If you’ve read Renee Watson’s book Ways to Make Sunshine, then you’ll know the main character, Ryan, likes to cook. She’s an 11-year-old girl with a family who enjoys tasting all of her delicious concoctions. It’s a lot like Judy Moody, but it’s about a black family. Isn’t it wonderful to see books representing all races of people? In this story, Ryan creates a blackberry smoothie with lime juice with her friend, Amanda. It’s very simple and consists of only four ingredients.
Quotes from Ways to Make Sunshine:
In order to refresh our minds on the story, let’s take a look at a few of the quotes from the book:
We pack the blender full of frozen blackberries, lime juice, plain Greek yogurt, and honey.
“Are you sure this Is going to be good?” Amanda asks.
“I promise,” I tell her.
Amanda looks like she’s not so sure, but once I pour the smoothie into her cup and she takes her first sip, I know she believes me. She asks for more before she’s even finished. (pg. 45)
After making the smoothie, they brainstormed several ideas of what they wanted to call it, from: Blackberry-Lime Smoothie– (“that’s too simple”), to Blackberry Extravaganza– (“We can’t leave out the limes,”) to Blackberry-Lime Extravaganza to Ryan’s Berry-Lime Smoothie.
They never did agree on a name, but I liked the second to last one. It has a certain ring to it that I like. What do you think? Which name would you have chosen?
In order to recreate this drink, I had to find a recipe, but I didn’t find one online that I liked. Therefore, I had to be brave like Ryan. So, I completely invented this recipe on my own. I think it tasted really good! You should play with the amount of honey and lime juice to get it exactly how you like it. I thought the amount of lime juice was good, but if you’d like it to stand out even stronger, add more until it’s to your liking.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the blackberry smoothie
-blackberries-Ryan uses frozen, but you can use fresh instead
–lime juice-fresh or from a store-bought container is fine. You can get 2TB of juice per lime
–yogurt– it doesn’t have to be Greek. Any plain yogurt will do. If you use one with sugar, just use less honey or sweetener
–honey– sugar or maple syrup would be fine substitutes, if needed
-milk-any milk will work
First, add all of your ingredients into a blender (milk, blackberries, lime juice, yogurt, and honey).
Second, put on the lid and blend. Watch it turn a gorgeous purple color!
It’s that simple! Isn’t it pretty? Next, pour into two glasses and enjoy!
Because this treat is made with wholesome ingredients, it’s very healthy for you. It’s also not very sugary. In fact, the little bit of sweetness that is there is made from honey, which is a natural ingredient. It’s also the perfect beverage to beat that summertime heat! So, skip the ice cream and the popsicles if you’re looking for something good for you.
Blackberry Smoothie (Ways to Make Sunshine)
Equipment
- 1 blender
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk any kind
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt any plain, unsweetened yogurt will do
- 1 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed or from the bottle
- 1 cup blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar or maple syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (milk, yogurt, lime juice, blackberries, and honey) into blender.
- Blend together until smooth.
- Pour into two glasses, and enjoy!
Let us know if you try it! I’d be very happy to learn if you’ve made it, especially since I invented it. Like Ryan.
If you do make this recipe, go ahead and tag us on Instagram @theliteraryhavensisters and use the hashtag #theliteraryhavensisters so we can see your awesome pictures! And leave a comment below! Don’t forget to Pin it and share on all your social media!
Here’s a video to watch how to make this blackberry smoothie
Want More Recipes and Crafts from Ways to Make Sunshine?
Lemon Brownies– Try making these lemon brownies that were inspired by Ryan. They’re gooey, fudgy, and delicious!
PB&J Kabobs– Ever had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and diced strawberries on a kabob? No? Well, this is a fun way to get kids excited about eating. Try these kabobs today!
Suncatcher Craft– Learn how to make cute, bright “Sun” suncatchers out of tissue paper! Kids will love making them and hanging them from the windows. Perfect for rainy days or for a fun, simple craft.
Ways to Make Sunshine Review– Read about what we think of the book here!
