Cherry Chocolate (Green) Smoothie

I keep waiting for the day that I suddenly wake up before my alarm goes off, spry and ready for the day, or at least suffering from early-morning insomnia. It seems ridiculous that at thirty-four years old, I can still sleep until 10:30 on the weekends. (And I'm sure I could do it on the weekdays if it weren't for that pesky alarm.) Haven't I reached an age where I'm supposed to wake up naturally at 6 am? 

I'd be so much more productive if I had. Think of all the things I could get done during the 45 minutes that I repeatedly press the snooze button. I could do a little pre-work cleaning, read the news, go for a run, make a delicious breakfast and sit down to eat it at our dining room table. 

But alas. I'm a snoozer. The day has not yet come where I choose cleaning or running or even a calmly enjoyed breakfast over another 9 minute snippet of sleep. 

Smoothies are our go-to breakfast for those mornings that it seems we might not actually make it out the door. They're quick to make, and we pour them into two mason jars and throw the lids on as we run for our cars. Thank goodness they're actually tasty. 

This is our regular, and I'll admit that chocolate first thing in the morning does put a little pep in my step. 

Cherry Chocolate (Green) Smoothie
2 servings

2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or other milk or non-dairy product)
2 leaves kale, without ribs (or 1 cup spinach)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon almond butter
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 cups frozen cherries 

Blend the almond milk and kale together first, especially if you don't have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Blendtec (which I don't).
Blend in the rest of the ingredients, pour into 2 jars or glasses and serve. 



p.s. If you're looking for something to channel Summer, try this green tea mango smoothie or a pineapple mint smoothie.