Oct 3, 2015

Chocolate Cherry Almond Green Smoothie


This smoothie is perfect for breakfast. It's thick and filling, thanks to the almond butter and oats. It has two sources of healthy chocolate, plus fruit and greens. I use soy milk for the added protein, but you can use whatever vegan milk you like. The maca powder is optional, but adds an extra energy boost.

Ingredients

1 1/4 c. soy milk
1 T. almond butter
1 T. pure maple syrup (or 2 dates)
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 c. frozen cherries
1/4 - 1/2 c. raw spinach*
1 T. raw cacao powder
1 T. cacao nibs
1/4 c. uncooked oats (rolled or quick-cook)
1/2 t. maca powder (gelatinized**, not raw) (optional)

Blend all ingredients. (About 45 seconds in a Vitamix, a bit longer in a less powerful blender.)

**I buy pre-washed bags of fresh spinach and stick it in the freezer to have on hand for smoothies. That way it never wilts or goes bad. So my "fresh" spinach is actually frozen, but it's not the kind you buy frozen.

**Gelatinized maca powder is vegan, and does not contain gelatin.

Enjoy!