Raw Walnut Cranberry Kefir Smoothies ~ A Recipe

Here we go.  Smoothie recipe number four.  I plan to share five kefir smoothie recipes so we can all enjoy a different smoothie for every day of the work week.  Although, there might be more than five as seasons change and different produce is available to play with.  Here's a cold-season recipe that is packed with probiotics, antioxidants, protein, fiber, and many other nutrients, specific to what our bodies need this time of year.

A note on homemade kefir
It won't look like store-bought kefir.  The longer you let it ferment, the more rich in probiotics it will be, the lumpier and thicker it will get, and the more watery whey will sink to the bottom.  It will also be more tart the longer you let it ferment because those good probiotics are eating away at the lactose (milk sugar), making it easier for our bodies to digest.  This tartness is why I never drink it plain and always use it in smoothies, dressings, or other recipes.  But!  It is way easier to to make than yogurt and it contains more strands of beneficial bacteria, so that's why I prefer kefir over yogurt.  Want to get your own kefir grains and watch a video that teaches you how to make it?  Click here.

Raw Cranberry Walnut Kefir Smoothies
Makes 5 cups

• 1 quart milk kefir (preferably made with raw milk)
• 1/2 cup frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 2/3 cup pitted dates
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1/2 vanilla bean
• 1 cup ice

Blend all ingredients for 45-60 seconds, or until there are no more big chunks.

Other Riddlelove raw kefir smoothies:

Strawberry Cacao

Apple Pie

Blueberry Bliss

~ Browse more Riddlelove recipes here. ~

I'm sharing this at Monday Mania.