‘Smoothies Bible’ lauds fruity blended beverages

Nothing smacks of summer like smoothies -- the cool, fruity variety that you buy from a festival food stand and slurp through a straw as the sun beats down.

Originating in California, smoothies have become so popular that nearly every ice cream shop has them on the menu, and special blenders are being marketed as "smoothie machines." According to the Juice and Smoothie Association, the business has grown to approximately $1 billion in annual sales.

Pat Crocker, a culinary herbalist and home economist, says smoothies are a perfect way to fulfill important dietary recommendations and to help prevent diseases. "One of the easiest ways to eat your fruits and vegetables," she says, "is to drink them."

In her new book, "The Smoothies Bible," Crocker offers more than 250 recipes for smoothies made from fruits, vegetables, herbs, milk, broth and even tea. They are served hot, cold, frozen or at room temperature.

The 288-page softcover concentrates on the healthful benefits of these beverages, with a full chapter devoted to dietary recommendations that Crocker claims will ease or help you to avoid common health conditions. For instance, healing foods that reduce the risk of gallstones include apples, blueberries, broccoli, watercress and dandelion leaf and root, she says. Digestive Drink is one of 14 recommended smoothies.

Crocker devotes 60 pages to detailed profiles that describe how to buy, store and eat a variety of ingredients, from alfalfa to yogurt. She also includes an overview of health guidelines and tips for selecting the proper blender.

General directions for recipes are to add the ingredients to the blender container, place the lid on securely, then blend on low speed for 30 seconds. Gradually (if possible) increase the speed to high and blend an additional 30 seconds, or until smooth.

Hangover• Try this.

• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 wedge pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped peeled fresh ginger root

In a blender, combine all ingredients and process as previously directed until smooth.

Crocker claims this smoothie will help to prevent gallstones.

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed cardamom seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed cinnamon stick
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed fennel seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon crushed cloves
• 1/4 cup boiling water
• 1 apple, peeled, cored and chopped
• 1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup seedless grapes

Place the cardamom seeds, cinnamon, fennel seeds and cloves in a teapot. Add the boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes. Strain and discard the spices. Let the spice infusion cool.

In a blender, combine the infusion, apple, kiwi and grapes. Process as previously directed until smooth.