I have a theory that eating blackberries makes a person more beautiful.

I cannot back this theory up with research or evidence, much less proof; it’s a feeling, a strong suspicion.  During a time when I was drinking lots of blackberry smoothies, craving them in fact, my skin improved noticeably.  Every single little bump on my skin… flattened out.  I have no before-and-after photos to offer; but even my husband noticed my smoothed-out complexion. (After I pointed it out to him. But still!)

Anyway, here is my favorite blackberry smoothie recipe:

1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)

2 tbsp. raw walnuts

1 cup cashew milk (or other non-dairy milk)

1 banana (frozen makes a frostier blend)

pinch of cayenne (optional)

1/4 cup ice (adjust depending on whether you used frozen ingredients above)

Place all ingredients in blender and blend from low to high.

Sweet and a little spicy, rich but not heavy, this smoothie will power you through any sort of a morning — beautifully!

PS.  Smoothie-style is pretty much the only way I consume blackberries; they can be so tart!  Blending them up with creamy cashew milk, antioxidant-rich walnuts, sweet banana, and a kick of cayenne means I’m finally able to enjoy the health benefits of these black beauties.