Smoothie brings home cool vibes of the beach

If you are looking for me in the summertime, chances are you’ll find me, at some point, on the beach in Montauk, Long Island, as close to the crashing waves as possible. If I am not in the water or on the white, sandy beach, I may have sauntered two blocks into town to grab a bite from Joni’s Kitchen, a hip little cafe with a relaxed surfer attitude and a chalkboard full of healthy menu items.

One of my go-tos there is the aptly named White Sands Smoothie, a frosty milkshakelike, nourishing treat with a pale palette of milk and banana made “sandy” from being blended with coconut, almonds and a fragrant sprinkle of nutmeg.

This recipe is my version of it, so I could bring those beachy vibes home to enjoy even after the school year starts up again.

White Sands Smoothie

1 serving. From nutritionist and cookbook author Ellie Krieger.

This frothy smoothie of milk and frozen banana blended with coconut, almonds and a sprinkle of nutmeg is based on a favorite from Joni’s in Montauk, Long Island. It’s a nourishing treat that lets you have those beachy vibes anytime.

1 very ripe banana, cut into chunks and frozen

3/4 cup (1 percent) low-fat milk or plant milk of choice

2 tablespoons sliced or slivered almonds (unsalted)

1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut

1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch freshly ground nutmeg

In a blender, combine the banana, milk, almonds, coconut, vanilla extract and nutmeg and blend until smooth. Serve right away.

Nutrition per serving: 300 calories, 12 g protein, 41 g carbohydrates, 11 g fat, 5 g saturated fat, 5 mg cholesterol, 125 mg sodium, 5 g dietary fiber, 26 g sugar