Cook Caitie whips up another delicious treat!

As instructors for ADO 8/4 began their first day of briefing yesterday, our Kitchen Manager Caitie prepared a special treat for them. Caitie, who is well-known in the kitchen for such delicious dishes as “Thai Coconut Chicken Pasta” and “Sundried Tomato and Mozzarella Risotto”, presented them not only with delicious, homemade banana-molasses bread, but also with a specialty that she calls “Tahitian Yum-Yum Smoothies”. In the following interview, Caitie reveals to you and me the secret behind this tasty treat!

Kristen: Caitie,  you’re the kitchen manager and cook here at NOLS TVB — how’s the summer been for you?
Caitie: The summer has been surprising. I’ve encountered many challenges as well as many successes, one of them being my Tahitian Yum-Yum Smoothies.
K: Mmm! Sounds delicious! (Caitie nods in agreement.) What exactly is a Tahitian Yum-Yum Smoothie?
C: Well, Kristen, Tahitian Yum-Yums are more than just a smoothie. They start with an entirely vegan-friendly base, the star ingredient of which is coconut milk. After the base, you can add whatever you want — various fruits, vegetables and supplemental protein poweders — you are NOT limited to the produce of Tahiti. I like to stick to the bare essentials — bananas and berries.
K: So why call it a Tahitian Yum-Yum if the produce is not native to Tahiti?
C: When confronted with the decision of what to name this unique blended drink, I called upon the memory of my favorite childhood beverage, Tahitian Treat (a.k.a. Hawaiian Punch). The sweet yet tangy experience I deliver with my smoothie is reminiscent of the delicious, exotic flavor of Tahitian Treat.
K: That’s fantastic! I tried a Tahitian Yum-Yum myself this morning, and man was it yummy!
C: This pleases me.
K: Do you have any more culinary surprises in store for the rest of the summer?
C: Well, Kristen, due to a high number of dairy alleries, my most exciting entree has been postponed — Ten Cheese Macaroni, as requested by Scott Palmer, our Issue Room Manager. This dish will definitely make an appearance of at the Teton Valley Branch before the end of the summer.
K: Thanks so much for your time and your delicious food, Caitie! I can’t wait to see which chesses you choose for Ten Cheese Macaroni.
C: My pleasure.

Cook Caitie with her Tahitian Yum-Yums!

Tahitian Yum Yums! (Serves 4)
Base:
1 part soy milk
1 part coconut milk
1 part Orange Juice

Blend together in a blender:
2 cups base
4 frozen bananas
2 cups fruits and vegetables of your choice*
*If using  all frozen fruits/veggies, you may need to add more orange juice to thin out the smoothie.