📖 Instructions

1. Gather your ingredients: Make sure you have all the necessary components: cherries (pitted), chocolate protein powder, milk (dairy or non-dairy), chocolate chips, and any optional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
2. Prepare the cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and pit them. This step is crucial to avoid any unwanted cherry pits in your smoothie. Frozen cherries can be used directly from the freezer.
3. Combine ingredients in a blender: Add the pitted cherries, chocolate protein powder, milk, and chocolate chips to your blender. Ensure the blender is clean and ready to go. Using a high-speed blender will yield the best results, but any blender will work.
4. Blend until smooth: Start blending on a low speed and gradually increase it until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This usually takes about 30-60 seconds, depending on your blender's power.
5. Check the consistency: Open the blender and check the smoothie's consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk and blend again. If it’s too thin, add a few more cherries or a scoop of protein powder.
6. Adjust sweetness (optional): Taste the smoothie and decide if you want to add any sweetener. If needed, add a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Blend again to incorporate the sweetener evenly. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
7. Pour and serve: Once you're satisfied with the consistency and sweetness, pour the chocolate cherry protein smoothie into a glass. Garnish with a few extra cherries or chocolate chips on top for a visually appealing touch.
8. Enjoy immediately: For the best taste and texture, consume your smoothie right away. If you need to store it, keep it in the refrigerator for no more than 24 hours. Be aware that it might separate slightly, so give it a good stir before drinking.