Anne and her Lassi

Not to be confused with the town in Greece of the same name but different spelling, the Lassi (a yogurt drink) is the most popular beverage in Indian – second only to the cardamon sented Chai tea that has made it’s way into Starbucks and corner coffee shops throughout the U.S.

I must confess that I’m not much of a lassi drinker since I prefer my yogurt delivered in the more traditional medium. But this morning my step mother Anne – whom we are visiting in Los Osos for the holidays – offered up a smoothie that after one sip had me boldly declaring “That’s not a smoothie it’s a lassi.” And a good one at that.

Using the best of both worlds (the frozen fruit banana bonanza of the standard smoothie, combined with the creamy yogurt goodness of the lassi) Anne has managed to score a winner. With a citrusy overtone and a smoothly tart background, it hit the perfect note for a pre-xmas breakfast. Here’s her Los Osos Lassi. Make it, drink it, be merry.

Los Osos Lassi

Like most good cooks, Anne doesn’t make this greatness in a glass by measuring, but by a culinary instinct finely honed from 60 plus years of putting in her time as a dedicated avocational cook. You may want to adjust the amounts here and there to get the blend of flavors and the smoothness you desire.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups yogurt (plain)

3/4 cup frozen or fresh mango

3/4 cup frozen strawberries

1 whole bannana

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup orange or tangerine juice

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until well combined. To make a thicker or thinner lassi, adjust the amount of juice.

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