Beauty Booster Smoothie: Cranberry Thanksgiving Edition

I know what you're thinking. "Carlene, it is November. And here you are, still smoothie-ing, you crazy pants you." There is a way to both enjoy smoothies and explore the world of cranberries outside the canned cranberry jelly at the same time. This recipe is a nod to Thanksgiving, fall and nutrition all in one. Cranberries are a beauty booster food in many ways but my favorite is for their high antioxidant, vitamin C levels which help deal with the stress the holidays can cause on your body. But of course, I can't leave out the culinary greatness of cranberries. In their true berry form are a bright and tart contrast to the heavy foods of fall. Try this out and see how well cranberries can stand on their own. 

Originally posted on Food and Nutrition Magazine's Stone Soup Blog 

Fall Cranberry Smoothie

Makes 2 small or 1 large smoothie

/// Ingredients ///
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
‏ 1stalk celery
‏ 1sweet apple variety, medium size, skinned
‏ 3inches of medium-sized cucumber, skinned
‎‏1 tablespoon honey of choice
‏ ¼ cup water or several ice cubes

/// Directions ///

1. Peel the apple and cucumber. Add cranberries, celery, apple and cucumber to the blender.
2. Blend on low and increase to high. Add water to make it easier to blend or add ice cubes to chill if using fresh cranberries.
3. Add honey and blend until smooth.
4. If you feel the smoothie needs to be loosened a bit more due to a drier apple or cucumber, add more water.