What makes smoothies so great is their simplicity and versatility. It’s just the recipe to try with locally produced milk and yogurt, and just-picked Minnesota berries bursting with their best flavor. While you’re picking or buying local berries, choose a few Minnesota-grown mint sprigs for garnishing the smoothies. And here’s another tip: your smoothies will be nice and thick if you freeze the berries first. To freeze berries, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm; transfer frozen berries to resealable freezer container until use.

Makes two generous servings

• 1 pint raspberries, strawberries, blackberries or blueberries, frozen
• 6 ice cubes
• 1 tablespoon sugar, honey, or other sweetener, optional
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• Whole fresh berries, for garnish
• Mint sprigs, for garnish

Place all ingredients in blender and process until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with whole berries and sprigs of mint.