(Family Features) Packed with protein and natural sweetness, this Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie Bowl is a perfect complement for a back-to-structure fall schedule. Enjoy this creamy, nutritious smoothie bowl as a satisfying breakfast to start to the day or filling afternoon snack during a jam-packed day of activities. For those days that are even busier, add milk to make it a refreshing on-the-go drinkable smoothie.

To support your busy fall calendar, real California cottage cheese, milk and other dairy foods offer real protein, real simplicity and real convenience. Look for the Real California Milk seal on your favorite dairy foods at the grocery store and know they are made with sustainably sourced milk from farm families.

Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Smoothie Bowl

Recipe courtesy of Real California Milk
Servings: 1

• 1 cup Real California cottage cheese
• 1 cup frozen cherries, plus 2 cherries for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2-4 chopped prunes, to taste
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1 tablespoon raw cacao nibs, plus extra for garnish (optional)
• 1 pinch salt
• graham cracker crumbs, for garnish (optional)
• 1/2 cup Real California milk (optional)

1. In blender jar, pulse cottage cheese, 1 cup cherries, cocoa powder, prunes, flaxseed, 1 tablespoon cacao nibs and salt on low.
2. Remove lid and scrape down sides of jar with silicone spatula.
3. Return lid to blender jar and blend on high about 30 seconds until smooth, creamy texture is achieved.
4. If necessary, scrape down sides of jar again and pulse until smooth.
5. Garnish with remaining cherries, cacao nibs and ground graham crackers, if desired.
   

Tip: To make drinkable smoothie instead of smoothie bowl, add milk.