Shamrock Smoothies recipe

Makes 2 servings (about 8 ounces each)

1 tablespoon sugar
2 green spearmint candy leaves
2 thin round chocolate mints or chocolate
    sandwich cookies
1 ripe banana, peeled and cut into chunks
1 cup ice cubes
3/4 cup apple juice
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon orange extract
2 or 3 drops green food color

Place small sheet of wax paper on work surface; sprinkle with sugar. Place spearmint leaves on waxed paper; top with second sheet of waxed paper. Roll out leaves to 1/4-inch thickness. Cut out 2 (1 1/4 x 1-inch) shamrock shapes using small knife or scissors. Press 1 shamrock onto each mint; set aside.

Place banana, ice cubes, apple juice, yogurt, extracts and food color in blender or food processor; blend until smooth and frothy. Pour into glasses. Garnish with mints.

Note: For the adults, add 1/4 cup rum to the banana mixture before blending, if desired.