How To Make Acai Bowls

I’ve learned a lot from making a cookbook. Not just the realities of advance checks and book tours – I’ve also learned how to cook so much better. I cooked around the clock for days at a time. And because of that practice, I’m more knowledgable and skilled in the kitchen. With this new knowledge, some of the older recipes on this site are now making me cringe a little. I know now how much better they can be. So instead of just deleting them and pretending they never happened, I’m going in and making them better. Starting with this acai bowl.
When I featured this bowl the first time, I had a really hard time finding unsweetened acai packs and had to go to a speciality grocery store that only sometimes stocked them. Now, just a few years later, Trader Joe’s carries them – and they stock them all the time. The original recipe for these bowls was ok, but they lacked a little depth and were a bit too icy. With this new version, I added a scoop of almond butter and half of a banana. I did keep the greens from the original recipe, because with all the fruit it’s important to get some veggies, too. And what’s so great about these greens is that you don’t taste them at all. They are totally masked by the nut butter and banana. It’s an awesome way for the kiddos (or vegetable-resistant adults) to get in on the plant action. Find the new and improved version below!
{ Acai Bowl }
2 sleeves frozen acai packs (look for unsweetened, Amafruits and Trader Joe’s carry)
Handful of greens (I used spinach)
1/3 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon nut butter (I used almond butter)
Handful of frozen berries (I used strawberries)
1/2 banana
Topping ideas: OPP granola, shredded coconut, brown rice crisps, chia, pumpkin seeds, cocoa, cacao nibs, and I’m also obsessed with qnola right now (they are not sponsoring this post, I just love the brand).
How To:
Blend your coconut water and greens until completely smooth and water turns green. Add your acai packs, nut butter, frozen berries, and banana and blend until it starts to break down. Depending on your blender strength, this might take a little work. I personally need this tool to make it happen. Blend away until everything becomes thick and smooth. Add more coconut water if needed. Scoop into a bowl and add toppings.
Some of my other favorites recipes, that will not be getting a makeover: Creamy Mushroom Lasagna, Blueberry Cornbread Muffins, and Chocolate Peppermint Truffles.