Recipe: Caribbean Smoothie (using 7 fruits, blender)

CARIBBEAN SMOOTHIE

"Sammy Holness uses these seven fresh fruits for the smoothies he makes at the Crossroads Farmers Market in Takoma Park. But other fruit can be substituted - just make sure they're ripe."

1 medium mango, peeled and pitted
8 medium strawberries, hulled
2 peeled bananas, cut into chunks
1 cup seedless red grapes
2 peeled and cored pears (any kind)
1/2 cup honeydew melon chunks
1/2 cup cantaloupe chunks
5 cups unsweetened apple juice
1/2 cup ice cubes
Mint sprigs (for garnish)

Combine the ingredients (except for the garnish) in a large bowl. Pour half the mixture into a blender and puree until smooth, then transfer to a large container with a tight-fitting lid. Repeat with the remaining mixture. Add to the first half and refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until well chilled.

TO SERVE:
Pour into glasses and garnish with mint.

Makes 10 servings (8 ounces each)
From: Takoma Park Farmers Market vendor Sammy Holness
Source: Walter Nicholls to the Washington Post, June 13, 2007