TROPICAL FRUIT SMOOTHIES

2 cups diced pineapple
1 cup diced mango
1 cup diced papaya
1 kiwi, peeled and diced
1 1/2 cups fresh orange juice, divided use
1 cup ice
3/4 cup plain nonfat yogurt (optional)
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Sugar or honey as needed
FOR THE GARNISH:
6 pineapple slices
1/4 cup unsweetened coconut, toasted*

In a blender, combine all fruits and half of orange juice. Puree until quite smooth. With machine running, add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth and thick.

Serve garnished with a pineapple spear and toasted coconut.

*TO TOAST COCONUT:
Swirl grated coconut in a dry saute pan over med-hi heat for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Immediately pour toasted coconut into a cool bowl or plate.

Makes 6 servings
Source: Culinary Institute of America