Specialty fresh fruit concoctions — smoothies, shakes and the like — have become popular offerings at juice bars, chain coffee emporia, delis and even roadside stands. But rather than indulging in a time-consuming, often expensive stop after you leave the house, it only takes a moment to make a quick morning drink in your own kitchen. Anything that can go into a blender or food processor can be the base for a delicious morning meal in a glass that sets the stage for a great day.

SUCCESS TIPS

— Nutritionists say that a healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, even if you are watching your calories, it should provide at least a quarter of your daily caloric intake.

— For a quick rule of thumb, use ½ cup of fruit (apples, bananas, berries), ¼ cup of dairy products (milk, cottage cheese, yogurt) or a substitute to taste (soy, almond, rice milk), ¼ to ¼ teaspoon of flavoring (brown sugar, cinnamon, fruit jelly) and any nutritional add-on (carob powder, nuts, wheat germ).

— Chilled fresh soy milk may be substituted for traditional dairy products with the proviso that use is to taste, so a little experimentation is in order.

— Another alternative to dairy products or soy is almond milk, now available in several flavors, including natural, vanilla and chocolate. This alternative mixes well with fruit, having a smooth, creamy texture.

— With the serious health concerns of using raw eggs, particularly salmonella, a useful alternative is liquid egg substitute, generally one-third to ½ cup to each large raw egg.

For each of the following recipes:

1. Place all ingredients in blender or food processor and blend until smooth or consistency to taste.

2. Pour into chilled glass or glasses.

Each recipe serves one and can easily be doubled.

FAST FRUIT SMOOTHIE

½ cup sliced peaches

¼ cup orange, apple or cranberry juice

¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ cup plain low-fat yogurt or skim milk

¼ teaspoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon brown sugar or honey

2 to 3 ice cubes

Variations for the peaches include ½ cup chopped cantaloupe or ½ cup drained mandarin orange segments.

VANILLA CAROB SMOOTHIE

½ cup vanilla, carob or coffee ice cream

Half a banana, quartered

1 to 2 tablespoons dates and nuts of your choice

1 ½ tablespoons carob powder

1 egg (or egg substitute)

BANANA-ORANGE CREAM

½ cup each orange juice and vanilla ice cream or milk

1 tablespoon creamy or chunky peanut butter

Half a small, ripe banana, quartered

Orange marmalade, to taste (for a sweeter shake)

3 ice cubes

FRUIT ICE SHAKE

¾ cup fruit of your choice

2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate

¼ cup skim milk

1 tablespoon honey

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg (or egg substitute)

2 or 3 ice cubes