This Cranberry Orange Kefir Smoothie is one of my favorite ways to use up those extra cranberries from Thanksgiving dinner. This smoothie is packed with nutrients, antioxidants and probiotics, and it’s delicious to boot!
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Cranberries are often called a super food because of their nutrient density and antioxidant content. But if that’s not enough to get you to eat more cranberries, they are also credited with preventing UTI’s, reducing cardiovascular disease, slowing tumor growth, and improving oral health. But whether you’re eating them for their flavor or their health benefits, we can all agree that cranberries are a beautiful addition to any Fall spread!
Cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for 4 weeks (I’ve even seen some sources say 2 months!), or frozen for a year. No special prep is necessary…just pop the whole bag of cranberries in the freezer. You don’t even need to thaw before using them either, just prepare as you would fresh cranberries. I picked mine up at Whole Foods while I was shopping for my other Thanksgiving ingredients!
One of my new favorite traditions is to serve homemade whole cranberry sauce. I grew up eating the canned cranberry jelly (my brother loved it so much he would eat it with a spoon…sometimes the whole can!). But if you want to up your Thanksgiving game, spend a few minutes making your own cranberry sauce (it’s fast and easy!). Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll wonder why you waited so long to make your own.
If you have a holiday tradition or creation that you want to share with the world, hashtag it #myholidaytradish or visit Whole Foods site. There you can see stories and videos…and learn how to win free groceries for a YEAR!
The elderberry juice is in this smoothie optional, but it’s naturally high in immune-boosting compounds to support immune system health. Which means it can help you recover faster when you’re sick, and help prevent it in the first place! Elderberries are a superfood that most people haven’t heard of yet. Easily make your own juice right in your pressure cooker! Super easy and fast. (See note below for more info)
Cranberry Orange Kefir Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 cup kefir OR plain yogurt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ tsp orange zest
- 2 bananas, cut into 8ths and frozen
- ½ tsp vanilla
- 20 drops liquid stevia, or other sweetener to taste
- 1-2 Tbsp elderberry juice, optional
Directions:
- Rinse cranberries and discard any that are soft or wrinkled.
- Add all ingredients to a blender and process until smooth.
- Yield 3 cups of Cranberry Orange Kefir Smoothie.
Notes:
- I make my own elderberry juice in my instant pot. I buy them on Amazon (THESE are the least expensive elderberries as of today) and I use the easy instructions for Elderberry Syrup from the girls over at Tidbits, but I omit the honey and optional flavoring ingredients. I simply use berries and water to make the juice, and then I like to freeze them in my ice cube trays. Once frozen, you can pop them all in a freezer-safe zip top bag and pull them out as needed. Perfect for smoothies!
- For more information about the health benefits of cranberries, click HERE.
I am a Whole Foods Blogging Ambassador. I received a gift card to purchase food in exchange for this post.
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