Cherry season is fleeting, this smoothie is also delicious if you need to swap in alternative fruit - strawberries, raspberries, or a blend of red fruit/berries is delicious.
1 1/2 cups sweet cherries, pitted
1/2 cup hibiscus water* or water
1 banana, peeled
1/3 cup almond or coconut milk (or other nut milk)
1 (blood) orange
1 heaping tablespoon almond (or nut) butter
1 cup cubed pineapple
Combine all the ingredients in an upright blender and process until uniform. If the smoothie is too thick, carefully incorporate more hibiscus water, slowly, through the feed hole on the lid with the motor running. Pour into glasses and enjoy.
Serves 2-3.
*I cold brew hibiscus water quite a lot. Place 1/4 cup dried hibiscus leaves (also called jamaica) in a container with 4 - 6 cups of cold water. Let steep until the water is sufficiently hibiscus flavored 2 - 6 hours depending on your preference. Sweeten if you like, and enjoy - or use as a vibrant, tart component in other recipes.
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