Voted in my house anyway. Enter my latest obsession – ACAI BOWLS! These babies have been around for quite some time, I have just been a little slow of the mark with them.
Acai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) is a berry native to Central and South America. It has a super fabulous list of nutritional benefits, including a ridiculous antioxidant status, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and has protein, essential fatty acids, fibre and a host of other vitamins and minerals. Acai bowls are more common place in Brazil, California and Hawaii, and having not been lucky enough to visit these places yet, I will have to be content with my home made number. I have also supercharged this version with a nice whack of protein, healthy fats, and a fabulous array of super foods, and kale of course (ha) which is also a superfood!
You can buy acai as powder or frozen in sachets. It is not the cheapest thing in the world, but you don’t need a massive amount. My local health food shop is wonderful enough to sell it in bulk, which is perfect if you have that option. Alternatively, you can substitute it with any other superfood powder of your choice. Even if you left it out all together the recipe would still be ace. Freestyle this one as much as you like, the recipe below is just a guideline and is a little unconventional. I do like the addition of protein and good fats such as the avocado, seeds and nut butter, as often they are just a blend of mixed fruit. A fruit only version is delish, but a few extra ingredients and you can totally pass it as a legitimate meal! It’s also a huge hit with kids!
Makes 2 bowls
1 cup frozen berries (any kind)
1/2 …
These last few weeks (okay maybe months) have been all about the quick meal. A snack on the go, a meal when you can’t be bothered, or something you can throw together in a pinch. I LOVE cooking, but when time and circumstance don’t afford you the luxury of blissful kitchen creativity, you need to get a little business like. Organisation is definitely key here: planning, meal prep, making large batches and freezing for later – but I have to admit, I am not wonderful at this. I prefer a day-by-day, let’s see what’s at the market for inspiration kind of approach, which is great when you have a little time, but wheels start falling off when you don’t. Normally this may mean take away, removing something from a box and putting it in the oven, or becoming re-acqainted with your sandwich press. I wanted to put forward some more options for consideration. All fast, all whole food, all nourishing and delicious.
Who doesn’t love pancakes?! My brother-in-law makes excellent pancakes, and I have been known to have them with butter and vegemite….yep, don’t judge me. These little lovelies are a little different though. They are thicker, almost erring on the side of pikelets, but that’s just semantics. The point is that they are secretly a nourishing breakfast all wrapped up in a cute pancake! Plus they’re delicious.
