Kungfu Juice: Banana and Apricot Thick Shake

by Jan Castorina and Dimitra Stais

Beginning the New Year right, Kungfu E-zine kicks off its resolution to stay healthy for 2002 with weekly juice drinks that will give you energy, boost your immune system, help you lose weight, and be great for your martial arts training. Readers are invited to submit and share their favorite recipes via e-mail for this column's consideration. Include any information regarding your potion's nutrients, when possible.

Banana and Apricot Thick Shake
Try this drink for a quick boost of energy needed for fast sports and martial arts. The banana and apricots provide plenty of complex carbohydrates, and the milk and the yogurt provide calcium and protein. The apricots also supply beta-carotene and iron, which are needed to support the body during exercise.

Makes about 2 cups (22 oz - serves 2-3)

• 10 dried apricots (about 2 oz)
• 1 1/2 cups (12 oz) milk or fortified soy milk, chilled
• 1/2 cup acidophilus yogurt or soy yogurt
• 1 medium banana, peeled
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 4 ice cubes

Put the apricots in a small bowl and add boiling water to cover. Let sit for 15 minutes. Drain and let cool to room temperature. In a blender, combine the apricots with all the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Serve immediately.

About Jan Castorina and Dimitra Stais:
Recipe by Jan Castorina and Dimitra Stais, from "Juices: Nature's Cure-all for Health and Vitality" published by Periplus Editions, Tuttle Publishing. Used with permission.