Recipe(tried): Milkshakes.... Papaya-Banana Batido, Guava or Mamey Batido,Papaya-Mango Batido

Hello Susan,

Oh I bet you had a lovely time in the Dominican Republic. I understand it is a very beautiful and picturesque country. You proably enjoyed the equivalent of our American Smoothie. These shakes are called "Batidos", the name literally means shakes.

These delicious ans soul-satisfying shakes are made from tropical fruits such as papaya, mamey, guanabana (soursop), mango, pineapple, banana and of course chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. A very interesting one is called Trigo (wheat) and it made with milk, sugar, pinch of salt and wheatpuffs!!!

Cubans use a combination of sugar, fruit, milk or ice cream and crushed ice to made batidos. Gladys of course, will tell you how they are made in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic uses condensed milk instead of the milk and sugar combination to make theirs creamier.

Here are some Cuban recipes for some batidos.

Remember, that as in all milkshakes, they will put some weight on you. I remember enjoying them as a child but I don't drink them now because of the extra calories.

The usual ratio if this:
1 c. milk or ice cream
1/2 c. crushed ice
1 c. fresh fruit 3 T. sugar
dash of salt

At any rate, enjoy these recipes for any special occasion. You can substitute frozen fruit for fresh also.

Happy COoking!! Gina

Papaya-Banana Batido
makes 1 large drink

1 c. peeled, seeded and diced fresh papaya
1/2 c. diced fresh banana
1 c. milk
1/2 c. crushed ice

In a blender, puree the banana and papaya. Add the milk, crushed ice and blend well til smooth and creamy.

Guava or Mamey Batido

makes 1 large drink

1/2 c. unsweetened guava puree
1 c. milk
3 T. sugar
1/2 c. crushed ice

Place the guava puree and milk in blender, add the sugar and ice and blend til smooth.

Papaya-Mango Batido

makes 3 servings

1 1/2 c. milk
1 c. diced mango
1 c. diced papaya
1/2 c. crushed ice

Place all the ingredients in a bleander and blend til smooth.