a product called ‘Ensure’ to add protein to their diets. Sure, it’s easy to twist off the cap on a bottle of this protein drink, but a closer study will reveal it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. Use this smoothie recipe and purchase a protein powder that has 30 grams of protein per serving. You can purchase a couple of great ones at Aldi’s for less money than the above product.

A couple of things you need to consider when you’re making protein drinks. If you have ‘gut’ problems using dairy is probably not in your best interest. Do some research and change out the smoothie structure to adapt to your specific needs. I was working with a cancer patient the other day and trying to improve his protein intake. I had to sit down and go over where the cancer was in his body and other factors before I could write a good protein smoothie for him.

This scenario is a great deal like white bread versus whole wheat. Those with intestinal issues need the 100% white flour and not the heavier grains.

Before I set the recipe, I have to share a product that was introduced to me this past weekend. They can be found on Amazon and they’re called ‘Happy Hippo Biscuits’. Oh, my goodness they are super yummy, and so adorable. The young kids will love how they look and taste, adults will appreciate the phenomenal flavor.

Happy New Year friends, Simply yours, The Covered Dish.

Phillip’s Banana Smoothie

1 large banana, peeled & sliced

1 cup vanilla yogurt

1 cup milk

1 cup ice

Gather the blender and place all ingredients inside and blend until smooth. Could add chocolate syrup for added yum. If someone needs to gain weight forget the yogurt, use ice cream, switch the milk for half n’ half or heavy cream. Peanut butter banana smoothies can be yummy too. We discussed the addition of protein powders in the column discussion. Different fruit flavors are an easy switch out too.