Acai Bowls

Sometimes Hawaii is behind in cool trends, from fashion to music to movies. But in the case of Acai Bowls, Hawaii is waaay ahead of the curve.

Acai berries (pronounced ah-sai-e) traditionally come from South America and are loaded with antioxidants. They are considered a super food, and it doesn't hurt that they also happen to be delicious. You can find acai berries in several forms here in the states, most commonly dried. But Acai Bowls are perhaps the most delicious (and fun!) way to enjoy the acai berry.

Acai Bowls took Hawaii by storm several years back, but they are still hard to find on the mainland. So I was super excited to find frozen acai smoothie packs in my local grocery store.

Acai Bowls are essentially an acai smoothie in a bowl. Topped with granola, berries and honey. Eaten with a spoon. It's literally the perfect food: tart and sweet, cold and crunchy. Filling but clean. A small portion is a satisfying snack, and a large portion is a light but fulling meal. When I'm in Hawaii, I crave Acai Bowls all day: for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. And now that I can make them in Portland, I will be eating these all day long.

Acai Bowls

Makes 1 large bowl or 2 smaller bowls.

1 packet of frozen acai
1/2 cup mixed frozen berries (I used strawberries and mango)
1 cup soy milk (feel free to use milk or juice instead)
1/2 cup granola
1/4 cup blueberries
1 banana, sliced
honey for finishing

Blend acai, berries and milk until smooth. Scoop out into bowl. Add granola, blueberries and banana. Finish with a drizzle of honey or agave for sweetness. Enjoy immediately.