Cuban Batido #CooktheBooks

Sweet and frothy this fruity Cuban drink reminds me of the Orange Julius' that used to be in stands in the center of every mall in America.   Not quite as thick as a smoothie but just  as delicious.

I was inspired to make this drink after reading about it in our Cook the Books Selection.....

Deb of Kahakai Kitchen is hosting this bimonthly group and chose the book Eat Joy: Stories and Comfort Food from 31 Celebrated Writers.  Deb said she chose this book because it is a selection of short stories which is perfect for December/January holiday season when you may not be able to curl up with a book for hours at a time.  I agree. Thanks for choosing this Deb.

Thirty one different authors, all with their own writing style share a memory with us and talk about the food or foods involved with that memory.  I, personally, love food memories.  There is something about preparing and sharing food with loved ones that make you feel secure and loved when thinking back on them.  

After each memory the author shares a recipe with us.  I did not choose one of those.  Instead I chose a memory that Chantel Acevedo talked about when reminiscing about making Merenguitos with her Abuela.  

Remembering her Abuelo, before he suffered dementia, Acevedo wrote:

"He would pick up fallen mangoes for the ground, fertilize the tamarindo tree, or straighten the tall papayas, which always reminded me of Dr. Seuss's truffula treees, so lanky and fluffy at the top.  Our backyard was a fruit-lover's heaven, the bounty of which often made it back into the kitchen for creamy batidos made in the blender,"

This passage spoke to me on so many levels.  I, too, was raised in a home that had a backyard that was a fruit-lover's heaven.  Being from Michigan, our fruit was apples, pears, plums and peaches.  I also had fond memories of a loved one, my mom, who would create wonderful treats for me from these fruits when I was young and for whom I made those treats when she got older and suffered from dementia.

When Acevedo wrote:

"When I was little, I used to sit on his lap, and he would scratch my back with hard, calloused fingers."

It brought back childhood memories of sitting on my Pop's lap at night as he cupped my face and petted my hair with his rough hands.  It also brought to mind, my husband with our granddaughter and made me smile knowing that she would have sweet memories of their time together.

That first passage had me immediately leaving the page and doing a google search for Batido's.  I found several recipes using different fruits and methods.  Some used evaporated milk, some used ice cream but the one I decided to go with was found on Food.com and listed as a Cuban Batido.  Perfect as that was where Acevedo's family had emigrated.  It also was attractive to me as I had all the ingredients on hand.  I got up and made it immediately.  Poured a glass for myself and Frank that we enjoyed as we each returned to our reading.

I did find several other recipes that I have earmarked to try in this book.  And some, like boxed brownie mix with water stirred in that you eat with a spoon, that I won't try.  I enjoyed these short memories that these authors shared with us.

If you would like to join us for this selection of Cook the Books you still have a full month to get the book which is a very easy and touching read, create a recipe and share it with us.  You can learn more at Deb's invitation page.

I am also sharing this post over at Foodies Read.  Stop by and see what the other foodies are reading this month.  

drinks, fruit, breakfast, dessert, snack

Drinks

Cuban

Yield: 2 servings

Author: Wendy Klik

Cuban Batido

Sweet and frothy this fruity Cuban drink reminds me of the Orange Julius' that used to be in stands in the center of every mall in America. Not quite as thick as a smoothie but just as delicious.

Prep time: 5 MinTotal time: 5 Min

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1 c. ice
• 3/4 c. milk
• 1/2 c. orange juice
• 3 T. sugar
• juice of 1 lime

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and puree until smooth and frothy.  Divide between 2 tall glasses and serve.

Notes:

Made from a recipe found at Food.com

Calories

213.26

Fat (grams)

2.05

Sat. Fat (grams)

1.13

Carbs (grams)

47.34

Fiber (grams)

1.92

Net carbs

45.42

Sugar (grams)

36.44

Protein (grams)

4.37

Sodium (milligrams)

51.31

Cholesterol (grams)

7.35

Similar Recipes

Green Apple Smoothie

Homemade Orange Julius

PBJ Smoothie

https://adayinthelifeonthefarm.blogspot.com/2021/01/cuban-batido-cookthebooks.html

Property of A Day in the Life on the Farm