1 cup cherries of your choice, washed, stemmed, and seeded

handful of mint leaves, stemmed

1 tsp vanilla extract, optional

1 cup plain or vanilla yogurt or kefir of your choice

The simplest (least messiest?) way to pit a cherry is to poke a straw through it where the straw catches the seed. Works for me. Might work for you.

Blend well until smooth, adding more yogurt or water if necessary for desired consistency.

Additional options:

• Add one tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder. You may also want to add a little sweetener of your choice to reduce any bitterness
• Add 1 teaspoon pure almond extract.