Brazilian Gem - Acai Na Tigela
Two things I learned from the Brazilians.
1. They know how to dance. My stiff less than graceful dance moves could have easily been (and probably were) compared to a dancing stick. But eventually I got over it, their intoxicating love of life, fun, music and dancing was incredibly contagious.
2. They have created the best snack/meal ever: Acai Na Tigela.
'AHH sigh EEE na TEE gela'. Along the coast of Macieo, a common past time was for people to go for a run or walk with friends and stop at one of the little huts for one of these energy boosting delicious snacks. Eating one of these on the beach during or after a hot day was pretty much the best thing in the world. It is quite possible I had at least one every day for six months straight.
So what is it? Acai is a berry from the Amazon also known as the 'miracle berry'
Oooo, Miracle Berry, Im intrigued.
This supafood is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and all that good stuff which only a berry grown in the amazon could provide. They will also remind you that its an aphrodisiac so be mindful of where and when you are going to eat this wink wink.
Back to Acai. Delicious. If you don't have berries or don't want to buy them (they can be found in the frozen section as pulp or on the shelf as juice - make sure its the real stuff not sugar fed), just use blueberries, the taste will be different but the colour quite similar.
Side note - I often decide not to buy them as I have a little internal battle in my head as to whether I really NEED a miracle berry transported to Canada from the Amazon. Usually I decide I don't. BUT once every two years or so, I say YES I DO.
How to make this goody goodness.
Acai Na Tigela
The Smoothie
2 ripe bananas
1 TBSP honey/agave/maple syrup
2 packs frozen acai pulp (or 2 cups frozen blueberries)
1/4 cup coconut milk - or rice/almond milk
The Topping
1 banana sliced
Granola - I think Im going to post a granola recipe soon - there are some sneaky ones out there that are full of poor oils and sugar, dont get one of those.
Honey
Nuts optional.
Blend the smoothie ingredients together.
Divide the mixture in two bowls and add granola and sliced bananas on top and a generous serving of honey on top.
DANG this is good. It makes me want to put on music and dance like a stick ;)
xoSusanne