I have a huge sweet tooth, which I try to keep in check with pseudo-sweet treats like fruits and smoothies. One of my go-to smoothies is mango lassi -- actually a yogurt-based drink served in most Indian restaurants.

I love to have this as a treat between painting sessions -- I'm trying really hard not to have drinks around while I paint, since they tend to end up with paint in them!

MANGO LASSI, makes about 2 servings
Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt 
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup chopped mangoes (I used frozen ones, which give the lassi a nice cool texture)
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom -- optional, but really what gives an "Indian" flavor to this (and to other Indian desserts like kheer)