Last weekend while I was visiting San Diego I devoured an Acai Bowl for the first time. It’s a smoothie-parfait-like treat topped with berries, granola and honey. My friends claimed the Pirates Cove Tiki Port near Ocean Beach has the best Acai Bowl they’ve ever had. Now I’m on a mission to duplicate it at home!

Acai Bowl at Pirates Cove Tiki Port in San Diego.

After researching I found that acai is popular in Brazil. This superfood is typically grown in the Amazon, but can be found frozen at a specialty grocery store like Whole Foods or Trader Joes. Acai is full of antioxidants and is a natural source of energy!

Ingredients:

• 1-2 frozen acai packets
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 cup frozen berries
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 1/4 cup granola
• Fresh banana slices, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and/or blackberries
• 1 tablespoon agave or honey
• Optional: Hemp seeds (these have lots of omega-3!) or toasted coconut

Directions:

Run the acai packet under hot water or let sit out for a few minutes to slightly defrost! Blend together acai, frozen banana, frozen berries and apple juice until smooth. Pour into bowl. Top with granola, fresh fruit, honey and any other desired toppings.

Above are my friends Bridie and Julia, below is my cousin Stephanie, and we’re pictured at Mission and Ocean Beach. Bring a bit of the beach to your kitchen this summer and make an Acai Bowl for breakfast!