Apple Pie Shake

Based on the title alone, you'd never guess an apple pie shake could be good for you . . . and the taste of the shake doesn't give away its healthful nature either. I came across this recipe in a preview of the new, updated "You: The Owner's Manual" by Drs. Roizen and Oz. They call it a Double Apple Cinnamon Smoothie, which to me sounds like the name of a healthful (read: not very tasty) smoothie. Because it tastes great, I thought it would be better to call it an Apple Pie Shake. Then people might actually be encouraged to try it - and benefit from the "healthy" nature of the recipe.

Drs. Roizen and Oz preface this recipe with information about the benefits of cinnamon in controlling blood sugar levels. The Apple Pie Shake provides a good amount of cinnamon, in addition to being a low fat source of protein and potassium . . . but the bottom line is this: it tastes great!

Apple Pie Shake

1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate (not thawed)
1/2 cup cinnamon applesauce
3/4 cup skim milk
3/4 cup low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt
1/8 tsp. apple pie spice

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Cover; blend on high for 1 minute. Pour into frosty mugs and top with ground cinnamon. 2 servings. (I halved the recipe and made it in my Magic Bullet)

Per serving: 204 calories; 3.4 g fat; 5.6 mg cholesterol; 34.9 g carb; 9.1 g protein; 2.7 g fiber; 266 mg sodium; 566 mg potassium; 4 points.