FRUIT: Oranges

Cooking 101

Spring is definitely here and, as we slowly move toward summer, we are going to want to keep our bodies cooled, refreshed and energized. Whether you are going to the gym or simply walking to class, it is important to keep a hydrated and vitamin-pumped body. What better way to do this than with a refreshing juice drink made from fresh oranges. Perhaps you simply are tired from an exhausting day in the heat and are in need of a soft and creamy frozen dessert to cool you off. Either way, oranges are excellent fruits from which to derive a substantial intake of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Some interesting facts about the orange:
1) Oranges supply 80 fat-free calories packed with carbohydrates that fuel energy levels.
2) One orange supplies a healthy dose of vitamin C, which plays an important role in cancer prevention, healthy blood circulation and wound healing.
3) Oranges are a good source of the crucial B-vitamin folate, which is essential in preventing birth defects and fighting heart disease.
4) Oranges provide more than 7 percent of the daily value for potassium, which is needed for proper fluid balance.
5) Oranges contain an array of phytochemicals, which help fight age-related diseases.

From sunkist.com/healthy/oranges.asp

Try these recipes if you find yourself in need of something cool to drink during the upcoming weeks:

Happy drink

Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla ice cream
1 kiwi, quartered and peeled
1/2 banana, peeled
1 cup orange juice

Yields one serving
Three minutes prep time

Directions:
Put it all in a blender and blend. You now have a breakfast drink to start your day.

From thefruitpages.com/fruitjuicerecipes.shtml

Orange Julio

Ingredients:
2 cups orange juice
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
6-8 ice cubes

Yields four servings.

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until frothy.

From fatfree.com/recipes/drinks/

Orange Smoothie

Ingredients:
6 ounces orange juice concentrate, frozen
1 cup milk
1 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
10 ice cubes

Yields two large servings
10 minutes prep time

Directions:
Place all ingredients in a blender. Cover and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.

From recipezaar.com