Recently I’ve been really into acai bowls. I’ve been craving them for months, but since I’m still adjusting to the Bay Area, I wasn’t ready to track down a restaurant-made version. Instead, I took to the kitchen and created my own: a tasty blend of acai and banana topped with goodies such as granola, berries and nuts. Simply delish! 

Acai bowls are super easy to make for a breakfast on the go (can be made in smoothie form as well) or as a nice weekend breakfast. Either way, it’s a generous portion that comes together really well for a big, yummy meal.

This recipe is easily customizable. If you’re not an apple juice person, substitute another fruit liquid in it’s place. If you can’t find acai, try using frozen blueberries instead. If you don’t have access to a high-speed blender, use a ripe, regular banana. Top it with any variety of topping you want—mixed fruit, berries, granola, nuts, chia seeds, shredded coconut, raisins… basically anything you’re in the mood for—and you’re set to go.

Here’s the base recipe (which is just as good on it’s own):

Acai Banana Bowl

Ingredients
¼ – ½c unfiltered, organic apple juice (no sweetener added)
2 Sambazon The Original Smoothie Packs
1 frozen banana
1 small handful ice (4-5 cubes)

*Recommended Toppings
Granola
Banana
Sliced berries
Sliced apples
Chia seeds
Shredded coconut
Raisins
Chopped walnuts
Sliced almonds
Drizzle of honey
Drizzle of agave

Directions
1. In a high-speed blender, add all ingredients, starting with the apple juice. I used ½c because I like mine watery, but feel free to put in as much as you’d like. Blend on a low speed until smooth. 2. Pour into a bowl, top with your favorite ingredients and enjoy!

Now, let’s move on to the smoothie version of this delicacy. It’s so tasty and easy to drink. Not to mention, it’s a really pretty color.

Using almond milk gives the smoothie a slightly nutty taste, while the banana creates a nice consistency, and the honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances out the tartness of the acai. Because it’s a blended drink, it really only takes a couple of minutes to make, assuming you’ve frozen your bananas ahead of time. Just read on for the recipe and head into the kitchen. You won’t regret it.

Acai Banana Smoothie

Ingredients
.5c unsweetened vanilla almond milk
2 tbsp dried acai powder
1 frozen banana
1 tbsp honey
1 small handful ice (4-5 cubes)

Directions
1. In a high-speed blender, add all ingredients, starting with the almond milk. Blend on a medium-high speed until smooth.
2, Pour into a glass or mason jar and enjoy!

*This post was originally published on www.laurenliveshealthy.com. For more from Lauren, be sure to visit her site, here.
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