Summer in New York is in full swing. Temperatures are hovering around 85 degrees, the air is heavy with humidity (some days it's too thick to handle), and fresh cherries have arrived in earnest at the farmers' markets. These little red delights have taken center stage on brunch and dessert menus out her on the eastern tip of Long Island. This weekend, as I waited in line with my husband to order breakfast at the hip natural foods spot here in Montauk, the cherry smoothie was one of the most popular breakfast orders being taken at the counter. This is my version of the popular summer smoothie. (Yum!)
Cherry Smoothie With Mint and Vanilla
Serves 1 (~180 calories)
1 cup cherries, pitted and frozen
1 sprig fresh mint, stem removed
1 whole vanilla bean, trimmed and scraped (or 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract)
6 oz low-fat plain Greek yogurt or coconut milk yogurt
1/8 tsp Stevia or a drizzle honey
3-4 ice cubes, to thicken
1/2 cup water
Directions
Place ingredients into a good powerful blender until smooth and creamy. Thin with water or thicken with ice if desired. Enjoy!
Better-for-you ingredients in this recipe
Cherries are a good source of vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and vibrant skin. The stone fruit is also packed with antioxidants that fight free radicals; free radicals are believed to contribute to disease and accelerate aging.
For more recipes with cherries, head here.
Noelle Twiggs is the creator of GreenLemonade. Born from both the lessons of successes (detox 101: yes!) and failures (gym-rat diet: no!), the lifestyle website provides practical—and palatable—tips, tricks, and recipes to help everyone feel more happy, energetic, and well nourished.
From: Smoothie Maker | 8/8/12 at 10:08 pm
Share a little secret with you, next time add half a cup of raspberries, they go amazing with cherries.