Dark Chocolate-Cherry Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen cherries (tart cherries if you can find them)

• 1 - 1.5 cup milk dairy, almond, cashew or coconut milk

• Handful baby spinach leaves

• 1 Tbsp raw cacao powder (not “dutch processed” cocoa powder)

• 1 Tbsp almond butter

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1-2 Medjool dates, pitted and pre-soaked in a bit of water to soften

Optional add-ins and toppers (for extra nutrients and texture)

• Cacao nibs

• Shaved dark chocolate

• Shredded coconut (unsweetened)

• Hemp hearts

• 1 scoop protein powder (to make it a balanced meal; use low-sugar/unsweetened, plain, vanilla or chocolate flavor)

Place all ingredients, liquid first, into a high-quality blender and blend on high (or smoothie setting) until desired consistency is reached.

Add a bit more milk or water to thin out if desired.

Top with one or more of the extras.