By Ippolita Douglas Scotti:
It's so hot in Florence this time of year!
Summer has arrived, but this year is the strangest summer that I can remember. The virus has stolen our springtime, and now the city is alive again; but it’s so weird to see only Italian tourists!
In Italy, there are still so many restrictions. We wear masks even at the sea and keep at a safe distance from one another.
Bottom line: everybody gained weight during the lockdown, so it’s time for something refreshing, detoxing, and healthy. In these hot days, I don’t fell like turning on the oven. I need something light and fresh, but good and satisfying, so I've decided to concoct the ever trendy "smoothie."
A smoothie is a perfect way to start the day with the right amount of nutrients. In Italy, we usually have a cappuccino or an espresso for breakfast with a custard croissant or a slice of cake, so it is quite unusual to eat a bowl of fresh fruit and milk. It's just not part of our culture; but I'm determined to make these healthy bowls a new routine! So, now I choose fresh organic ingredients, and I’m enjoying my healthy, vibrant, refreshing bowl every morning!
FYI—I don’t freeze my fruit because it loses nutritious superpower. Also, when I wake up, I don’t like to eat a cold breakfast; but believe me the bowls are delicious!
Berry & Peach Smoothie Bowl
1 peach, peeled and sliced
1 cup strawberries and raspberries
8 cherries, pitted
1/2 cup very cold milk
Mint leaves and blueberries to garnish
Add peach, cherries, strawberries, and raspberries to blender, processing on high speed until smooth. Reserve a few berries for garnish.
Gradually add milk a little at a time until well blended.
Pour the smoothie into a bowl or a glass. If you like, top with granola, mint leaves, and berries.
Serve and enjoy!
Contessa Ippolita Douglas Scotti di Vigileno is a true Italian—born in Florence, Italy, from a long line of eccentric Italian aristocrats, she has traveled the world in search of adventure, romance, and magical, mouth-watering recipes. "Ippo" loves Italian history, especially as it relates to food. Author of There's a Beatle in My Soup, Curcuma e Zenzero (Ginger & Tumeric), 101 Perche Sulla Storia di Firenze (101 questions on Florence History), and Superfoods, Ippo is currently finishing her latest work, The Lords of Florence (all published by Newton Compton Publishers).