I am that crazy lady with the screaming kids at the grocery store.
Yes, that shrieking horn-like sound you hear blaring down the aisles? It’s all coming from my shopping cart. I love my boys dearly, but we’re like a clown car. And for sanity’s sake, I will do whatever it takes to get out of there alive fast, even if it means letting my 2 year old eat raw cranberries out of the bag! Don’t judge, OK? Tantrums suck.
As predicted, my little guy chewed (and spewed) the berries all over the floor, and while I was cleaning it up I couldn’t help but wonder…
Would raw cranberries taste good in a smoothie?
Now, let’s be clear- raw cranberries are very, very tart. But when combined with yogurt and banana, I find that the tartness mellows and the overall flavor becomes pleasantly crisp. Any additional tartness can be rounded out with a drizzle of honey. Cranberries are quite the super berry too; they’re packed with an incredible amount of antioxidants and are most beneficial when consumed raw and unprocessed (no cranberry cocktail, please). Stock up and get them while they’re fresh!
More importantly, the 2 year old palette approves.
If you have any leftover, you can make ice pops for the kids or freeze the liquid in silicone muffin cups (pictured above). Just add extra liquid to reconstitute, or keep it slushy for a healthy sweet treat. My friend Kelly taught me this trick, isn’t it cool? It’s great for busy mornings and saves on waste too!
You see, I can find inspiration in all things… even spewed cranberries bites only a mother could love ;)
Tips:
- I like to buy fresh cranberries for this recipe. I freeze some for smoothies, and save the rest for jams, sauces, and these sparkling beauties. Frozen cranberries will also work too.
fresh cranberry yogurt drink
- Yield: 2
Description
Think fresh cranberries are only for cranberry sauce? Think again! Try them in a delicious, creamy yogurt drink. Your tastebuds will be pleasantly surprised.
Ingredients
- ¼ c. frozen cranberries
- 1 frozen banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1 tsp. chia or flax seeds (optional)
- 1 tsp. honey, agave or maple syrup + more to taste
Instructions
Place all of the ingredients into a blender, and process until smooth and creamy. Run the machine for an extra minute or two to break up the seeds (if using). Add additional sweetener to taste. Serve cold.
Keywords: cranberries, smoothies, thanksgiving recipes, yogurt smoothies
Comments
Adri says
Ha! I love the motherly inspiration. Also the photographs here and styling are really exceptional. You have lots to be proud of. This is stellar work, Emilie.
Emilie says
You always have the kindest words Adri! Thank you so, so much ;)
Laney (Ortensia Blu) says
I can just imagine the look on his face after eating raw cranberries…And now I know what to do with the 1/2 bag I have left over…the smoothie idea is perfect!
connie a raffa says
WOW! This looks sooo delicious. I can’t wait to try it. Connie
Alessandra (DinnerinVenice) says
I love the inspiration for this recipe. Gotta love the kids :). Looks delicious
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
So pretty, love the ice pop idea too!
celia says
Ah yes, I remember those days. Our boys are much better behaved now that they’re 17 and 21. :) I love the idea of a cranberry smoothie, but we never get fresh here. We can get our hands on frozen though, so might have to pick up a bag next time I’m out and about! :)
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
Clown car – lol! Love it… yup, remember those days well. Keep your sense of humour sister, that’s the way to go. You will look back on all of these chew and spew moments with a big smile (and a tear) as the inevitable happens and your boys move on to the next phase (when they don’t talk at all as teenagers ;-).
Your cranberry yogurt smoothie could not be more gorgeous – seriously! I love that you used fresh cranberry too and I think I would enjoy the mellow tartness mixed in with the other fruit. It’s all a matter of what you get used to… so happy you tried the frozen cups!! Thank you for passing that along — they look so pretty in pink (aren’t silicone muffin cups a dream to work with?). I hope you’re having a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend Emilie – xo.
Pamela Green says
They look too pretty to eat/drink. I love the ice pop idea! Always looking for new ways to use my frozen Popsicle kit.