Cherry Almond Smoothie Bowl is a hearty and fast breakfast, taking only five minutes to whip up! It’s vegan and gluten free. Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Earthbound Farm. Thank you for supporting brands that support Vanilla And Bean. All opinions are my own.
Feeling Empowered!
I made some progress last week on the organic front! I reached out to our grocery store headquarters manager to applaud their efforts in not only expanding their organic selection at the store but also for educating customers. They promptly replied.
The manager told me due to increased consumer demand for nonGMO and certified organic, they are redoubling their efforts, not only to educate, but also to provide ingredients and products consumers are becoming more or are already interested in. This is great news, completely highlighting the power of we the people.
I went on to request a few organic brands and more local items they could include in the store, of which they’re looking into. Looking back at this, I’ve realized, it only took about 15 minutes to write the grocery store, thanking them and then reading and responding to their email. This little bit of time made an impact.
Can you tell I’m feeling empowered?
Getting Political
And all of this is happening under the shadow of the DARK Act (Deny Americans the Right to Know) being debated now in the halls of congress. Have you heard of it? It would basically strip the rights of states to require labeling on GMO-produced food, undermine citizens to make informed decisions about the food they’re consuming, and make it more difficult for companies to disclose the presence of GMOs in food.
To date, over 70 bills have been introduced in more than 30 states to require GMO labeling or prohibiting GMO food (Center for Food Safety). If the DARK act is passed, it will trump state law.
Resources: Environmental Working Group shares an informative video that discusses GMOs and the DARK Act. Not sure what the deal is with GMOs? NonGMO project has a fact sheet. NPR wrote a story of what’s happening now in congress. Check the comments, they get heated! Feeling like doing something about it?
* * * * * * * * TAKE ACTION on the DARK Act HERE. * * * * * * * *
**UPDATE** The senate rejected the DARK Act! Read the press release here.
Shopping for Organic Groceries
Back at the grocery store, a new organic I spied on the freezer isle is Earthbound Farm’s organic frozen sweet cherries. I was thrilled to see this because my frozen stock from last Summer has been exhausted on pie (don’t judge) and smoothies.
I buy copious amounts of romaine, spinach and some frozen fruits and veggies from them when our local farms are no longer producing at full tilt. So when Earthbound Farm reached out about collaborating with me, I was happy to have the opportunity to work with them. Their organic cherries are perfect in this Cherry Almond Smoothie Bowl because they’re plump and sweet, just as if I had frozen them myself.
What is a Smoothie Bowl?
If you’ve not tried a smoothie bowl, I hope you’ll give it a go. It’s basically a smoothie served in a bowl, but is usually a bit thicker. Frozen fruit makes the bowls ultra creamy and rich. Smoothie Bowls are all about the toppings too, so play around with whatever you like to mix up your morning breakfast routine. I like to add crunch and more fruit to mine. What sounds good to you?
Find Earthbound Farm on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. If you make this or any smoothie, be sure to tag #Earthbound Farm and #VanillaAndBean to share your smoothie love!
Cherry Almond Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
For the Smoothie:
- 1/4 C Rolled Oats soaked overnight in 1/3 C (75g) Water (Gluten Free if needed), 26g
- 1 C Frozen Cherries 156g, I use Earthbound Farm
- 2 Frozen Bananas 200g
- 2 Tbs Almond Butter
- 2 Tbs Hemp Hearts aka Hemp Seeds
Optional Toppings:
- Cacao Nibs
- Raw Cacao Powder
- Chia Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
- Toasted Coconut
- Homemade Granola
- Fresh Seasonal Fruit
Instructions
- Place the oats and their soaking water, cherries, bananas, almond butter, and hemp hearts in a high powered blender, I use VitaMix. Start on low power then increase speed to hi. Tamp ingredients down onto the blades with the tamper as needed. Add a few more Tbs of water as needed. Process until thick and smooth, about 45 seconds.
- Pour into bowls and top with optional toppings.
Nutrition is provided as an estimate (per serving) and courtesy. If this information is important to you, please verify it independently.
Good for you for being on top of that organic action! I feel very lucky to live in Seattle, where I can find organic options in most of the grocery stores. It’s time to make organic options available everywhere! As always, Tracy, gorgeous photos and a mouthwatering recipe!
Heyee Trish!! So happy to *see* you! Thank you my dear! It is surprising to see there are still places in the US without access to organic. Heck, fresh food for that matter! I was shocked last Summer while traveling to find a lack of fresh fruits and veggies. You’re so right. Access is key. :D
Currently obsessed with all things cherry and almond — this looks so delicious Traci!!! So glad you’re speaking out…organic and non-gmo are both such important issues. I live in a heavily agricultural area and sometimes I not only think about it in terms of what we’re eating, but what they’re putting in the dirt of the fields around us…it’s not like pesticides stay in the one spot they are sprayed. You have to factor in wind, etc. Feel grateful to have enough space for a large garden and my sweet chickens!! xoxo
Agreed! I’m thinking scones too! Woah! I totally get it Rebecca. Although I buy all the locally produced organic produce I can get my hands on, two of the farms are flanked by conventional crops like corn, alfalfa, beets etc… they are sprayed and I know it drifts. On days they’re spraying, if in the area, you can totally smell it. It’s awful. The drift is awful. Our soils are so incredibly nutrient depleted. Growing your own is so smart! And you chickens… they help produce the most beautiful soils! All that scratching and peckin! And they’re just the sweetest! I’ve never held a chicken, but each time I go to the farm, I just want to scoop one up and hold her. I wonder if she’ll let me? xo
I love that you are an activist!! Go girl, I’m with ya!
It’s in my blood! xo
Yay that the DARK act was rejected. What a ridiculous idea! To think it was a question just shows how screwed up things can get in politics. As far as requesting organics, I feel inspired. Our local store really could use a kind nudge to have more organics in certain departments. Thank you for this post and have a great day!
Hiii Katie! Yayayay, right? Ridiculous and all screwed up? Agreed!! Nudge them my dear and if they don’t do it, keep at it! They eventually will listen! xo
Congratulation on making headway with your local markets! That’s wonderful news! And thank you for link info on the DARK Act – looks like I have some reading to do. This is such a lovely bowl, Traci. Not just the beautiful contents, but the bowl itself is gorgeous!
Thank you Kathleen! Good stuff, right? Ohhh there’s so much reading to do.. you know, it’s never ending! Thank you my dear… That bowl was made from a potter in the Cascade Mountains. I got a few of her dishes on our trip to Leavenworth last Summer. Her work is simple, clean and I love the size. It’s a bowl use every day! :D
That DARK act – what the heck!?! So glad to hear that it didn’t pass, I’m actually kind of pleasantly surprised given the state of things. Just goes to show how important it is to stay informed! Thanks so much for sharing that info. ALSO I LOVE this smoothie bowl. dark cherries are a frequent choice for me in my smoothies, I try to always keep them in my freezer. And Love that you added oats to this too, so healthy!
I know, Meghan. Pyuck, right? Relieved too it didn’t pass and like you, pleasantly surprised. But I like to think it was because of informed citizens that took action that helped block this impending disaster. Next, we just need to get GMOs banned like so many other countries! Yayaya on the smoothie bowl! A stocked freezer full of cherries is a thing of beauty! xo
Good for you, Traci! There are too many people in this world who just sit back and do nothing when it comes to their beliefs. We need more people who act on them! And this smoothie bowl is just gorgeous. I love using frozen cherries (even in summer!) because they are already pitted…he he! This looks like a delicious and healthy breakfast :)
Thank you, Denise! The science is clear.. and I gotta sleep at night, so I have to advocate, you know? Yeah, the pitting.. it’s nice to have already pitted cherries. I pitted over 5lbs last summer from a friend’s tree to freeze, but they didn’t last the entire winter :D ! Pie my dear! xo
I have obviously not heard of the DARK act but I am not surprised at how companies and governments want to keep the control out of the peoples hands. Even when it comes to food! It is so disturbing! I am fighting a quite battle here in Holland with healthcare where I basically have no rights and no control over what doctor to choose for own body! (sorry for the rant!)
Its so great that you’re out there educating people and honestly when someone does good work it is so wonderful to reach out and say that thank you. Good for you!
This bowl of smoothie of course looks fantastic! <3
I find that food is tied to everything, Rakhee. It feeds the masses and it can heal or hurt. It can support or kill our ecosystem (overfishing, GMOs, pesticides etc..). It brings communities together and makes us remember… and can be such an enjoyable experience; to eat. So much about food. I’m so sorry to hear about your not having rights over what doc you choose! That’s awful Rakhee!! But come to think of it.. some of our insurance companies here in the U.S. squeeze us too with in network and out of network doctors. It’s hard to find docs that take certain insurance because the insurance co doesn’t pay or is slow to pay… so in a way.. it’s similar here too! Thank you for your sweet, supportive words my dear. Much appreciated. xo
Thanks for this wonderful post Traci! It makes me so upset they can do that, but big companies have interest in keeping us uninformed! Now I need to read more about the DARK act. Love cherries and miss the fresh ones, but will get some frozen to try this gorgeous bowl!
You’re welcome Mira!! Uninformed… indeed. I hope you do read more about it.. there’s so much to the politics of food. I miss fresh too.. but cherry season’s not to far off. I can’t wait!
Firstly- yes this GMO nonsense makes me so angry and frustrated. Thank you for bringing it to light by speaking about it – we have to spread the word.
Secondly- I love Earthbound frozen fruits! I have some frozen raspberries in my freezer right now!
Lastly- YUM AND I LOVE THIS COLOR!! Beautiful smoothie bowl, Traci!!
XO
I think having the hard conversations is important. How will we ever solve problems without conversation? Then we have to act, ya know?! Frozen raspberries.. oh they’re so good! I just ran out of the cherries my friend grew last summer… so I was so excited to see EBF has them!
I like,like, like. I’m a smoothie girl and this is definitely going on my smoothie list.
Haven’t heard of the DARK Act and thanks for sharing. I will be signing the petition after this. It definitely is no good. You are such an inspiration Traci, keep being awesome.
That is such a pretty smoothie bowl my friend. The colors and everything. I haven’t tried Earthbound, will definitely look out for it. It’s been a while since I made one, I’m inspired. GORGEOUS photos as usual.
Have a great week my dear. xx
Agreed, Ash and thank you for your kind words. You’re going to love this! xo
This bowl looks so delicious, Traci! I make smoothie bowls rather often, but I don’t think I’ve ever made one with cherries & kiwi. Sounds like a great combo, though!
Thank you for sharing this, Traci. I had no idea about the DARK Act! Yuck. Will be clicking on the link you gave. And good for you for reaching out to your local grocer – such a good feeling!!
I have not yet tried smoothie bowls, but man, these flavors are calling my name! And it’s beautiful! You’re so good. <3
Yuck is right, Tessa!! SO glad you’re looking into it! People making decisions about what we put on our plate need to hear from us!! Food is our biz! You’ll love this Tessa!
You go, Traci! So cool that you reached out and got such a great response. That is totally empowering! This smoothie bowl is just the perfect shade of pink. I’m weirdly obsessed with pink foods, which is kind of strange because I don’t consider myself to be a “girly girl”, if you know what I mean. Ha ha ha! Cherries are my favorite and frozen ones are the perfect option for when they aren’t in season!
Thanks Liz. Food is my biz, ya know? I hear you about the girly girl thing.. me neither, but I almost said this smoothie makes me want to wear pink (whaaaa!? NO WAY)!! That never, ever happens! hehe!
Hello beautiful and delicious smoothie bowl! This recipe is jam packed with tons of tasty and nutritious ingredients!
This is really beautiful. I absolutely love all of the amazing flavors here!
I’ve been meaning to make a smoothie bowl for a while now, and you’ve just inspired me to make it happen! Yours looks so delicious, and I love that you used those organic cherries – YUM! I’m also so impressed that you let your voice be heard at the local market and contact the manager – you’re an inspiration.
Thank you for sharing the link for the petition – I signed and hope others will too!
Do It, Beeta! You’re going to love it! We have to speak up…. They need to hear from us! I hope others will too Beeta. xo
I love that you put almond butter into this beautiful smoothie bowl. Looks fantastic dear!
Thank you Lauren!
I just signed the petition! Thank you for sharing that. I really hope the DARK Act doesn’t pass. That would be so awful.
I’m so thankful for companies like Earthbound Farm that are doing things right. This smoothie bowl looks like the perfect way to use their frozen cherries!
Hooray! Good work! It only takes a few minutes to do stuff like that… it’s the learning about it that takes so much time. I hope it doesn’t pass either, Sarah. I mean, what’s next!?
Yay for organic smoothie bowls!
I can’t believe there’s actually an Act being seriously debated to keep Americans in the dark (no pun intended) about their food. Is this real life?? I can’t believe anyone would actually think it’s a good idea to NOT label foods that contain GMOs. Why wouldn’t you want to know what you’re eating?! Argh this makes me so mad!! But props to you for speaking out girl! That’s how change is made :)
Yup… just imagine what we don’t hear about, Sarah!! It’s crazy. It’s being debated now. This is the power of big money my dear! We need to have the conversation. Food is connected to so many parts of our lives.. and our environment. As a food blogger, I feel I have a responsibility to talk about these issues. It’s not fun to read about, or acknowledge, but it is so important, ya know? Thank you for your sweet support my dear! xo
Another super informative post, Traci! Thanks for the DARK signup link – will be doing that today. As for this smoothie bowl, I don’t know why but I’ve been shying away from the smoothie bowls because I thought they were yogurt based. Now that I see that’s it’s oat based I am definitely going to make one – since it’s a perfect vegan alternative to breakfast = love the cherry almond combo. For toppings, do you grind up the chia seeds?? I’m never sure if that’s important or not – is it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients when it’s ground up?? Anyway – looking forward to trying this one, Traci!
Thank you Geraldine! So happy your gleaning info. This is so important, ya know? Some smoothie bowls are yogurt based. It just depends on the recipe. For me, I’d rather save dairy for cheese or dip, if I’m having it, rather than in my breakfast. It’s really the the combination of ingredients that make it thick, especially the oats, frozen fruit and hemp hearts. I know that flax seeds are better absorbed if ground just prior to using, but I didn’t know about chia until I read this: http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/flax-versus-chia-the-ultimate-showdown/ This resource indicates chia do not need to be ground. I’ll have to do some additional digging, but I never grind mine up. Have you tried chia pudding yet? It was a game changer for me! Now I can’t decide, chia pud or smoothie or porridge.. I love em all! I hope you enjoy it, Geraldine! xo
I have to say I have not heard of the DARK act, but as usual, I appreciate the valuable information and will head over through your link to take action! As for this smoothie bowl, I am just in love with the colors and the flavors. So excited to try their cherries. I am a big Earthbound Farm fan, so I’m happy to add another of their wonderful products to our menu! Thanks for sharing this bowl of deliciousness Traci and I hope you have a wonderful week!
So many haven’t Mary Ann…. But I’m glad you did here! Hooray for EBF, right.. good organic food! You’ll love those cherries and this bowl! I try to keep brekkie interesting around here. It’s even better when it tastes like dessert! I hope you enjoy this my dear! xo
I haven’t heard of the DARK act, so thank you very much for informing me! Totally taking action by clicking on that link you so kindly provided… right after I leave this comment and drool a little more over this gorgeous smoothie bowl of course! ;) LOVE this bowl of healthy YUM, Traci! Not only are the colors seriously beautiful, but the flavors sound amazing! You make THE BEST food, my dear! I totally want to reach through my screen, grab your smoothie bowl and scarf it down! You deserve the BH&G spot! Cheers, friend!
Oh, Pinned! XO
Hey Chey… you’re not alone. So many haven’t. Of course there’s always curious things happening in the halls of congress… but this one is directly related to food, so I can use this space as a conduit for thought and action. I hope this helps! You always make me laugh, thank you for that! And you know I’d have you over all the time so we could pow wow about food and share. Thank you so much Chey… xo :D
Cherries and almonds go so well together! Love that you combined them in this delightful smoothie bowl. I can’t wait to try it!
Thank you Jen! A favorite combination for sure! :D
Wow, good for you Traci! Smoothie bowls are a new and very welcome discovery in our household. I love pairing cherry and almond (plus that colour is gorgeous!!). I’ll have to give this one a try for breakfast soon!
Thank you Emma! We love this one.. it’s rich and has a stick to your bones heartiness to it. And the color is almost enough to make me want to wear pink! hehe! :D