There’s nothing more refreshing on a hot summer day then a nice fruity slushy. They were a favourite of mine growing up. These days I have a hard time justifying a run to the corner store just to fill my kids up on sugar, but I don’t want them to have to miss out either. My solution? Make healthy slushies at home, that can be enjoyed in an instant, when the craving strikes.
My kids love these slushies and I love that they are so much healthier and even have a little bit of nutrition packed in there. Of course I also love the fact that they take advantage of fresh July sweet cherries. We truly can never get enough!
I’ve made these several times already, always fiddling with the ingredients until we got them just right. The grape juice helps to sweeten it up and give a bit of punch. The almond extract may seem strange but it actually brings out the natural cherry flavour more, giving it a little flavour boost. And the lime juice brightens it up and gives it that reminiscent sour flavour. But don’t expect it to taste the same as the stuff from the store, this uses real ingredients after all. It’s such a simple recipe and a refreshing, healthful treat to enjoy in your own the backyard or on a walk to the park.
Feel free to add a swirl of honey-sweetened Greek yogurt to add some probiotics and make it a little more satiating. Or, for something a little more indulgent mix it with some soft serve ice cream – just like the corner store!
- 1.5 cups pitted sweet cherries (such as Bing)
- ½ cup pure, unsweetened grape (or apple) juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 12 ice cubes
- juice of 1 lime
- splash pure almond extract
- Place all ingredients in a blender. Pulse to break up the ice. Blend until thick and slushy.
