Berry smoothie with fennel

We’ve been away! It was enchanting. Now we’re back, and I’m tickled pink…at least, working on it.

Some places most allure with the promise of escape. The special place we were oh so fortunate to visit embraces with a sparkle that's at once a little bit exotic and warmly familiar. Woolacombe wholly captivated and filled our cups.

We reveled in stupendous, panoramic scenery everywhere we looked; spectacular, invigorating runs along hilly coastal paths; swimming and paddleboarding in the salty sweet Atlantic; the spray-spattered, pure play of boogie boarding. There were wild horses on lush hills and seals bobbing among the jagged rocks beneath the headlands. It was a precious time to explore and exhale.

And yet, getting away is always matched in its way by the space of contentment we settle back into. No matter how reluctant we are to let go of the enchantment of a getaway, there are things we return to that bring a quiet but indescribably delightful joy. Usually, they're the simplest, too--the good night's sleep in your own bed, and for me as a close follower, getting back to my blender. I soooo missed our smoothie sensations and loving getting back to them.

This light bit of lusciousness adds a touch of fennel. Where does everyone stand on that bulbous beauty? The mild anise flavor (which I love)  isn't so polarizing as cilantro (I'm a fan), but I know it's not for everyone. I love it-- raw, shaved, roasted, and lately tossed into ever-welcoming-of-anything smoothies. I love how much richness we can pack into an endless stream of refreshing blends.

Just a touch of highly nutritious fennel (think, small celery stick size) brings a subtly cleansing lift that goes great with greens and pairs beautifully with berries. Low in calories, delicate but dinstinct in flavor, fennel is a robust source of fiber, vitamin-C and other important nutrients, including calcium, iron, olate, magnesium, potassium, and manganese.

Smoothie season is never over, but in summertime I could live on them alone. What are your favorite blends right now? Wishing you a lovely week!

Pretty in pink!

Berry smoothie with fennel
1 serving

1/4 Cup sliced fennel
1/2 banana, frozen in chunks
1 Teaspoon fresh ginger
1/4 Cup coconut water
3/4 Cup unsweetened plant milk
1 Cup strawberries or mixed berries of choice
3-4 ice cubes

Blend everything to desired consistency and enjoy!