Tropical Fruit Smoothie by Chef Drif Reforsado

FOR people who are always on the go, one of the best ways to indulge without feeling guilty this summer is to sip on some fruit smoothies. 

Not only does it quench thirst, smoothies are great substitute for meals usually consumed during breakfast, or just about anytime of the day.

Not to be confused with milkshakes, smoothies are very nutritious alternatives especially for the picky eaters at home like children who rarely eat fruits.

One popular smoothie recipe is the combination of strawberries, bananas, and peaches. Strawberries consist of Vitamin A, C,  B6, fiber, potassium, and folate that help prevent heart-related disease and cancer.  Strawberries also promote better skin and hair conditions as well as a good immune system.

Bananas, on the other hand, can be usually found in every smoothie recipe for it gives the drink a smooth and thick texture. It also adds natural sweetness to the smoothie making it extra delicious.  Also known for its high potassium content, bananas are one of the best sources of energy and are ideal for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function. The antacid effects of bananas have been known to prevent stomach ulcers,  replenish the loss of potassium after diarrhea, and improve eyesight as well.

Like the strawberries and bananas, peaches also have high levels of potassium. It is also high in Vitamin A that help prevent cancer in organs and glands with epithelial tissue. Peaches are perfect for those who want to have that summer glow as it make the skin healthy and add color to the complexion as well. Made up of 80 percent water, peaches help keep the body well hydrated. It is also packed with a lot of  fiber,  perfect for those who wants to shed those extra weight.

In making a smoothie you just have to whir all the fruits of your choice in a blender and serve it right away. Not only is it easy to make,  a strawberry banana peach smoothie will be a healthy summer concoction that will keep you cool, hydrated,  and energized as you perform all your activities this summer. 

Catch us again next week for another refreshing drink that you can include in your summer diet. Don’t miss it!

Tropical Fruit Smoothie
Strawberry, Banana, Peaches

Ingredients:
1 quart Strawberries, hulled
1 Banana, medium size, broken into chunks
2 peaches
1 cup water
2 cups ice
2 tbsp simple sugar
Ingredients for simple sugar:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 handful of fresh basil , minced

How to make simple sugar:

1. In a pan, combine water and sugar, should be sand consistency.
2. In a medium fire, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Do not mix.
3. When the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has a clear consistency, the syrup is already done.

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, banana and peaches. Blend until fruit is pureed. Blend in the simple sugar. Add ice and blend to consistency.
2. Pour into glasses and serve.

CHEF DRIF (DINDO RIFORSADO)

Chef Drif has a long and distinguished career in the culinary arts industry.  He has worked in various upscale restaurants in Los Angeles such as La Defence Restaurant, Kado Japanese & Teppanyaki Restaurant; and Sushiko Kosher Japanese cuisine. He has mastered the art of culinary and has an extensive knowledge on a wide range of International cuisines. Currently, he is a Private Chef catering to private parties and events.

Go Green this Summer with Lime and Mint Chiller

SUMMER is here! Its time to sit back, unwind, and make the most out of the warm sun by sipping a nice chilled drink made of lime and mint.  Aside from its sweet smell and citric flavor, a fresh lime and mint chiller remains unbeatable in keeping the body hydrated, energized, and fit during and after summer.

LIME AND MINT SUMMER CHILLER
Makes 4-5 glasses

Ingredients:
3 pieces of Lime
1/2 handful of fresh mint
4-5 cups of cube ice
2 tbsp of simple sugar

Direction:
In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until blended.
Pour into glasses; serve immediately.

Chef Dindo Riforsado

Chef Drif has a long and distinguished career in the culinary arts industry.  He has worked in various upscale restaurants in Los Angeles such as La Defence Restaurant, Kado Japanese & Teppanyaki Restaurant; and Sushiko Kosher Japanese cuisine. He has mastered the art of culinary and has an extensive knowledge on a wide range of International cuisines. Currently, he is a Private Chef catering to private parties and events. 

Quench your thirst, try a HONEYDEW KIWI COOLER

Another fruit drinks that you can try this summer! Enjoy this refreshing drink!

HONEYDEW KIWI COOLERS

Makes 4-5 glasses

Ingredients:
3 cups cubed Honeydew
2 Kiwi fruit, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp simple sugar
1 cup ice cubes

How to make simple sugar:

• In a pan, combine water and sugar, should be sand consistency.
• In a medium fire, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Do not mix.
• When the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has a clear consistency, the syrup is already done.

Direction:

• In a blender, combine all ingredients; cover and process until blended.Pour into chilled glasses. Serve immediately.

Chef Dindo Riforsado

Chef Drif has a long and distinguished career in the culinary arts industry.  He has worked in various upscale restaurants in Los Angeles such as La Defence Restaurant, Kado Japanese & Teppanyaki Restaurant; and Sushiko Kosher Japanese cuisine. He has mastered the art of culinary and has an extensive knowledge on a wide range of International cuisines. Currently, he is a Private Chef catering to private parties and events. 

Refresh yourself with a Pineapple Orange Drink

This Summer, quench yourself with fresh fruit drinks! They not only refreshes you, but they are packed with vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Here is one drink that you can make for yourself! 

PINEAPPLE ORANGE DRINK

Makes 4-5 glasses

Ingredients

• 3 pieces of fresh orange
• 1/2  Fresh Pineapple, ripe
• 2 tbsp simple sugar
• 2 cups ice cubes

How to make simple sugar:
In a pan, combine water and sugar, should be sand consistency.

In a medium fire, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Do not mix.

When the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has a clear consistency, the syrup is already done.

Directions

1. Peel off the skin of the orange
2. In a blender, combine pineapple, peeled oranges, simple sugar and ice cubes. 
3. Cover and process until thick and slushy. Add water if you do not prefer a slushy drink.
4. Pour into glasses
5. Serve immediately.

   
   

   
   

   

   Chef Dindo Riforsado
   
   Chef Drif has a long and distinguished career in the culinary arts industry.  He has worked in various upscale restaurants in Los Angeles such as La Defence Restaurant, Kado Japanese & Teppanyaki Restaurant; and Sushiko Kosher Japanese cuisine. He has mastered the art of culinary and has an extensive knowledge on a wide range of International cuisines. Currently, he is a Private Chef catering to private parties and events. 

   
   

FRUITS & VEGGIES, your perfect summer companions!

During summer, people tend to focus more on their diet not only because they want a slimmer figure to flaunt during a beach outing; but also to keep them hydrated while having fun under the sun. 

Hydration is very important especially during summer because people tend to stay frequently outdoors, and sweat a lot this season than in any other time of year. To keep the body cool and refreshed, it is important to include different fruits and vegetables in one’s daily diet for these are not only known to be nutritious, but were also found to have large water content. 

While it is common knowledge that fruits and vegetables provide the necessary nutrients in the body, the presence of many multivitamin supplements in the market make people skip having fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. One may be 
surprised to find out, however, that there 
are still other vital and natural nutrients in fruits and vegetables that are not found in multivitamins that are commercially available in the market  today. 

Fruits and vegetables can help prevent chronic illnesses because it contains antioxidants, minerals, and phytochemicals that help balance the blood sugar and lower the cholesterol in the body. Thus, helping in the prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, among others.  

Frequent consumption of fruits and vegetables is ideal for the weight conscious individuals who do not want to deprive themselves of good flavor. Although some fruits may contain sugar, it does not make the body fat because it is a natural sugar, unlike those found in sweets and candies. It also contains fiber, which is good in flushing out the toxins of the body. Thus, making it a very important part of everyone’s diet. 

Basic Fruit Smoothie

Did you know there are over 200 varieties of fruits and vegetables? That’s over 200 different flavors and textures to enjoy! And the variety doesn’t end there. You still have color, form and the many ways to prepare fruits and vegetables to take into consideration when mixing things up. Good for your family and fun for your kids, fruits and veggies can offer something new almost every day.
(www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org)

BASIC FRUIT SMOOTHIE   
Strawberry, Banana, Peaches
Ingredients: 
1 quart Strawberries, hulled
1 Banana, medium size, broken into chunks
2 peaches
1 cup water
2 cups ice
2 tbsp simple sugar
Ingredients for simple sugar:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1/2 handful of fresh basil , minced
How to make simple sugar:
In a pan, combine water and sugar, should be sand consistency.
In a medium fire, let it simmer for 5 minutes. Do not mix. 
When the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has a clear consistency, the syrup is already done
Directions:
In a blender, combine strawberries, banana and peaches. Blend until fruit is pureed. Blend in the simple sugar. Add ice and blend to consistency. 
Pour into glasses and serve.

Chef Dindo Riforsado

Chef Drif has a long and distinguished career in the culinary arts industry.  He has worked in various upscale restaurants in Los Angeles such as La Defence Restaurant, Kado Japanese & Teppanyaki Restaurant; and Sushiko Kosher Japanese cuisine. He has mastered the art of culinary and has an extensive knowledge on a wide range of International cuisines. Currently, he is a Private Chef catering to private parties and events.