A refreshing smoothie filled with seasonal fruits and greens is just about my favourite summer treat/snack. This one takes advantage of the sweet and delicious BC cherries that are everywhere this time of year, balanced by tart cranberry juice and earthy and herbaceous flavours of locally grown beets and basil. 

Ingredients - equal parts

• pitted and frozen BC cherries from St-Léon Gardens
• roasted, peeled and frozen orange beets from Hearts & Roots
• fresh basil from St-Léon Gardens
• kale from Hearts & Roots
• pure cranberry juice
• bee pollen from Marg's for garnish

Pit cherries, roast and peel beets to freeze one day ahead. Four or five small to medium beets and a few cups of cherries should give you enough ingredients to make 4-6 shakes.

When blending, you can scale the amounts up or down according to your needs. I like to add the frozen ingredients first, topped off by greens, and then add juice until it's two or more inches below the line of dry ingredients. You can always add more if the mixture is becomes too thick.

Perfect as a snack, light meal, or fry up some eggs alongside for a complete and delicious breakfast.

Mixed wood cutting board made by BeardBrothers WoodWorking, cream plate by Mud + Stone, white bowl vintage Pyrex.