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california

How to Make an Acai Bowl

0 · Mar 2, 2017 · Leave a Comment

You don’t have to be on the beach of California to make an acai bowl loaded with toppings and fruits. Ever since I found these Acai Packets at Trader Joe’s (they were on my February Faves list) I cannot stop making these simple smoothie bowls for breakfast. Acai is a superfruit from the Amazon that you can find frozen in packets at the store in the frozen fruit section. It’s typically pricey, but TJ’s has them for less than $5 for four packets.

You may have seen these bowls all over Instagram because of their beautiful colors and fancy looking toppings, but they are honestly rather easy! All you do is make a normal smoothie – mine is simple with acai, banana, berries and mango – then top with whatever you have on hand. I happened to have a kiwi, blueberries and granola, so I used that combo. A lot of people love shaved coconut on top, but I just can’t get on board with coconut. One day I hope! Otherwise, pile it high with extra fruit and finish with a drizzle of agave or honey. The bowl just tastes like a thick smoothie with crunchy toppings. A win-win in my book!

Berry Acai Bowl
 
Save Print
Prep time
5 mins
Total time
5 mins
 
Author: Gabriela Rodiles
Serves: 1 bowl
Ingredients
  • Smoothie:
  • 1 peeled banana
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • ½ cup frozen mango chunks
  • 1 packet frozen acai
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • Toppings:
  • 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons granola
  • ¼ cup blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon slivered almonds
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 1 tablespoon agave
Instructions
  1. Put all ingredients for the smoothie into the blender.
  2. Blend until smooth. Add more almond milk or a splash of water if needed. Smoothie should be thicker than drinkable.
  3. Pour smoothie into a bowl. Top with kiwi slices, granola, berries, almonds and chia seeds in a row across the bowl to create a pretty design. Drizzle with agave.
3.5.3226

While I’m traveling like crazy this month, I can always count on frozen fruit to be something in my kitchen. In the last week I have already ventured from Dayton, Ohio back to Indianapolis and now to Nashville, Tennessee. While I had zero other groceries available when I arrived home, I knew I could find frozen fruit in my freezer. After eating out at restaurants for several days during work trips, I crave a big smoothie loaded with fruits and nutrients when I come home. It hits the spot every time and also only takes about five minutes, which is exactly what I’m usually looking for.

What do you like to top your acai bowl with? Do you have any favorite combos? I would love to hear and I also hope you find making an acai bowl is easier than you thought!

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

Gourmet Gab in Santa Monica (Video)

0 · Jul 13, 2016 · Leave a Comment

gourmetgab_venice

Last month I had the chance to visit my step-sister Brittany in Santa Monica, California. It felt so good to be back on the west coast to soak up the sunshine, eat some amazing food and spend time with Britt. We had a blast exploring Santa Monica and its neighboring areas with her roommate Chelsea. You can watch the video below for a visual recap of some of the best parts of the weekend.

Friday

On Friday while Britt went to work I explored on my own. I dined at Cora’s Coffee Shoppe for breakfast and it was one of my favorite spots of the trip! I got to sit under a quaint bougainvillea flower archway to dine outside at one of 10 tables. If you want to bypass the long line, you can eat in at the counter or one of a few tables inside to watch the action by the kitchen, but I was willing to wait so I could enjoy the gorgeous California weather. The bruschetta poached eggs made with heirloom tomatoes tops my list as my favorite poached egg dish ever. Cora’s is close to the Santa Monica Promenade so I went there next for a little shopping and walking around.

After a quick trip to the beach to walk along the sand, later in the day I got lunch with family friends at Urth Caffé. I had a huge Caravan Kale salad and a African tea latte made with Rooibos tea and spices. Urth is known for their fine teas and the tea latte I ordered was one of the best I’ve tasted. Urth is a spot I would return to for fresh, healthy food and organic coffee and tea. It was crazy busy during lunch though, so set aside a little bit of time for the wait!

Friday night we went out in Santa Monica, which was a great time. I loved bar hopping around to the different spots with different atmospheres. Per usual, we ended the night on the dance floor. Not only do I love to dance, but when Britt and I get together, we cannot be stopped!

santamonica

Saturday

Saturday’s forecast included June gloom clouds, but the overcast weather made it a good day to drive up to Malibu, which was just about 40 minutes away. Our destination was Malibu Café: what I described as an adult playground with food, drinks, games, comfy furniture and fireplaces to hang out around. As you saw in the video, the space is beautiful and massive. While I loved Malibu Café’s vibe and wine options (since Malibu has its own wineries), I was not a huge fan of the food. It lacked flavor and was overpriced. However, the venue would be a great spot for parties, gatherings or celebrations. Plus, it has so many great photo spots. Taking the drive back down to Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway was one of the best parts!

Saturday night we got authentic Pho for dinner and then went out in Santa Monica again to explore the nightlife scene. Britt took me to The Victorian and 31Ten Lounge, which were both super cool. Next time I can’t wait to venture to the scene of Hollywood and downtown Los Angeles.

gourmetgab_malibucafe

gourmetgab_malibucafe

Sunday

Sunday morning we woke up and went to Venice for brunch. Sunny Spot was delicious and the decor was so cheerful! I wish my whole house was decorated like the inside of the restaurant. I would also love to go back to Sunny Spot for its well-known fusion dishes during lunch and dinner.

After brunch, the girls and I walked around Abbot Kinney Boulevard to (window) shop. We loved popping into every store to browse since there are so lining the street. We then drove back to Santa Monica for a stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier before I had to jump on my flight.

I loved being close to the ocean again and spending some sister time with Britt. The trip had me wondering if I should make my way back to the west coast again. We’ll have to wait and see! I’m sure I’ll be venturing to visit Britt again, so if you have any recommendations of your favorite things to do in Santa Monica, please comment below.

Love food. Love self. Love life.
Gabriela

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Welcome! I'm Gabriela and I cook simple, healthy recipes. I love meal prep and Trader Joe's. Let's get cooking! Read More…

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