(Family Features) For many, enjoying a small indulgence can serve as a reward for a job well done or a mood-boosting pick-me-up. In fact, mindful snacking is on-trend for a majority of consumers.
With today’s changing palates and the growing demand for sour, less sweet foods and beverages, a superfruit like tart cherries can help snackers permissibly indulge without the guilt. Primarily grown on small family farms in the United States, Montmorency tart cherries—also referred to as sour cherries—are available year-round in dried, juice and juice concentrate, canned and frozen forms.
Tart Cherry Superfood Banana Splits
Recipe courtesy of Hannah Zimmerman of Bite Sized Studio on behalf of the U.S. Tart Cherry Industry
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
2 cups tart cherry juice
2 ripe bananas
1 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup almond butter
1/4 cup granola
1/4 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup frozen tart cherries, thawed
Place chocolate chips in bowl. In saucepan over medium heat, bring tart cherry juice to simmer about 20 minutes until reduced to 2/3 cup. Pour juice into bowl and mix until chocolate chips are melted and sauce is smooth. Cut bananas in half lengthwise and place on two plates. Spoon 1/2 cup Greek yogurt on each banana then drizzle with 2 tablespoons almond butter and 2 tablespoons tart cherry chocolate sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons granola, 2 tablespoons dried tart cherries and 1/4 cup thawed frozen tart cherries on top of each banana split.
Note: Leftover tart cherry chocolate sauce can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for later use.
