Purpel passion

Blackberries give this summer drink (left) its gorgeous deep-purple hue. To turn it into a Fizzy Purple Passion, simply add some seltzer.

Ingredients

1. 1 cup blackberries, plus a few for garnish
2. 1 ice cube
3. 2/3 cup milk, plus more if needed
4. 1/4 cup sugar
5. 1 or 2 drops vanilla extract
6. Vanilla ice cream or vanilla frozen yogurt
7. Plain or lemon-flavored seltzer (optional)

Instructions

• Chill the berries on a plate in the freezer until firm (not frozen solid), about 35 minutes.
  
• In a blender, puree the chilled berries with the ice cube and milk. Strain the mixture into a bowl to remove the seeds. Rinse the blender and pour the mixture back in. Add the sugar, the vanilla extract, and 3 to 4 big scoops of ice cream or frozen yogurt and blend the mixture until smooth, adding more milk if it's too thick.
  
• Divide the shake among three chilled glasses. If you like, stir a few tablespoons of seltzer into each for a little fizz. Garnish the tops with whole berries and serve. Makes three 8-ounce servings.

Heres another simple way to make black berry Smoothie