Shamrock Smoothies

Yield: 2 servings (about 8 ounces each)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon granulated 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

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Place banana, ice cubes, apple juice, yogurt, extracts and food color in blender or food processor; blend until smooth and frothy.*
3. Pour into glasses. Garnish with mints.

Notes

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