San Francisco Frozen Yogurt

Even just a couple of warm sunny days here in San Francisco have us daydreaming of spring break, sandy beaches and cold fruity refreshments. Take a mental spring break. Kick up your feet and soak in the San Francisco sun with this mouthwatering smoothie recipe from Yogurt Bar - the Tropical Breeze.

Fresh flavors of mango, pineapple and coconut blended with Yogurt Bar's Original Plain frozen yogurt will have you thinking you're sipping on a Pina Colada. A few more sips and you can feel the sand in your toes. Let the Tropical Breeze whisk you away to a far-off exotic island even if it's only for your lunch break. Are those waves you hear crashing on the beach?

Tropical Breeze Smoothie

2 Tbsp. Chopped fresh pineapple
2 Tbsp. Chopped fresh mango
2 Tbsp. Shredded coconut
8 oz. or Union Square size Yogurt Bar Original Plain Frozen Yogurt
1 ½ Cups ice
½ Cup non-fat milk

Place all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth.

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Have you noticed that the yogurt section of most grocery stores has practically taken over the dairy aisle? It's getting harder to find more traditional dairy foods, such as cottage cheese and sour cream, amid the sea of yogurt options. But it only makes sense that a food with as many health benefits as yogurt be given prime real estate in the supermarket.

And just what are the health benefits of yogurt?

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First off, your body needs to have a healthy amount of ''good'' bacteria in the digestive tract, and many yogurts are made using active, good bacteria. One of the words you'll be hearing more of in relation to yogurt is ''probiotics.''

Probiotic, which literally means ''for life,'' refers to living organisms that can result in a health benefit when eaten in adequate amounts.

Miguel Freitas, PhD, medical marketing manager for Dannon Co., says the benefits associated with probiotics are specific to certain strains of these "good" bacteria. Many provide their benefits by adjusting the microflora (the natural balance of organisms) in the intestines, or by acting directly on body functions, such as digestion or immune function. (Keep in mind that the only yogurts that contain probiotics are those that say "live and active cultures" on the label.)

And let us not forget that yogurt comes from milk. So yogurt eaters will also get a dose of animal protein (about 9 grams per 6-ounce serving), plus several other nutrients found in dairy foods, like calcium, vitamin B-2, B-12, potassium, and magnesium.

In fact, the health benefits of yogurt are so impressive that many health-conscious people make it a daily habit. Here are five possible health benefits of having a yogurt a day:

Benefit No. 1: Yogurt May Help Prevent Osteoporosis

''Adequate nutrition plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and the micronutrients of greatest importance are calcium and vitamin D,'' says Jeri Nieves, PhD, MS, director of bone density testing at New York's Helen Hayes Hospital.

A recent study, which followed more than 5,000 Spanish university graduates for about two years, found a link between dairy intake and risk of high blood pressure.

''We observed a 50% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure among people eating 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy a day (or more), compared with those without any intake,'' Alvaro Alonso, MD, PhD, a researcher in the department of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said in an email interview.

''We observed a 50% reduction in the risk of developing high blood pressure among people eating 2-3 servings of low-fat dairy a day (or more), compared with those without any intake,'' Alvaro Alonso, MD, PhD, a researcher in the department of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, said in an email interview.

Although most of the low-fat dairy consumed by the study subjects was as milk, Alvaro believes low-fat yogurt would likely have the same effect.

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Yogurt is also a good source of protein, which helps give the body energy to keep you going throughout the day. Protein is an essential building block for many systems in the body, including your muscles. Protein is also good for curbing your appetite and helping you feel full for a longer period of time.

Credits:
Elaine Magee, MPH, RD
Elizabeth Walling
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Yogurt Bar is delving into the classic case of the health benefits of ice cream versus frozen yogurt and want to share our conclusions. When considering the health benefits of frozen yogurt versus ice cream most people immediately look at fat and sugar content. It's true, not all frozen yogurt is fat free and some can be high in sugar content, however there are several healthy frozen yogurts available, such as Yogurt Bar's organic frozen yogurts that are non-fat and low calorie. But what about the additional health benefits of frozen yogurt? Surely fat and sugar content is not all there is to consider.

One major health benefit of all natural frozen yogurts is the probiotic content. Frozen yogurt that contains live bacterial cultures promotes better digestion.

Continue reading Health Benefits Frozen Yogurt vs Ice Cream

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The benefits of yogurt are as plentiful as our flavors, they include:

* Good source of calcium & protein

* Healthy bacteria, which helps to boost immune systems, believed to lower cholesterol level and enhance digestion

* Low in lactose

* Wonderful lowfat substitute for ice cream

Check Out More frozen yogurt recipes

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon gelatin

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 cup milk

2 tablespoons corn syrup

1 1/2 pound peaches, peeled & quartered

1 cup plain yogurt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a saucepan. Stir in milk; let stand 1 minute. Place over low heat; cook 5 minutes or until the gelatin dissolves, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in the corn syrup. Let the mixture cool completely. In a food processor add the peaches and process until smooth; scraping the sides of the processor bowl occasionally. Combine the peach purée, gelatin mixture, yogurt, and vanilla in a large bowl; stir well. Cover and chill 8 hours. Pour mixture into a ice cream machine and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions.

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Original Kiwi Strawberry Yogurt Bar Pops:

1 pint of Yogurt Bar Original Plain frozen yogurt
1/8 cup chopped strawberry pieces
1/8 cup chopped kiwi pieces

Green Tea Mango Yogurt Bar Pops:

1 pint of Yogurt Bar Green Tea frozen yogurt
¼ cup chopped mango pieces

Directions:

Place frozen yogurt and mix-ins in a bowl. Stir mixture for suspended pieces of fruit in your popsicle, or blend in a food processor for a smoother popsicle. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, insert popsicle sticks and freeze for several hours.

Note: If you don't have popsicle molds you can use small paper cups for molds and wood coffee stirrers for sticks.



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Best of the Bay readers' poll

Don't blame us-you said it.

By Linda Xiao and you, the reader

Best Frozen Yogurt
Ever since SoCal's Pinkberry swept onto the scene, frozen yogurt has been all the rage. San Franciscans love the version at Yogurt Bar. It's tart and perfect in every way-add a few toppings, and you have yourself an ideal afternoon snack. 2760 Octavia St., S.F., 415-441-2585,
site : San Francisco Frozen Yogurt

Best Cupcake
Kara's Cupcakes are sweet in both taste and appearance, without being kitschy. Each dainty little parcel is made daily from scratch using local, organic ingredients. 3249 Scott St., S.F., 415-563-2253; 900 North Point St., S.F., 415-351-2253, karascupcakes.com

Best Candy Shop
See's Candies started in L.A., but in 1972, the company astutely moved its headquarters to South S.F., where the old-fashioned black-and-white candy store is truly appreciated. sees.com

Best Cup of Coffee
Despite its franchise status, Peet's Coffee & Tea, which opened its first store in Berkeley in 1966, is still a favorite among Bay Area coffee aficionados who haven't forgotten where their consistently good cup of joe comes from. Thank you, Mr. Peet, for making addicts out of all of us. peets.com


Read On Best San Francisco Frozen Yogurt

Pet lovers who joined Bella & Daisy's weekly Yappy Hour last Friday enjoyed a special appearance and treat from Yogurt Bar.

Yogurt Bar welcomed Yappy Hour patrons and their pets with a catering cart full of delicious frozen yogurt samples including Original Plain, Green Tea, Chocolate, and flavor of the month, Raspberry.

While the doggies played, pet lovers enjoyed friendly conversation, wine and cheese, and were able to sign up for the Yogurt Bar Club earning them a free 5 oz frozen yogurt.

Bella & Daisy's Yappy Hour takes place every Friday from 5-7 PM and is the perfect way to wind down from your week with your furry friend. Look for Yogurt Bar sampling in front of Bella & Daisy's every 3rd Friday of the month.

So the next time your pup needs a walk, stop by Bella & Daisy's dog bakery for a special treat for Fido and treat yourself to a stop at Yogurt Bar.

For more information about Bella & Daisy's and Yappy Hour visit:

Bella and Daisy's Website

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Black Forest Frozen Yogurt Pie

2 Pints Yogurt Bar raspberry frozen yogurt
1 ½ cups crushed chocolate wafer cookies
6 Tbsp. melted butter
1/3 cup toasted shredded coconut
1 cup fresh raspberries
Chocolate syrup

Mix together cookie crumbs, butter and coconut until well blended. Press evenly into bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate; freeze until firm.

Using an electric mixer, mix on slow speed 1/2 cup fresh raspberries with Yogurt Bar raspberry frozen yogurt just until fruit is mixed in. Return frozen yogurt mix to freezer until it regains firmness. Use an ice cream scoop to fill pie shell with raspberry frozen yogurt mix, piling the scoops into a mound. Freeze until firm, at least two hours.

Just before serving, remove pie from freezer. Garnish with remaining fresh raspberries and drizzle with chocolate syrup. Sprinkle with toasted coconut if desired.

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San Francisco Frozen Yogurt

Become a Yogurt Bar Insider and you'll receive a FREE 5 oz. frozen yogurt on your next trip to Yogurt Bar at Union along with exclusive email offers and our monthly newsletter.

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Enjoy Our Smoothies:
All Smoothies made with non-fat milk or soymilk.
Featured Smoothies include free supplement.

The sun beats down on your back. You're hot and thirsty. It's summer time - the perfect time for a cool, refreshing, and nutritious frozen drink.

Here are the top five frozen drinks to cool you off and offer nutritious benefits.

#1 Minty Lemonade.

Mint offers many digestive benefits and contains phytonutrients. On top of all that, it's delicious.

Step One: Grab your blender and add ¼ cup of sugar and 10-12 washed mint leaves - blend into a paste.
Step Two: Add the juice from 1 ½ lemons. (About 6 tablespoons)
Step Three: Add 3-4 large ice cubes or about 1/3 cup crushed ice and blend.
Step Four: Add 1 ½ cups of soda or seltzer water to the blender and then pour into glasses full of ice.
Step Five: Sip and enjoy!

#2 Watermelon Cooler

Watermelon is a valuable source of Vitamin C, Potassium, and Lycopene. However with this refreshing drink, the health benefits will be the last thing on your mind.

Step One: Grab a seedless watermelon and cut approximately 2 ½ cups of one inch chunks.
Step Two: Add watermelon, the juice from one lime, and 2 tablespoons of sugar to your blender and puree.
Step Three: Add ½ cup of plain yogurt and 3 large ice cubes to blender and blend.
Step Four: Pour into one large or two medium sized glasses and enjoy!

#3 Nectarine Coconut Milkshake

Close your eyes and take a sip of this delicious shake and you'll imagine yourself on a tropical island.

Step One: Peel and chop 4 medium sized nectarines.
Step Two: Add nectarines and one can of light coconut milk to blender.
Step Three: Add two tablespoons of sugar and the juice from two limes (2 tbsp) to blender
Step Four: Blend until ingredients are mixed.
Step Five: Add 1/3 cup chopped ice or 3-4 large ice cubes and blend. Pour over ice and enjoy!

#4 Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Breakfast is a hectic time and with children home from school it can be even crazier. Here is a great drink you can make for them which will last them until lunch.
Step One: Add 1 cup milk, 2/3 cup orange juice, 2/3 cup pineapple juice and 1/3 cup coconut milk with one banana and three large ice cubes.
Step Two: Blend until all ingredients are smooth and creamy.
Step Three: Pour into glass and enjoy. Note: You can add one or two raw eggs to mixture however be careful when feeding small children raw eggs.

#5 Blueberry Freeze

For those long hot summer days when nothing goes down smoother than a cold cocktail this drink is for you.

Step One: Add 1 oz vodka, 1/4 oz wildberry schnapps, 1 oz cream of coconut, 2 oz blueberries, 1 1/2 oz crushed pineapples, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream and 8 oz crushed ice to blender.
Step Two: Blend until smooth.
Step Three: Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream for an extra special treat.

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Golden Gate Mothers Group Moms enjoyed complimentary Yogurt Bar organic frozen yogurt with fresh fruit toppings as they browsed for kids clothing at the Jean et Marie After-Mothers Day trunk show on Union St. Yogurt Bar served signature flavors Original Plain, Green Tea and Chocolate, as well as their newest May flavor of the month, Blueberry. GGMG moms also enjoyed free pedicures, wine and cheese and special discounts from Jean et Marie.

Read On Yogurt Bar Caters After-Mothers Day Trunk Show at Jean et Marie

Yogurt Bar is kicking off summer with a Memorial Day special!

This Saturday and Sunday only, enjoy Yogurt Bar's tasty patriotic creation, The Red, White and Blue. Original Plain yogurt topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries or blackberries, and Ghirardelli chocolate syrup, served in our Golden Gate (8 oz) cup for just $4.75!

Start summer with a stroll down Union Street and an all-natural refreshing treat from Yogurt Bar. It's the perfect way to welcome summer in the City.