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Cherry Vanilla Smoothie

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Michigan Tart Cherries - The Lemon Bowl

 

Summer in Michigan means cherries. Lots and lots of cherries. Did you know Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in US? We are also the 4th largest producer of sweet cherries with Washington, California and Oregon leading the pack. It is well known that the US cherry crop is down this year compared to 2009, but there were still plenty for the picking during a recent trip to Cranes U-Pick Farm in Fennville, MI.

Michigan Cherries - The Lemon BowlMy husband (can I call him Rich from now on?) is from Boston and has been experiencing a lot of “firsts” this Summer. Recently, for example, we were jolted out of bed at 2AM by the sound of tornado warning sirens. Having gone through Michigan school systems growing up, tornado drills and practice runs were common place for me. Rich, on the other hand, thought the world was coming to an abrupt end.

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What else differentiates Bostonians from Michiganders? Cherry picking. I have many memories as a kid traveling to local farms to pick blueberries, strawberries and cherries. Apparently Rich was building his first computer in the 80’s while I was out staining my fingers with red and blue.
Confession time: I do not like fruit pies. (Pumpkin or Boston Creme? Sign me up.) But I’ve never been a big fan of cherry pie. I can bake pies – they aren’t that difficult with the help of Pillsbury pre-made pie crusts – but I’d rather spend my time creating healthy cherry recipes. Today’s recipe highlights one of the most perfect flavor combinations: cherry and vanilla. They go together like strawberries and chocolate. This smoothie is the perfect breakfast on-the-go loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and Omega-3’s. Better yet – each serving provides your body with 20 g of protein and 6 g of fiber helping you stay energized and full until the lunch bell rings.
Your straw is waiting.
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Michigan Tart Cherries - The Lemon Bowl
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Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 
Sweet cherries and vanilla are a flavor match made in heaven.
Course: Breakfast
Keyword: cherry, drinks, smoothie, vanilla
Servings: 1
Calories: 275 kcal
Author: Liz DellaCroce
Ingredients
  • 1 c sweet cherries pitted
  • 1/3 c fat free milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 oz Greek yogurt my favorite is Fage 0%
  • 1 tablespoon flax seed no need to use ground - the blender will do that for you
  • 1 large handful ice
  • Stevia or honey to taste depending on sweetness of cherries
US Measurements - Convert to Metric
Instructions
  1. Place cherries through flax in blender and puree until smooth.
  2. Add ice and blend until frothy. (I find adding the ice last makes it easier to blend.)
  3. Check for sweetness and add Stevia or honey to taste.
Recipe Notes

Excellent source of Calcium, good source of Vitamin C.

Nutrition Facts
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Amount Per Serving
Calories 275 Calories from Fat 41
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4.6g 7%
Saturated Fat 0.6g 3%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 107mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 38.3g 13%
Dietary Fiber 6.3g 25%
Protein 20g 40%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. I do happen to know about Michigan cherries but I admit it’s mostly because of my complete love of Leopold Brothers Tart Cherry Liqueur; they only source cherries from Michigan…that’s how much they think of them.

    This sounds delish; especially since I have EVERYTHING on hand…including the Fage; oh happy day!

    Reply

    • That’s so cool – I’ve never tried that liqueur but it’s on my list now once I’m done carrying this baby!! Sounds incredible!!

      Reply

    • You must put it on your list- the Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a must!! Happens every year during 4th of July week!

      Reply

  6. I can't wait to try this!!! Cherries are my favorite fruit and I load up on them until they're no longer available in the grocery store! I'll bet that frozen cherries would work in this recipe too, though. YUM YUM!

    Reply

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