Acai Madness

On a recent trip to the USA, I became completely, totally and utterly obsessed with Acai berries. I had heard of them before from my Brazilian friends (Acai is a native Brazilian berry), yet never thought twice about them, until a good friend of mine who lives in the OC took us to a cafe called 'Banzai Bowls' in Newport, specialising in Acai bowls and smoothies. Since that moment, I was hooked.

Acai is known as an antioxidant 'super-food' containing essential omegas, amino acids and fibre. But more important than the berry's fantastic health benefits, is its taste. Since my obsession began in the USA, I was determined to find a place in Sydney that made a decent Acai bowl, however, haven't been lucky as of yet. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands, and made my own. Here is how I have made my own delicious purple bowl of goodness.

I stumbled across a health food store in Bondi (Earth Food Store), which sold packets of frozen Acai puree, with a recipe on the back to make the perfect Acai bowl. I followed this recipe, altering the ingredients to suit my tastes as I went along.

 I emptied the contents of one pack of Acai puree into a blender (this was done after running the packet under water for a few seconds to soften the ingredients).

 Then, I added 75ml of soy milk, half a banana, frozen raspberries and chia seeds to the blender.

I then blended the ingredients until the mixture was soft, like ice cream consistency. 

 I poured the Acai mixture into a serving bowl.

 I then topped the Acai mixture with shredded coconut, granola, more frozen raspberries and the other half of the banana. You can add whatever toppings you like, some other common additions include strawberries, apple, sultanas, dark chocolate chips, kiwi fruit etc. Some people even add coconut water or apple juice to the Acai mixture.

And let me tell you, it tasted DELICIOUS. Acai bowls or smoothies, are such an easy and absolutely healthy snack or breakfast meal to make. It pretty much tastes like a fruity gelato (but healthy)! Now who wouldn't want ice cream for breakfast, huh?

Enjoy

Loz xx