Tastful Tuesday - "Orange Dream Smoothie" and Cinnamon Rolls

I have posted before how much we love smoothies at our house.  There is no better way to get produce, fiber, and calcium into youngsters in one time then blending up a myriad of Delicious fresh ingredients into a smooth, creamy shake.  One of the most requested smoothies by my two boys, Mr. Happy Pants and Captain Character is my Orange Dream Smoothie.  It is a blend of Greek yogurt, orange juice and bananas that is healthy and a mildly sweet drink.  Enjoy and Cheers!

Orange Dream:

• 8 oz. low sugar, all natural Orange Juice
• 6 oz. soy milk (or skim, 2%, lactaid if you prefer)
• 1 TBS. Honey or agave nectar
• a handful of crushed ice
• 1 cup of frozen vanilla yogurt
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla)
• 1 banana, cut in half (I freeze mine)
• 1 tsp. coconut extract

Blend in a blender until creamy and smooth.  Serve in cold cups with straws and a orange wedge if desired.  Great with a buttermilk bran muffin or granola for breakfast or a snack.  Enjoy!

This is a very Easy and Delicious Cinnamon roll recipe.  My mother takes the cake with her rolls, however I whipped these up for a Sunday afternoon snack and they couldn't be easier.  I however used melted butter and brown sugar in addition to the cinnamon sugar while making them.  I topped them with an easy and delicious cream cheese frosting.  Delish!
***By the Way, today I am making Sprinkles Strawberry Cupcakes and I will be posting how they compare!  Look back later for an update! XOXO Happy Tuesday!

90 Minute Cinnamon Rolls:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup margarine, softened
• 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 egg
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup margarine, softened
• 1/2 cup raisins (optional)

Directions

1. Heat the milk in a small saucepan until it bubbles, then remove from heat. Mix in margarine; stir until melted. Let cool until lukewarm.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/4 cup flour, yeast, sugar and salt; mix well. Add water, egg and the milk mixture; beat well. Add the remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. When the dough has just pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth, about 5 minutes.
3. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let rest for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, softened margarine.
4. Roll out dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle. Spread dough with margarine/sugar mixture. Sprinkle with raisins if desired. Roll up dough and pinch seam to seal. Cut into 12 equal size rolls and place cut side up in 12 lightly greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until browned. Remove from muffin cups to cool. Serve warm
6. Makes twelve