If there was a smoothie that tasted like Christmas, this Cranberry Vanilla Cinnamon Smoothie would be it. My favorite winter smoothie.
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.