Acai Bowls

Here in Trinidad, these sell for exorbitant amounts. Somewhere between $40 and $50 (translates to about CAD$10).

I dunno bout you all, but that's enough money for enough farmer's market produce to feed a family of 10 (I count my dad's nurses as part of the family. They really are family.)

So after trying one for the first time, my ego kicked in a bit and I decided that I was going to make this store-bought acai bowl even better.

I do believe I've succeeded. And I'm a tragically picky eater.

Prepare for an onslaught of acai bowl pictures!!

 I can see you drooling from here

An acai bowl is pretty much a run-of-the-mill smoothie, thick enough to eat with a spoon and with some tangy acai pop in there for a major antioxidant boost to neutralize free radicals. It really becomes magical with the TOPPINGS. And boy can you get creative with 'em!!

Mmmm crunchy cacao nibs

ACAI BOWLS

makes 2 12 oz containers with a lil extra for immediate snacking
can make 3 containers if you use lots of toppings

Ingredients
2 frozen bananas (I use local Grumy Shell or about 6 Sucrier figs / Lady's fingers)
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1/2 cup frozen blackberries
4 tbsp acai powder
1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp honey** optional
See Notes for topping suggestions

Preparation
Add everything to a blender jug.

Blend until creamy and smooth. 

If you're using a lower powered blender, it may take a while so be patient. Also, keep pulsing to avoid heating the mixture.
If the mixture is too thick, add a few splashes of almond milk until it loosens up.
The acai bowl is your canvas. Happy decorating :)

A bevy of beauties

Notes
Spotted bananas are best for this!! They are at their ripest at this point.

For an extra chocolatey boost, add some raw cacao or carob powder to the blender.
As this is a high carb meal, adding some nuts or seeds as toppings lowers the Glycemic Index factor and will keep you satisfied for a longer period.
Purchase frozen berries in bulk to really make this cost effective. Although in a pinch, using only bananas works just as well. 

TOPPINGS (go wild)

Sliced fruit -  bananas, berries, grapes, mango etc.

Shelled hemp hearts

Chia seeds
Cacao nibs
Vanilla Bean Maple Granola
Nut or seed butters (almond is a personal fav)
Unsweetened coconut flakes
Coconut yogurt
Honey, maple syrup or yacon syrup** omit honey if vegan
Bee pollen** omit if vegan

!!!!!!!

Sa7ten!!