Inspired by my popular Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake, this Black Bottom Chocolate Cherry Smoothie is a tasty kid friendly after school snack!
It’s been over three weeks since I last shared a recipe. I really didn’t mean for it to happen that way. In fact, when I shared that Summer Succotash recipe, way back in August, I had several end of summer recipes planned, like this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie, for the following weeks.
But then we went on a vacation, and unlike other bloggers, I didn’t have time to get all those planned recipes up and scheduled. And instead of freaking out about it, I decided to rest and enjoy my much-needed vacation; it’s been a bit of a rough year for us and I am extremely grateful we had the chance to escape. So I checked out of all things work; emails, blogging, social media and etc. to enjoy some quite time.
Then when we got home from our vacation we walked into all the coverage of Hurricane Harvey, and learned that family, friends and complete strangers were all affected by this massive storm. I poured all my energy into what little I could do to help and was constantly checking in on everyone making sure they were safe and seeing what else I could do.
Blogging at that time didn’t seem important and I felt like my time and resources were better spent in other ways. Plus, I really couldn’t focus on much of anything else.
Then there was news of Hurricane Irma, and again was worried about all my friends, family and complete strangers in harm’s way. Not only that, there were all the fires in the North East and the earthquake in Mexico, and, well, I just couldn’t get in the mood to blog.
Now, three weeks later, I am trying to get back into some sort of routine. Despite the long road to recovery it will take for so many, I am trying to stay positive and take care of myself while still doing my best to help others.
Blogging and recipe testing is not only part of my job, it’s what makes me happy. And recently, I’ve been reminded that it also allows me to speak up about things and continue to spread the word that help is still needed. I’ve shared on social media some ways you can help, if you are able or feel the urge to do so, and I know so many of you already have done so much. Thank you. I will continue to do what I can to help and may share little ways you can help too.
In the meantime I’ll be baking and eating chocolate, cause, well baking for others and sneaking some chocolate here and there is a stress reliever. Speaking of baking, I’ll be baking some treats and donating them for a charity bake sale, with all the proceeds going to help the Hurricane relief.
And speaking of chocolate, I made this Black Bottom Chocolate Cherry Smoothie for like three weeks straight before I went on vacation. Since cherry season and summer as we know it, is almost gone, I debated about sharing this smoothie recipe. But since you can still get fresh cherries in a lot of stores and since you can get frozen cherries year-round, I decided, why not!
This smoothie recipe is inspired by my super popular Chocolate Covered Strawberry Protein Shake (that has been pinned thousands of times with rave reviews). However, I replaced the chocolate protein powder with all-natural chocolate sauce/syrup to make it a kid friendly smoothie! This smoothie is so delicious that kids will love making it for an after-school snack. And, yes, there is chocolate sauce in this smoothie recipe, but it is also packed with cherries (which are full of vitamins and antioxidants) and protein packed Greek yogurt and milk! Plus, feel free to sneak in some healthy ingredients like, flax seeds or a handful of spinach!
Helpful Tips and Information:
Cooking Tip: While fresh cherries are still in season, frozen cherries will yield a thicker, creamier smoothie. Plus store bought frozen cherries typically come already with the stem and pit removed.
Cleaning Hack: To clean the blender, fill blender pitcher 1/3 to 1/2 full with hot tap water. Add 1-2 drops liquid dish detergent. Put lid on blender pitcher and blend on high for 30-60 seconds. Remove lid from blender pitcher and rinse pitcher and lid thoroughly with hot water. Dry blender and pitcher with a clean kitchen towel and store for later use.
If you like this Chocolate Cherry Smoothie recipe, then you’ll love these other smoothie recipes:
Apple Pie Smoothie
Peach Watermelon Smoothie
Key Lime Pie Green Smoothie
Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
Frozen Pink Lemonade Smoothie
- 2 tablespoons chocolate sauce*
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cherries, stems and pits removed
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4-1/2 cup milk
- 4-5 ice cubes
Pour chocolate sauce in the bottom of two small glasses.
- Place cherries, Greek yogurt, milk and ice cubes in a large high-power blender and blend until smooth. Add additional milk or ice to reach desired constancy.
- Pour smoothie into glasses with chocolate sauce in the bottom. Serve immediately.
- Optional: Add 1/2-1 cup spinach or baby kale, 1 teaspoon chia seeds or 1 teaspoon ground flax seeds for added nutritional value.
*Chocolate Sauce Substitute: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder plus 2-3 teaspoons honey OR 1 scoop chocolate protein powder can be substituted for the chocolate sauce. If using cocoa powder or chocolate protein powder, add powder to blender when adding the yogurt.
Frozen cherries will yield a thicker, creamier smoothie.
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