Strawberry Tofu Smoothies — MawMaw’s First Prescription

Called MawMaw Shirley Sunday night. She said, "Tomorrow is the first day." I said, "Yes." She said, "Remember three things: eat breakfast, wash your hands, and don't let anyone make you feel small." The first two are medical advice. The third is life advice. All three came from the same woman. I wrote them on a notecard and taped it above my desk next to Jada's framed white coat drawing. Eat breakfast. Wash your hands. Don't let anyone make you feel small. MawMaw Shirley's prescription for the first day of medical school. It is the best prescription I have ever received.

MawMaw Shirley put “eat breakfast” first on that list — before hand-washing, before the life wisdom — and I don’t think that was an accident. So on the morning I walked into medical school for the first time, I made this smoothie before I taped that notecard above my desk. It takes five minutes, it travels well if you’re nervous and running late, and the tofu gives it enough protein to carry you through whatever that first morning throws at you. MawMaw would approve.

Strawberry Tofu Smoothies

Prep Time: 5 min | Cook Time: 0 min | Total Time: 5 min | Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
• 6 oz silken tofu, drained
• 1 cup milk of choice (dairy, oat, or soy all work well)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup, plus more to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup ice cubes (omit if using frozen strawberries)

Instructions

1. Prep the fruit. If using fresh strawberries, hull them and cut any large ones in half so they blend evenly. If using frozen, let them sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes to take the chill off.
2. Load the blender. Add the strawberries, silken tofu, milk, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and ice cubes (if using) to a blender in that order — liquid near the blade helps everything move.
3. Blend until smooth. Start on low for 10 seconds, then increase to high and blend for 45–60 seconds until completely creamy and no tofu lumps remain.
4. Taste and adjust. Taste for sweetness and add a touch more honey if needed. Blend for another 10 seconds to incorporate.
5. Serve immediately. Pour into two glasses and drink right away for the best texture and color. For a grab-and-go option, pour into a lidded jar or travel cup.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 155 | Protein: 8g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 25g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 55mg