I do use a cheapo blender for smoothie making. When the blades on one
go, I get another cheapo one. That's actually more cost effective than
buying a good one which, I find, burns out at roughly the same rate as
the cheapos.


The only trick to a smoothe smoothie is the banana or papaya. Those 2
fruits reliably give the right consistency. After that, the varieties
are endless. Here's the rough recipe.


Combine in a blender.


1 banana or half cup papaya
orange juice, water, or any other juice- enough to cover the blades
6 strawberries or some blueberries or a peach or any other fruit
3 ice cubes or frozen juice cubes (I have juice cubes in freezer all
summer.)
a dollop of yogurt or some powdered milk (optional) (I don't use it.)
a squirt of honey or protein powder (optional) (I don't use it.)


Then you just blend until smoothe. Serving in a tall glass with one of
those bendy plastic straws is important.


--Lia