As the temps have been steadily rising here in the Bay Area, I’ve been making this Black Cherry Kefir Smoothie on repeat. I’ve made it with and without banana and both versions are delicious. You may want to increase the amount of maple syrup in the banana-free version. But with either version, almond extract is key to making this smoothie sing. Don’t skip it – almond, cherries, and cacao go together like peanut butter and jelly.

Black Cherry Kefir Smoothie

Serves 1
Notes: The smoothie is good without banana as well. Adjust sweetness with maple syrup, as needed.

• 3/4 cup frozen pitted cherries

• 1 cup (240 ml) black cherry kefir (I use the Lifeway brand)

• 1/2 large banana, frozen

• 1 heaped Tbsp. raw cacao powder

• 1/2 tsp. almond extract

• Splash of vanilla extract

• Generous spoonful of almond butter (~2 Tbsp.)

• 1 tsp. maple syrup

• 1-2 scoops protein powder (optional but bumps up the staying power)

1. Add everything to a blender and blend until smooth.