A few weeks ago, Chad and I picked blackberries at Eckert's Farm near St. Louis.

If you haven't picked a blackberry straight off the bush when it's warm from the summer sun, you are missing out. There is nothing quite like it! 

We picked (and ate) a loooot, like whoah.  So, I froze half and I've been enjoying blackberry everything every day.  

This shake (err, rather a smoothie bowl) is a bit more special - it's my pre-workout smoothie to keep you going all morning. I made this before a Bootcamp last weekend. It sustained me with just enough energy to get through Insanity, yoga and lots of walking...

So, you could say that I highly recommend this one before an active day!

Blackberry Breakfast Shake

• 3/4 cup coconut milk (or almond milk)

• 1 banana

• 1/4 avocado

• about 1 cup blackberries, fresh or frozen

• 12 almonds (or 1 Tbsp. almond butter)

• 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/2 cup ice cubes, optional

Directions:  

1. In a blender, blend all of the ingredients until completely blended and smooth.

2. Serve in bowl or jar and eat with a spoon.

3. NOTE: This makes 1 serving on its own. If you eat it with your breakfast, you can enjoy a smaller serving and it will serve 2. I would add 1 cup of coconut milk if you are serving two. Then, add more milk, if desired.

If you use frozen blackberries, the shake is so cold and thick it's like soft-serve ice cream!

Nothing beats that on a hot summer morning!...