There are all kinds of smoothies. Green ones. Creamy ones. Light ones. Cleansing ones. Refreshing ones. Fruity ones. Nutty ones. And then there are the naughty ones. Sometimes you want to eat something healthy that feels decadent. Or at least, I do. I don’t eat smoothies just because I should. I eat them because I can! And this one makes being naughty oh-so-nice.
If cherries aren’t decadent, then I don’t know what is. And I’ll be honest, the price tag on frozen organic cherries can be a bit decadent in itself. But oh, these babies are worth it. So dark and full of antioxidants they’ll make your lips look just bitten post-smoothie.
Next comes the richness. Walnuts.. Nutty. Incredibly flavorful. Big, big mouthfeel. Somehow when these guys combine with cherries the effect is more cherries jubilee sundae than healthy blender beverage.
But we’re just getting started. Add a bit of frozen banana. Now don’t go all Atkins on me. Bananas are great. Full of natural sweetness and perfect for the creamy factor. Come to think of it, add a little avocado if you want extra oomph. No fat fear here. This one’s heart healthy and incredibly good for you. If you need some extra staying power, don’t resist!
Add almond milk, sweetener (like stevia) and a healthy dose of incredible vanilla.
Now blend my friends, blend away!
But wait, you’re not done yet. Here’s where it gets really good. Drizzle that beauty with a little maple syrup or get spicy with molasses. Just a little, mind you, moderation is key! Sprinkle it liberally with cacao nibs or an extra sprinkle of walnuts for good measure. And a drizzle of drippy almond butter might not go amiss. Or a few toasted slivered almonds. In fact, go crazy and pick your favorite toppings. I doubt you can go wrong!
It’s a meal in a bowl. A sundae in disguise. Fuel for a whole day of yoga, and family and work and play. And doesn’t the combo of cacao nibs and cherries feel just a little naughty?
But here’s how it’s oh-so nice.
- Cherries are packed with a brand of antioxidant called anthocyanins, helpful for reducing inflammation and kicking cancer and heart disease to the curb.
- Cherries have 19 times more bet-carotene than blueberries or strawberries! Also, vitamins C, and E, potassium folate and fiber.
- Walnuts are one of the best sources of plant protein. They’re also rich in fiber, B vitamins, magnesium and Vitamin E.
- Walnuts are full of fat—but the awesome heart-healthy kind—the magnificent Omega-3s to be exact. Way more than other nuts.
With all that going for it, this smoothie is a regular on my list. I devour the whole thing. In a gigantic goblet. Don’t judge me. But you can split it in half and share it for dessert if you’re really feeling generous. Good luck with that!
Come to me, my precious…
Cherry Bomb Smoothie
Serves 1 Hungry Slurper
Needed: Blender, Goblet, Spoon, Many Napkins
Ingredients:
1 Cup frozen cherries (buy the frozen ones or pit fresh cherries and freeze)
½ Frozen Banana (peel it first, trust me)
1 Cup Almond Milk (Or Hemp or Cashew if you like. Go for unsweetened)
Ice (4-8 cubes. More ice=more like ice cream!)
¼ Cup Raw Walnuts
Vanilla Extract (about a tsp, or to taste)
Stevia or liquid sweetener of choice or 1 medjool date
Optional:
¼ avocado. This is really over-the-top, but if you want a super creamy creation, even more ice cream like than the above (which is pretty much ice cream in disguise anyway), definitely add it in.
Spinach, a big handful. Trust me, you won’t taste it. Even the skeptical husband couldn’t tell.
Toppings:
Cacao Nibe (unsweetened)
Walnuts, chopped
Pure Maple Syrup
Sliced Bananas
Your wildest dreams…
Instructions:
If you have a vitamix, place all ingredients in container and blend/tamp away!
For lower speed blenders add all ingredients except ice and blend. Then add ice and blend again.
To take it down a peg for a slightly lighter sipping treat, leave out the banana, don’t add the avocado, and nix the toppings.
Serve in a goblet, an ice cream bowl, a mason jar, or anything beautiful that will let you appreciate your delectable creation. Keep napkins nearby.
