Banana Smoothies x 2

When's the last time you have a banana?  I haven't eaten banana for 9 months after Cyclone Yasi hit Queensland in January this year.  Since I've been living in Australia, this is the second time that mother nature wipes out the banana crops affecting the prices of banana that make you really treasure this tropical fruit!  The first time was Cyclone Larry in 2006 that it took nearly 4 years for the price to go back to normal then this time Cyclone Yasi brought so much rain and plus more rain on the other parts of Queensland causing the devastated Queensland flood at the beginning of 2011.  If the government hasn't allowed the farmers to sell bananas that fall from the ground to keep the supply and prices down, we would not have bananas selling at the shop.  The highest price for the banana has gone up to $15 a kg and thank goodness it has now gone down to $3.

Many people have a tough year in 2011 and I hope that 2012 will bring us good health, peace and prosperity!  And of course, many more yummy recipes!  HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR!    

Tropical Banana Treat
1 banana, chopped
1/2 ripe mango, peeled and chopped
100ml fresh orange juice
1 passionfruit fruit, halved

Blend banana and mango with orange juice.  Pour into glass and add the passionfruit pulp and seeds and stir.

Banana and Berry Blast
1 banana, chopped
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
100ml fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon honey

Blend fruit until smooth and pour into glass to serve chill.

Source: adopted and modified from the cookbook GI high-energy cookbook by Rachel Anne Hill