Blueberry, Mango, Banana and Skyr Smoothie inspired by a visit to Iceland's Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa.
I'm somewhat sad to say that is is the final in my series of four posts about our fantastic trip to Iceland. I'll just have to start saving up so we can return at some point - best buy that lottery ticket. One of the traditional Icelandic foods I did know about before we went to Iceland was Skyr, although I hadn't actually tasted it. Pronounced skee-er, it is officially a sour cheese but is yogurt like in texture with a really creamy flavour and texture. However the rather exciting part is that it has zero fat yet high in protein. Not quite sure how they manage that! We saw it most often served at breakfast natural, flavoured or layered with fruit. A local delicacy since the 11th century it's pretty widely available in UK supermarkets and we've been buying it since we came home and enjoying it for breakfast, as a desert and in smoothies like the one I'm sharing today.
Our first full day in Iceland took us from our accommodation at Keflavik on a journey round the Reykjanes Peninsula finishing up at the famous Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa. As we arrived a gorgeous rainbow appeared as if on cue to confirm the sheer magic of the place. Fear not, there are no photos of us luxuriating in the Lagoon with our face masks. We opted for the comfort package which provides you with a towel, algae mask and a drink. Whilst I quaffed my Prosecco Foodie Boy was raving about his Blueberry Skyr Smoothie and demanding a second. Time to memorise the ingredients so we could attempt to recreate at home. Blue Lagoon is an absolute must visit on any trip to Iceland but be sure to book well in advance as it is so popular. As it's close to the airport it works well do visit on your first or last day in Iceland.
First stop of our first full day had been the Bridge Between Continents. A foot bridge spans a black sand filled gulf between the North American and European plates. Lots of fab photo opportunities including 'holding up the bridge'. From there we headed to Gunnuhver. This was a perfect introduction to mud pools and steam vents. It's name comes from the witch ghost Gunna who was trapped by magic and lured into the boiling water to her death. Best stick to the safety of the Blue Lagoon methinks!
Icelandic Blueberry Skyr Smoothie
1 Banana
1/2 Mango
200g Skyr
150g Frozen Blueberries
Put the ingredients in a blender and blitz until smooth.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!
(The version served at The Blue Lagoon also included Elderberry Juice in its list of ingreedients so feel free to add some for full authenticity - I need to try and track some down)
Iceland. The land of shoehorns, naked showering at swimming pools, two single duvets on a double bed and a constant smell of sulphur. I do sincerely hope I can return and explore further. Seeing the Northern Lights remains on my bucket list.
Be sure to catch up with my other three posts about our Iceland Adventures
