Cherry Chocolate Smoothie

When I first tried this cherry “chocolate” smoothie, adapted from Penni Shelton’s recipe over at Raw Food Rehab, my mouth about dropped! I think it is about the best smoothie I have ever tasted.  I immediately shared it with friends and family, as I love doing, and they couldn’t get enough either.  So, I am really excited for you to taste and share too.

If you love cherries, (and really is there anybody who doesn’t 🙂 ), get ready to fall in love! It is so deliciously creamy and sweet it will satisfy any sweet tooth.  With the addition of carob to give it that chocolate taste, you mine as well just call it heaven!

At my job, about half of the nurses are walking around now with smoothies in hand.   It is amazing to hear all of the success they are having from drinking one every morning for breakfast.  Most started the beginning of the year and have continued.  They are so happy to be losing weight, having little if any cravings during the day, and are coming off coffee thanks to it too!  Many of them have made no other changes in their diet other than start their day off with a non-dairy smoothie made with fresh fruits and leafy greens added. So, don’t take for granted what just a little change in the right direction can do.  After all, you have to start somewhere right?

Recipe:

Makes 32 oz

1 young Thai coconut (meat and water of)

12 oz frozen organic dark cherries (2 cups)

2 Tbsp carob powder (I used toasted)

3-4 medjool dates, pitted

1 ripe spotted banana

1 frozen banana

1 capful pure vanilla extract

(optional) 1 cup water, depending on desired consistency

Blend the coconut water and flesh together,then add the rest of the above ingredients.  Blend until smooth.  Sprinkle carob on top with a cherry.

Please share this smoothie recipe with someone you think would love it!