Pineapple Banana & Coconut Cream Smoothie (vegan, GF)

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium ripe banana, peeled (previously frozen in chunks is ideal but not essential)

1 cup pineapple (I used canned in juice, but fresh would be great)

1/2 cup coconut milk (canned, fresh, cream of coconut, or coconut creme concentrate, or your favorite milk)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup ice cubes

The remainder is optional:

1/4 cup granulated sugar, optional and to taste (or honey, agave, sugar, stevia, vanilla NuNaturals stevia drops to taste)

1/3 cup additional fruit (such strawberries, mango, peaches, plums, nectarines, papaya, honeydew, cantaloupe, etc.)

1/4 cup yogurt

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 scoop neutral or vanilla flavored protein powder

top with a handful of coconut flakes, granola, nuts, seeds, dried fruit, raisins

For a pina colada add 1 to 2 ounces rum (dark rum, light rum, Malibu)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Blend all ingredients in Vita-Mix or blender until smooth. Serve immediately. Any extra will keep for up to 2 months in the freezer.