This thick and creamy cherry vanilla smoothie is made with sweet cherries, vanilla and Greek yogurt.
Summer in Michigan means cherries. Lots and lots of cherries. Did you know Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the 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 was still plenty for the picking during a recent trip to Cranes U-Pick Farm in Fennville, MI.
My 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.
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.
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup sweet cherries pitted, fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup milk or water any kind
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 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
Instructions
- Place cherries through flax in blender and puree until smooth.
- Add ice and blend until frothy. (I find adding the ice last makes it easier to blend.)
- Check for sweetness and add Stevia or honey to taste.
TRM
what makes it to have so much sodium????
Liz DellaCroce
Just swap the milk for water! :)
mary d
beautiful picture of you! All cherry.
Liz DellaCroce
Sank you mama! xo
Tieghan
Cherry vanilla! That flavor sounds so good!! I love summer smoothies!
Liz DellaCroce
I know – it’s one of my favorite flavor combos!! Thanks friend!
Barbara | Creative Culinary
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!
Liz DellaCroce
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!!
steph@stephsbitebybite
Oh yeah, my kind of smoothie!
Liz DellaCroce
Thanks Steph!! I love drinking the fruits of the season!
Brenda @ a farmgirl's dabbles
Oh, how I want to take in the Michigan cherry season! Some day!!! This smoothie sounds awesome – have a great day, Liz!
Liz DellaCroce
You must put it on your list- the Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a must!! Happens every year during 4th of July week!
Stacey Freeman
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!