STEEMIT CULINARY CHALLENGE # 34:SWEET SUNDAY TREAT - CHOCOLATO-CHERRY & FIG SUMMER SMOOTHIE- a Smoothie for @smooth

Now this challenge has finally brought me out of the cupboard ! not been on here for a while due to work, family, life !!! - but when I dipped in to see what was going on, on the old Steemit board a  few days ago ,this popped up and it was too good to miss... a sign from above??!!  so I AM BACK!!!! 

                                                                       

Chocolate and Sweet Cherries -a mix made in heaven - throw in some fresh sweet figs and you have the perfect recipe for a Sweet Sunday  Summer Delight!

Its fresh fig  season now in Egypt  so I thought this would be a great base for a smoothie - Figs are high in soluble fiber , rich in magnesium, potassium and other trace mineral and also a natural sugar source ; they are good for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Figs are re-known to be a good source of antioxidant vitamins A, E and K that contributes to YOUR good health and wellness.

                                                                          

PURCHASING AND STORING FIGS:

 Figs are one of the most perishable fruits, only purchase a day or two in advance of when you are planning on  eating them. Figs should  have a rich, deep color and are plump  and tender, but not mushy. They should have firm stems and be free of  bruises. Smelling figs can also give you clues into their freshness and  taste. They should have a mildly sweet fragrance, if smelling a little  'sour' its an indication that they may be spoiled. 

                                                                            

CHERRIES ( SWEET)

Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants, cherries have great health benefits. Cherries are a good source of fibre, vitamins and minerals, including  potassium, calcium, vitamin A and folic acid.  Cherries are a good antioxident which is good  for your health, as they protect our cells from damage caused by oxidants.  Studies on cherries have been known to help reduce inflammation and can be beneficial to those  of you who  suffer with arthritis.

PURCHASING AND STORING CHERRIES:

Wherever possible try and taste your cherries before you buy them, as sweetness can vary. Shiny, plump cherries  with fresh green stems and dark coloring are the ones to pick out. 

The Best Way to Store Cherries

To store your cherries and to keep  then lasting longer than 1 day - keep them unwashed and stems attached, in a paper bag, loosely-covered  container, or loosely closed plastic bag in the refrigerator until  you're ready to use them. If you want to keep cherries around for longer than a few days, pit and freeze them—no need to defrost cherries before adding them

Personally - they don't last more than 1hr in my house - can't stop picking at them !!!

                                                                          

NUTELLA -Mmmmmm  - love it, but its not something to have all the time  as its high in sugar and saturated fats, which is not too good for the heart and fat cells we all have ! however on the plus-side it does come with a good supply of  key vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your health;  The hazelnuts in nutella might also boost the health of your heart, making it something that can be occasionally incorporate into your eating plan..... I am not arguing the science behind this, a spoon a day is ok with me!

                                                                           

INGREDIENTS:

CHOCOLATO-CHERRY AND FIG SUMMER SMOOTHIE

2-3 oz of sweet cherries

2-3 full ripe fresh figs

handful of cashews - pre- soaked ( easier for blending)

1 dessert spoon of Nutella or Organic Chocolate spread 

Almond milk  ( or coconut milk , or plain soya)

Sesame Seeds

*optional - 1/4 tub of plain Greek Yoghurt - for a creamier texture

                                                                          

HOW TO MAKE:

De - stone the cherries first 

Scoop out the fibre from the figs - or wash and put in blender with skin on for that extra fibre

                                                                          

Add all the ingredients to the blender and whizz until smooth 

Pour into a long glass/mason jar - top with toasted sesame seeds , chia seeds, sunflower

                                                                         

and sit back and enjoy - HAPPY SMOOTHIE-ING :)

                                                                          

                                                                          

                                                                       

If you love healthy drinks and food- then please feel free to follow me - new friends always welcomed:)

all photo's are my own - taken 16/7/2017