Homemade Acai Bowl

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I've been on an Acai Bowl kick as of late.  If you are what you eat, then I am a bowl of slushy, fruity goodness.  Funny thing is, I didn't even know how to pronounce the word 'acai'  a few months ago.  It was probably my hesitation in ordering one.  "Um, can I have an a-key... a-kay... a-kie... never mind."  WELL GUESS WHAT FOLKS.  It doesn't matter how you say it because it's delicious (but in case you're wondering, it's 'ah-SIGH-eee').  

Only problem with binging on these bowls?  They're expensive!  So I decided to make one at home.  

First, I found these packets at Whole Foods...  

Then, I gathered up a few more ingredients... almond milk for blending, granola, organic honey, blueberries, unsweetened coconut, sliced banana and raspberries.  

I took one and a half packets of the acai and blended it with 1/4 cup of almond milk.  I layered the bowl with granola and coconut, added the acai, then topped it all with more granola, coconut, berries, banana and drizzled everything with honey.  

Yummy.  The consistency was a bit runny (so maybe next time I'd add less almond milk or possibly some almond butter for thickness).  But I'm glad I've found a cheaper version I can make at home!

Rosemary Greyhound Cocktail

Happy Day After Mother's Day!  I hope your Sunday was full of happy children, thoughtful partners and a few minutes of alone time.  Don't y'all think that particular holiday should be a week long?  Cause I do.  I also think I should probably not use "y'all" like I'm from the South, because I'm from Minnesota, and we say things like, "yah, suuuure, ya betchya."  I'm finishing off my Mother's Day as I type this, eating stove-popped popcorn and watching Guardians of the Galaxy with my kids who are snuggled up on the pull-out couch (and it's driving my son crazy that I have no idea what's happening in the movie).  I had a magical day that began with Carson letting me sleep in (until 7:30, my body is incapable of anything past that) and then walking downstairs to freshly delivered bagels and homemade cards and art projects from my kids.  What more could a mom want?  Other than a week-long all-expenses paid trip to Mexico with her friends.

Kidding (sort of) aside, it was a truly great weekend.  The kind that makes your heart feel full.  We had Flag Football Friday followed by a sushi dinner and a mother-son karate class on Saturday that I'm STILL sore from, followed by a lot of recipe testing at home.  In the middle of all the cooking, I tried out a new cocktail that will surely become a staple this summer.  Freshly squeezed grapefruit, earthy rosemary and a hint of homemade simple syrup made this beverage more than delightful!  

Y'all should try it out.  Ya betchya.           

Recipe here.

Traditional Latkes with Caramel Applesauce

Hello friends!  How are we all doing on this Monday before the holiday weekend?  Has the panic set in yet?  Is your computer making fun of you for how much online shopping you're doing?  If your answers are yes, then we are friends.  If you finished your Christmas shopping in June, then please go away.  (Just kidding I love everyone you can stay)

It's full-on Christmas Vacation/Home Alone mode at our house, and this weekend would have gone viral had it been captured on video.  There was a snowstorm, a crying Santa visit and family galore.  All the things that make the holidays merry and insane at the same time!  My son is learning about Hanukkah at school and asked if we could make latkes, and this weekend felt like the perfect time to do it.  My mom and my sister-in-law took charge with this Martha Stewart recipe, and they came together perfectly.  Did I mention the caramel applesauce?  Served with that and a dollop of sour cream made these the hit of our chaotic weekend :)

Recipe for Traditional Latkes here.

Recipe for Caramel Applesauce here.

Banana Chocolate Chip Blondies

Happy National Relaxation Day!  Yes, that is a thing.  Because everyday is a National something.  I have found - especially as I get older - that I have a hard time relaxing.  I guess I'm a "doer" and was born with this desire to always DO something.  If I sit for too long, I start to feel guilty, as if I'm neglecting something that needs to be done.  Carson does NOT have this problem, which has been good for me, especially while we're on vacation.  Next to him, I'm able to slow down a bit and realize that the world won't come crashing down around us if I sit.

Can you guys relax?  Any relaxation tips for me on this national holiday?

One thing that always relaxes me is baking, and so the other day I made these Banana Chocolate Chip Blondies and they were delicious.  One bowl, very few ingredients, done in 30 minutes from start to finish.  They'd probably be fantastic if you browned the butter first!  Yum!    

Recipe here.

4-Ingredient Banana Blondies

I can't tell you how many times I've glanced at my overly-ripe bananas and gone straight to my computer to google "baked banana recipes."  The number is probably absurd, in fact, I'm pretty sure if it could, my computer would roll its eyes at me.  But guess what you RUDE, SARCASTIC COMPUTER, there are still so many recipes to try!  Like, who knew I would find these simple, four-ingredient HEALTHY blondies that come together in mere MINUTES?!

I followed this recipe with a couple of adaptions based on what I had in my pantry: I used all-purpose flour instead of coconut and regular peanut butter instead of cashew.  Otherwise I used two mashed bananas and maple syrup as the recipe instructed.  Mine seem to be slightly doughier than his but they sure do taste good!  I froze them overnight and plan on keeping them in there for a go-to and guilt-free weekend treat.  Actually, they're totally suitable for breakfast, right?  Good answer!    

The Other Side of Food

Gardening can be very fulfilling and tasty, but sometimes, those veggies and fruits have ideas of their own. Here's some pre-holiday food fun for you all! (Source: Viral Nova)



Warning: Food humour and puns ahead.

1) Heimlich maneuver or hugging carrots?

2) That's a very bear-y strawberry! (We didn't say the jokes would be good.)

3) Eggplants need love too!

4) Hot tub time, anyone? (Let's hope no one tells those two that they're soup-bound.)

5) The devil is... in the tomato?

6) Full of starchy, cuddly goodness.

7) A healthy version of Peeps?

8) Boldly going where no carrot has gone before!

9) Not sure what to do in photos? If in doubt, make a duck face. (This may have gone a little too far, though.)

10) These potatoes aren't shy to show you how they feel.

I guess you could say that food has personality, eh?