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.
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.
Cherry Vanilla Smoothie
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
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.
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!!
[email protected]
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!