Homemade Acai Bowls

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

Oh friends, I have waited so long to share these açai bowls with you! Sadly a series of unfortunate events sabotaged my plans.

But first, allow me to start at the beginning. I first became obsessed with açai bowls during my trip to Maui this past February. And when I say obsessed, I mean eating-an-açai-bowl-every-day obsessed. Feeling-sad-when-the-açai-bowl-was-gone obsessed. Plotting-the-next-opportunity-to-eat-an-açai-bowl obsessed. You get the idea. My friend K and I searched the island for the best açai bowl available and when searching for the best, one must be committed, you know? Açai bowls run aplenty in Maui. I didn’t taste one that I didn’t enjoy, but if you ever find yourself in Maui and in search of a truly satisfying, delicious, and totally good-for-you breakfast, snack, or even dinner, please make your way to one of the Wow Wow Lemonade locations. They offer several different varieties of açai or pitaya (dragon fruit) bowls, all of which are amazing. Apparently their lemonade is bomb as well, but I was too busy eating açai bowls to drink any lemonade.

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

What is an açai bowl you ask? Well, an açai bowl is essentially a refreshing, naturally sweet and energizing smoothie bowl topped with fruit and granola and other delicious things. I like to think of it as the healthy cousin to the ice cream sundae. The base is generally comprised of a combination of açai purée and other frozen fruit. Then comes the granola, fresh fruit, and other toppings – and the possibilities here really are endless. Açai – pronounced “ah-sigh-ee” – berries are harvested from açai palm trees, which are native to the rainforests of South America. Açai berries are considered a superfood, and are full of antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. They help to promote cardiovascular, digestive, and immune health. Boom! In North America, you can typically find açai berries in the form of puréed smoothie packs in the frozen section of organic grocery stores and health food stores. My favourite frozen açai smoothie packs, and the ones most available to me, are made by Sambazon, and they seem to be widely available throughout Canada and the US. Here in Edmonton, they can be found at places like Planet Organic and Earth’s General Store. In the US, you can find them at Whole Foods. Açai juice and freeze-dried açai powder are other options, although I have not tried them myself. Açai bowls are not a cheap treat – most of the bowls we enjoyed in Maui were around the $12 mark – but you can make them at home for a fraction of the cost.

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

When we returned from Maui, K and I set out to perfect our recipe for homemade açai bowls. We have yet to find a spot in Edmonton that sells these bowls of goodness (if you know otherwise, pleeeeeeease let me know asap) so there was definitely some urgency to figuring out how to make them at home. The cravings were intense! After several trials, we figured out our perfect combination. One evening in March, we crafted our perfect bowl and I snapped some photos of the process. A few weeks later, my house was broken into and my laptop and camera (and all of my photos), among other things, were taken. PS. This is an ideal time to recommend routinely backing up your photos on an external hard drive, or via something like iCloud. Idiot me had not done a thorough back-up of my files for longer than I wish to admit, and many of my photos were lost to those punk criminals. It took me several months to replace my laptop and camera, and by that time, my previously mentioned blogging rut had set in.

But alas, K and I had another açai bowl night last week and now I can finally share this recipe with you. Hooray!

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

The possibilities for personalizing your açai bowl are limitless. You can change up the frozen fruit in the smoothie base, the fresh fruit you use, as well as the toppings. Next time I might try adding some greens to the smoothie base, like kale or spinach. A high speed blender works best for creating a nice thick smoothie base (aim for a sorbet consistency), but if you don’t have a blender, I’m sure that a food processor would give you similar results. I added maca powder for an extra superfood boost, but it certainly is not essential to this recipe. Maca is also expensive and can be difficult to find, so don’t sweat it if you can’t get your hands on it. For the granola, use your favourite stuff – whether it be store-bought or homemade. Looking for an excellent granola recipe? Might I suggest coconut oil granola, cherry hazelnut granola, or an old favourite, appropriately called favourite granola?

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe   Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe    DSC_0470

Alright, enough talk. Let’s make some açai bowls!

Homemade Açai Bowls

Makes 1 small bowl. Double the ingredients for a large bowl or for 2 servings. Exercise your creativity here, and have fun with different fruit and topping combinations!

1-100g pure unsweetened açai berry superfruit pack
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen berries
1/4 cup almond milk
1 tsp. maca powder (optional)

Toppings:
1/2 cup granola, divided
Sliced strawberries, bananas, and blueberries
1 tsp. shredded coconut
1 tsp. hemp hearts
1 tsp. cacao nibs
A drizzle of honey

While you are assembling your smoothie base, place the serving bowl in the freezer. This will help to keep your smoothie thick and cold, and will prevent it from melting too quickly. In a high-speed blender, combine the açai purée, frozen banana, frozen berries, almond milk, and maca powder. Blend until smooth.

Remove your bowl from the freezer. Sprinkle some of the granola on the bottom of the bowl. Spread your smoothie base into an even layer in the bowl. Top with the remainder of the granola, fresh fruit, and your desired toppings. Enjoy immediately!

Acai Bowls | Once Upon a Recipe

Hello Again + Fresh Spiced Pear Cider

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider | Once Upon a Recipe

Hello my friends!

It seems that this ol’ blog took an unintended yet sort-of needed Summer vacation. While I do apologize, I don’t regret it. For the last couple of months, I’ve been lacking in the inspiration department. And although I made a number of dishes and treats that I wanted to share, something always seemed to get in the way of me completing a proper blog post – even something as simple as being too hungry to stop and snap a few pretty photos. And being the perfectionist that I am, throwing together a half-assed post just didn’t feel right to me.

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider | Once Upon a Recipe

For the past few days I’ve been down with a bad cold and while being sick is never my preference, it gave me the opportunity – actually, forced me – to ditch on some of my regular responsibilities and just relax. And do you want to know what I did? (Aside from binge-re-watching Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix) I stepped into my kitchen and I created. It was glorious.

Friends, I think I have my mojo back.

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider | Once Upon a Recipe

First up – juice!

Last week, I was contacted and invited to participate in Williams-Sonoma Juice Week. This week’s theme is Juices That Bite Back.

Typically, I like to incorporate juicing into my morning routine. I’ve shared my favorite green juice recipe here already and green juice is definitely my go-to juice. However, every now and then I like to switch things up and make a fresh juice cocktail. (If you haven’t tried these fresh citrus margaritas, you must make doing so a priority). Earlier this week, it snowed. Yes, frozen white stuff actually fell from the sky and it was much too cold for early September, even by Alberta standards. Thankfully temperatures have shot back up again and we are enjoying more seasonally appropriate weather (I wore shorts today!), but the cold snap has changed my focus to fall and winter recipes.

And after drinking what felt like my hundredth cup of tea this weekend in an effort to soothe my sore throat, I decided to put my juicer to use and make a warm beverage with the flavors of Fall. This fresh pear cider is spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and is given a nice little kick by one of my most favorite juice ingredients – ginger. I almost always include ginger in my juices – I just love the zip it adds. And I have yet to meet a drink that wasn’t improved by the addition of booze, so I added some brandy. Just a quick little glug, and you’re good to go. Of course, if brandy isn’t your thing, feel free to use something different, or leave it out altogether.

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider | Once Upon a Recipe

As I’ve mentioned before, I use this juicer, but there are many other available juicers – do your research and figure out which juicer is best for you! And make sure you give this cider a try – it’s super delicious and healthy too!

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider

A warm, spicy, delicious, and healthy cider – perfect to warm you up on a chilly Fall evening! Makes about four 3/4 cup servings. Double or triple if desired. 

4 pears

2 apples (ie. Golden Delicious)

1 lemon

1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger

2 cinnamon sticks

1 tsp. whole cloves

Pinch of nutmeg

1/2 to 1-ounce brandy (optional)

Juice the pears, apples, lemon, and ginger. Put the fresh juice into a saucepan, add the spices, and heat through. Pour into glasses, add brandy if desired. Sip and enjoy!

Fresh Spiced Pear Cider | Once Upon a Recipe

Have a wonderful week, friends!

Fresh Citrus Margaritas

Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday,
Everybody’s lookin’ forward to the weekend, weekend.
Friday, Friday,
Gettin’ down on Friday…
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Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! We made it, the weekend is here! And what better way to celebrate than with Rebecca Black and a fresh citrus margarita? I tell ya, watching that music video pretty much requires an alcoholic beverage, so let’s get to it!
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Fresh Citrus Margarita | Once Upon a Recipe   Fresh Citrus Margarita | Once Upon a Recipe
I’ve spoken of my love for juicing a couple of times now, and I’ve shared a fresh juice cocktail once before (beet lemonade, anyone?). BUT. This one is my new favorite. I started by making a fresh citrus juice, which was inspired by one of the juices at Glow Juicery, a relatively new and totally amazing juicery here in Edmonton. (Seriously, if you live in Edmonton, check it out – the website lists their store location and other spots where you can find their juice). Their citrus glow juice is one of my favorites, and when I saw the big display of beautiful citrus fruit at my grocery store the other day, I knew I had to try to recreate it at home.
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Fresh Citrus Margaritas | Once Upon a Recipe   Fresh Citrus Margaritas | Once Upon a Recipe
Fresh Citrus Margarita | Once Upon a Recipe
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And then I decided to add a little booze. You know, just for kicks. The result? A wickedly delicious cocktail that packs a nutritional punch! Plus, how pretty?!
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Fresh Citrus Margaritas | Once Upon a Recipe   Fresh Citrus Margaritas | Once Upon a Recipe

Fresh Citrus Margarita

The first time I made these margaritas, I rimmed the glass with sea salt. However, because the margarita itself is not super sweet (no simple syrup here!), I found the sea salt to be too much. However, because the margarita is quite tart, the sugar complimented it perfectly. The margaritas pictured were made with sea salt. In any case, do whatever floats your boat! Makes 4 margaritas.

For the fresh citrus juice:

Makes about 24 ounces, depending on the size of your fruit and your juicer.

4 oranges, skins removed (I used Cara Cara)

3 lemons, skins removed

1 small knob of ginger

8 oz. coconut water

Juice the oranges, lemons, and ginger. Mix together with the coconut water.

For the margaritas:

6 oz. fresh citrus juice

1.5 oz. tequila

0.5 oz. triple sec

Pinch of sea salt

Granulated sugar

Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice (or just mix by hand if you don’t have a cocktail shaker). Rim your class with an orange slice and dip into the sugar. Fill your glass with ice, then add the cocktail mixture. Garnish with an orange slice. Enjoy!

Pair these margaritas with a big bowl of guac and your favorite tortilla chips and you’ve got yourself a happy hour to start the weekend off right. Happy Friday, loves!
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PS. Friday parody. I laughed so hard.
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Fresh Bean Salsa

Fresh Bean Salsa | Once Upon a Recipe

High five friends, it’s Friday!

I say it every week, but I’m so glad that the weekend is here. I have fun plans with friends, a birthday party for my little bro (who’s not so little anymore, btw), and sleeping in on the agenda. There is nothing I love more than not having to wake up to the sound of an alarm. I will also endeavour to keep up with my 2014 goal of reading one book per month. I realize that reading a dozen books in a one year period doesn’t seem like much, but I’m going for achievable here. I’ve read a few great posts on book recommendations, which have directed me to some great reads (if you’re also looking for inspiration, try here, here, and the comments section of this post).

Fresh Bean Salsa | Once Upon a Recipe

Annnnnyways, today I bring you a very humble bean salsa recipe. My friend, Jill started bringing this salsa to get togethers a while back. It always got rave reviews, so I asked for the recipe. Then I started taking it places and it got more rave reviews. It’s super simple, yet extremely flavorful and healthy. All it takes is a little chopping, a little mixing, and a little time for the flavors to mingle together, and you’ve got yourself a great snack, appetizer, or even side dish. My favorite way to enjoy this salsa is with Hint of Lime tortilla chips (either Tostitos or Old Dutch), but I bet it would taste great on nachos (add after baking the nachos so the chips don’t get mushy) or alongside your favorite Mexican dish. I’ve even thrown leftovers on top of a salad. Use your imagination folks!

Fresh Bean Salsa | Once Upon a Recipe

Fresh Bean Salsa | Once Upon a Recipe

Fresh Bean Salsa

This bean salsa tastes best if you give it a chance to chill out in the fridge for at least a couple of hours. It will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can use the salsa of your choice. 

2-19 ounce cans of mixed beans, drained and rinsed

1 red pepper, chopped

1 small onion, chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

1 cup prepared salsa of your choice

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Chop. Mix. Allow to sit in the fridge for a couple of hours (or overnight, if possible). Enjoy with tortilla chips!

Fresh Bean Salsa | Once Upon a Recipe

Have the most marvelous weekend!

Starting Fresh | My Favorite Green Juice

My Favorite Green Juice | Once Upon a Recipe

Happy New Year, friends! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas filled with good food and good people. I’ll also high-five you if you had one too many cocktails last night while ringing in the new year.

As per ushe, the new year brings new goals and new resolutions. Without fail, I make a resolution to take better care of myself/eat healthier/exercise more/yada yada yada every. single. year. And this year is no different!

I’ve been juicing semi-regularly since the Summer, when I bought my juicer. But my goal for January is to make fresh juice more of a regular habit. I have tried a few different green juice recipes, but this one is my current favorite/go-to juice.

My Favorite Green Juice | Once Upon a Recipe

Look at all of that good stuff up there! The spinach gives you a dose of greens, the apples lend a little sweetness, and the lemon and ginger give it a little punch. If you’re new to green juice, this is a great recipe to start with since it’s not overpowering in the green department. You can also sub in different fruits and veggies, depending on what you have on hand. For example, kale makes a great substitute for the spinach, and pears are a great replacement for the apples.

My Favorite Green Juice | Once Upon a Recipe   My Favorite Green Juice | Once Upon a Recipe

A glass of this green juice will most definitely start your day (and year) off on the right foot. Let’s all jump into health this year. Green juice balances out wine, chocolate, and cookies, which basically means you can consume more of all of the above. Winning!

My Favorite Green Juice

This recipe will make about 30 ounces of juice, depending on your juicer. Perfect to enjoy a glass the day that you make it, and sip on the second glass the next day. Sharing is also an option. Serves 2. 

2 big handfuls of baby spinach

1 large cucumber

2 stalks of celery

2 Granny Smith apples

Half a lemon, peel removed

A chunk of ginger

Be sure to wash all of the fruit and vegetables well and cut into pieces that will fit into your juicer. Get your juice on! Enjoy immediately over ice. Store any remaining juice in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 24 hours.

My Favorite Green Juice | Once Upon a Recipe

Happy 2014 my dear readers! I hope this next year is filled with much love, adventure, health, and happiness for all of you. Cheers! xo

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