Applebee's Bananaberry Freeze

Ah, if only kitchen cloning was an exact science.While working on this one I saw the same bartendermake the drink two different ways on two differentdays. Only after a firm grilling did I get her admitting to her personal "improvement" to the chain'ssecret recipe. The official clone includes the ingredients found below. But if you want to add a littlepineapple juice -- as some independent thinking bartenders are apt to do -- you might discover youhave indeed created a tastier version of this refreshingsmoothie. On that day the cloning gods shall be lookingthe other way.But, for heaven's sake, be sure your banana is softand ripe. This is a detail the gods won't ignore.

10-ounce box frozen sweetened sliced strawberries, thawed
1/3 cup pina colada mix
2 cups ice
2 ripe bananas
Garnishwhipped cream
2 fresh strawberries

1. Use a blender to puree the entire contents of the thawed box of frozen strawberries.
2. Add 1/3 cup pina colada mix and 2 cups of ice to the blender.
3. Cut the end off end banana -- set these pieces aside to use later as a garnish -- then put the bananas into the blender.
4. Blend on high speed until the ice is crushed and the drink is smooth. Pour into two tall stemmed glasses, such as daiquiri glasses.
5. Slice each strawberry halfway up through the middle and add one to the rim of each glass.
6. Cut each banana slice halfway through the middle and add one to the rim of each glass next to the strawberry. Top with whipped cream and serve with a straw.Makes 2 servings.