Everyday Chef: Cranberry Orange Smoothie

Come mid-December, I’m in desperate need of a break from the heavy, rich food that tends to surround me during the Holiday season. This cranberry orange smoothie is the perfect breakfast or snack to counteract all of the holiday sweets. Sharp and refreshing, I crave it almost daily from now until the new year.

Orange and cranberry are the yin and yang to sweet and tart. Add a little banana for extra creaminess, and this is one smoothie you’ll be firing up the blender for day after day. With only three ingredients, it’s a no-fuss smoothie that packs a nutritious punch. Besides being a great source of antioxidants, whole cranberries are loaded with vitamin C, copper, vitamin E and fiber. Since fresh cranberries are so abundant this time of year, buy a few bags to keep in the freezer. That way, you can return to this smoothie month after month, long after fresh cranberries have disappeared from the store.

A warning that this smoothie is a bit tart! While I adore the sour flavor of cranberries and orange, you may prefer it a little more sweet. In that case, add a pinch of stevia, agave, maple or honey. As an alternative, you can also decrease the cranberries to ½ cup. The next time you’re craving a nourishing smoothie, try this simple, winter-inspired beverage!

Recipe

Cranberry Orange Smoothie

Yield: ~3 cups
Serves 1-2

Ingredients
½ cup water
1 cup whole cranberries
2 oranges, peeled
1 banana, frozen

Directions
Place the ingredients into a high-powered blender in the order listed: water, cranberries, oranges and banana. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Note: If you are using a standard blender, you might need to purée a few times until smooth.

Photo Credit: Alex Caspero