Even though it's cold out, I still crave a smoothie a couple of times a week. This time of year I use all the frozen fruit I stashed away all summer. There is nothing like a perfect strawberry smoothie in the middle of November.
However, as I was reaching for the strawberries the other day, I noticed a pack of cranberries I had in the freezer. My biggest aversion to using the cranberry in a smoothie was the tart factor. I knew it would take some sugar to make it palatable, but I was craving a "holiday" taste, something with cinnamon. I figured I'd try it.
Wow. This is my new winter flavor. It tastes like Christmas morning, if Christmas can taste like something. It does have a slightly tart edge but it's okay, it's vibrant and refreshing and I will be making it again and again.
Making this smoothie also gave me a reason to try out some of my new Hamilton Beach bling. Let it be known I am an appliance hog. I love getting new gadgets to try and out and play with. For that reason I have been working with Hamilton Beach as an ambassador. They recently sent me their Smoothie Smart Blender and Single Serve Blender with Travel Lid.
Now, while I love appliances, I'm always skeptical of new ones. Why do I need this? Is it really better than the others already out there? I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the blender. It had a heavy, glass 40 oz jar. I love blenders with a glass jar, it's a rare find anymore. Overall, it was the perfect dedicated blender for making smoothies. It was powerful and had all the necessary functions to make a smoothie, smooth. I really loved it. Now I don't have to drag out my giant blender for a quick, healthy drink and it's easy enough for the kids to use. A perfect gift for a smoothie loving friend. It's priced kind-of-amazing for what it can do.
And who doesn't love a no-drip spout?
Again, I wondered about the Single Serve Travel Smoothie. Was this something I would take along with me on a trip? Is it powerful enough to blend fruit into a smooth texture? I absolutely do love the fact that the stainless steel jar can be used as a glass and the travel lid lets you drink from it.
Overall it's light so it won't weigh down your luggage. And yes it can blend fruit nicely, which makes it perfect for a healthy smoothie on the road. Room service breakfast is great, but the calories begin to add up.
Lucky for you all, I am going to be giving away a pair of these blenders so you can try them out too. Check back soon!
Cranberry Vanilla-Cinnamon Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen, fresh cranberries
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 6 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup ice
Directions
- Add all ingredients to the blender and blend until smooth.
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Disclosure: Hamilton Beach sent me their blenders as part of an ongoing relationship I have with them as an ambassador. As always all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.
Smoothies are my go to lunch if I have no time for anything else! This flavor combination looks delicious :)
Thank you!
i have a smoothie every day but definitely not ones as exciting (or beautiful!) as this one…must give this a try sometime, esp now when I’ve been stocking up on cranberries!
You will love it!
This looks like it would make an amazing milkshake if you replaced the yogurt with vanilla ice cream…or maybe cinnamon ice cream. Whipped cream on top, of course! Mmm.
Good idea! And you’re right, it would be so yummy.
I love all the flavors in this smoothie – so perfect for the holiday season! I haven’t been eating smoothies as often since it’s been so cold out – but this is making me want to bring them back!
I love cranberries so I can’t wait to try this. Sounds so, so good.
Looks so seasonally delicious! Can’t wait to try this!
can you substitute splenda for the sugar in order to cut the carbs but not sacrifice the taste?
I don’t use Splenda so it’s hard for me to say. But isn’t Splenda 600 times sweeter than sugar so the amount would have to be modified I would think.
I made this today and oh my goodness it is SO good! I will be mentioning this on my blog for sure! Thank you so much for sharing!
This looks so good and refreshing. Thank you for the recepies.
This looks so good. I cant wait to try it.
Look good cant wait to try it
I usually make up my own smoothies which might include Almond milk, yogurt, frozen bananas, frozen blueberries, etc.
Must try, I have all the ingredients going to make it now!
So my college made these at lunch a few times and I HAD to have the recipe. I was wondering if you could use vanilla protein powder instead of the extract? Or even just add the protein powder to the smoothie?
Your college is making this recipe? As far as adding things, it’s trial and error. You just have to give it a go and see what you like. Enjoy!
I just tried this recipe and I LOVE IT!!!! I substituted 3 tablespoons of honey for the sugar and it was awesome!!!!
This smoothie sounds amaaaaazinggg!!!!
It is!