The old-fashioned strawberry shake is still a popular menu option for many of us. Just break out the blender, pick a few strawberries (a great opportunity for exercise) and add the ice cream for a great dessert. To make this a healthier menu idea, pick the strawberries yourself, use a lower fat ice cream and make serving sizes a bit smaller than usual. Now all can enjoy without feeling guilty!

Strawberry Soda Fountain Favorite
1 pint of fresh strawberries
1 pint vanilla ice cream, softened

Rinse and remove green tops from strawberries. Cut strawberries in half and place in blender. Mix strawberries in blender until they are pureed. Add ice cream, and blend until smooth. Freeze in container for about 1 hour. Before serving, blend a few seconds until smooth. Spoon into glasses and garnish with whole strawberries.

Makes 3 servings.

Nutrient analysis per serving: 209 calories, 4 grams protein, 29 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 10 grams fat, 39 milligrams cholesterol, 129 milligrams calcium, 71 milligrams sodium. Exchanges: 1/2 fruit, 1 1/2 carbohydrates, 2 fat.




Source: Jananne Finck, MS, RD, University of Illinois Extension educator, nutrition and wellness, Springfield Center, (217)782-6515