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.
Guys, 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?
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 here. 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.
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.
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!
Before I sign off, have you heard of the DARK Act? What new organics are you spying in the store? And, have you tried a smoothie bowl?
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 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