What does "bliss" mean to you? For me, it's sharing this life with my partner, Chris. It's being at the beach. It's the way my canine roommate tries to spoon with me at night, her head on the pillow right next to mine. It's watching It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve. It's listening to the twins when they have a fit of giggles. It's looking deeply into the eyes of a cow. It's seeing an inspiration become reality. How beautiful is it when you can realize the bliss as you experience it? How incredible is it when you can recognize it and really savor it?
The absolutely lovely Bex, of Vegan Sparkles, referred to my last acai bowl as a bliss bowl, and I was quite taken by the name. I have to say, though, this acai bowl is much more deserving of the name. Cacao contains phenylethylamine, which causes the brain to release seratonin, giving you that euphoric, "feel good" feeling after consuming it. It also contains theobromine, a cousin to caffeine, and has a similar effect, without affecting your central nervous system. On top of that, cacao is thought to increase blood circulation, increase brain power, and slow the aging process. After having my first cacao-filled bliss bowl, I felt a natural "high." It seemed that since this was not something my body was used to, I was very aware of it's effects. My body was enjoying this chocolatey little treat. I sat for awhile, just embracing the euphoric feeling in my body.
In my last post, I discussed my tactics for getting more chocolate into my everyday life. Inspired by the deliciousness of my Cacao Quinoa Granola, I knew I needed to have an equally cacao-influenced acai bowl to enjoy with it. I paired the cacao powder with berries to make this acai bowl even more dreamy. I know I'm not introducing any new ideas here, but really, how awesome are berries combined with chocolate?
Though this is my favorite way to do acai bowls these days, and I had initially been looking for ways to enjoy chocolate every single day, I feel that I need to keep this bowl with all of it's blissful powers as a "treat." For me, it's something to have every now and then, perhaps on a lazy weekend morning, when you can really be aware of the flavors and savor the bliss. Go on now- Treat yourself!
CACAO BERRY BLISS BOWL
makes 1 bowl
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup almond milk, or other vegan milk
- 1/2 banana
- 1 ¼ cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 acai packet
- 1 heaping tsp maca powder
- 1 – 2 T cacao powder (I like 1 ½ tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup Cacao Quinoa Granola (or granola of your choice), separated
- 1/2 banana, thinly sliced
- 2-3 strawberries, thinly sliced
- ½ cup of blackberries, blueberries, or raspberries (or a mixture of any of the three)
- 2 tsp cacao nibs
- 1 tsp hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds)
Instructions:
- Choose the bowl that you are going to serve the acai bowl in, and place it in the freezer (optional, but this will keep the smoothie colder longer).
- Prepare your toppings, such as the slicing the strawberries and the half banana. Set aside.
- Combine the first 6 ingredients in your high-speed blender, and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides a few times or stir it to break up clumps. This will be a thick smoothie.
- Remove the bowl from the freezer and pour 1/4 cup granola into the bottom of the bowl. Gently pour the smoothie on top of the granola (If the smoothie has started to liquify, you may want to place the blender canister in the freezer for about five minutes before pouring into the bowl). Top with the 1/2 cup of granola and sliced fruit. Sprinkle the cacao nibs and hemp seeds on top of the fruit and serve immediately. Enjoy!
What is your bliss?
This recipe is being shared with Wellness Weekends and Healthy Vegan Fridays.
All Photos taken by Chris Miller
© Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (content and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Susmitha - Veganosaurus
Looks blissful indeed! I'm a big fan of the berry-chocolate combination. We don't have easy access to cacao here so I stick to cocoa. Someday I hope to get my hands on lots of cacao so I can enjoy its raw goodness.
My bliss is hugging the ones I love, meditating to beautiful music, kneading clay, hammering metal and generally creating art. And of course eating delicious, healthy, vegan food. 🙂
keepinitkind
This bowl would be just as blissful with cocoa. Is there a time when any form of chocolate isn't blissful?
I love your blissful moments! Thank you so much for sharing- it totally brought a huge smile to my face! 🙂
Michelle
I loved your last bowl so much, this looks just as good well it has chocolate so maybe better 🙂
Bliss ah kids of course 🙂 Sleeping in! Vacations....chocolate
(btw my favorite movie its a wonderful life that I must watch every year 🙂
keepinitkind
Ooooh! Vacations is a good one! I totally agree with you there! And isn't IAWL the best? Every time I see it, I am just awe-struck. 🙂
Michelle
Monday morning is my time on kitchen so I made this ...I only had bananas for fruit but this was awesome ...loved the cocoa granola (made with wheat berry flakes instead of quinoa flakes) yep bliss
keepinitkind
Oooh! I need to find some wheat berry flakes to try! I'm glad you liked it- it's my favorite treat right now! 🙂
Cadry
This bowl looks blissful indeed! It looks like the cool, delicious start to the morning that's especially perfect in the summer.
For many years I kept a "happy book." It was a running list in a journal of all of the things that made me happy. I don't remember how many thousands I had by the time I stopped, but it was interesting to go back and see how the things/people/places that made me happy evolved over time. I love the image of Samantha spooning you in bed. Sometimes David shares a pillow with our cat, Spike, and it's the cutest thing ever. I love waking up and seeing my two guys snoozing together. That image is blissful for sure!
keepinitkind
I love the idea of a happy book! I might just start doing that myself- such a great way of being aware of your happiness and not taking it for granted. I love it!
Some people frown on sharing a bed with your pets, but there is something so wonderful about having their warm little bodies sleeping next to you. 🙂
Caitlin
this is certainly a bliss bowl! all of that fruit, chocolate, and acai..it looks like a healthy icecream sundae! and i agree completely about watching "it's a wonderful life" on christmas eve. it never gets old 😉
keepinitkind
Thank you, Caitlin! It's our christmas eve tradition- holiday baking, open 1 gift, then IAWL. I agree- it never gets old! 🙂
Annie
Always on the lookout for breakfast ideas - love my bowl of "overnight" grains and a big fruit salad each morning, but c'mon - sometimes you gotta to break out of the rut! This contains my beloved grains AND my fruit, plus that little something-something that makes me very happy: chocolate!
keepinitkind
This is a good rut-breaker! Ironically, I've been playing with overnight oats and fruit recently! 🙂
Lysa
What a great breakfast bowl...it looks delicious! Your photos are delicious.
My bliss is to run in the morning while the town is still asleep. I also love to enjoy a hot beverage in winter while reading a book.
Lysa
I meant..*your photos are beautiful.
keepinitkind
I like that the photos are delicious, rather than beautiful, but I'll take either! Thank you, Lysa! And I'm totally with you- getting a good run in before sunrise is one of my favorite things as well. 🙂
Shira
Bliss? Oh so many things come to mind! Hard to choose just one..but indeed fresh fruit prepared with love would be right up there - this looks insanely good, Kristy!
keepinitkind
THank you, Shira! These were made with love, indeed (the pictures are of my husband's bowl). 🙂
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy
oh yum Kristy! you're right -- this is a bliss bowl! I love all the fresh fruit on top! To me, bliss is living life to the fullest with the people you love:) have a great day!
keepinitkind
Isn't that the truth- It doesn't get much better than living life to the fullest with the one's you love. You can't ask for anything more! 🙂
Richa@HobbyandMore
your breakfast bowls are the best! this is indeed a bliss bowl. bliss is when i see a happy and stressfree expression on hubbs face after a good meal, chat and cuddles!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Richa! And you're right- cuddles are pretty blissful! 🙂
Courtney Jones
Oh wow! This looks delicious!!!! Love all of the vibrant colours and textures.
It's a Wonderful Life on Christmas Eve is pure bliss. I agree. Always makes me smile 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you! IAWL is a Christmas Eve must! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
I would definitely feel blissful after eating this! All that goodness from cacao would leave me with a high too 🙂
My bliss? Curling up with a good book and mug of tea, listening to a thunderstorm, enjoying a cup of wine and good conversation, lazy mornings with loved ones, silent moments where no one feels the need to speak and just enjoy each others company 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Gabby! You have some good ones there- I could definitely add silent moments and lazy mornings to my list too!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe on Healthy Vegan Friday 🙂
keepinitkind
It was my pleasure. 🙂 Thank you for hosting!
Jennifer O
Quite possibly the most beautiful breakfast dish I've ever seen.
keepinitkind
Aww! Thank you! 🙂
Heather
Oh wow, I think I need to move in with you, Chris and the Twins just so you can make me yummy food everyday - this looks so fresh and filling -SO GOOD!
keepinitkind
I would make these bowls for you every morning, I promise! 🙂
Ricki
Oooooh, YUM! I love that you've included so many superfoods here, too. A great way to incorporate fresh fruit and super antioxidants. And thanks so much for joining in on Wellness Weekend this week! 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Ricki! I'm so excited to be a part of your Wellness Weekend- I've been toying with the idea for awhile, but finally got around to doing it! Thanks for hosting! 🙂
Carol
So pretty. And I love the fact you are actively trying to get more chocolate in to your life 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you, Carol! I can happily (blissfully) tell you that chocolate is now part of my daily routine. 🙂
Somer
I think if I had that "bliss" bowl in the morning, it would be impossible for me to have a bad day! Beautiful start. I just need to pick one of your amazing granola's and start doing my own. I eat raw oats and a green smoothie every morning so it would be the same nutrients, but a huge upgrade!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Somer! It is such a great way to start the day. I love my oatmeal mornings too, but the world seems so much sunnier when I get to start the day with one of these. 🙂
Once you start making your own granola, you'll never turn back. It is so easy and so inexpensive and really takes things up a notch.
Crista
This looks phenomenal. I pinned on Pinterest and hope to make in the near future! I've been looking for different ways to use my Maca.... Thanks for the inspire 🙂
keepinitkind
Thank you! Enjoy- it's one of my faves! 🙂
Kiersten
I just got some acai powder. Do you think that would work in this instead of the packet? This looks seriously delicious!
keepinitkind
Thanks, Kiersten! I've never used acai powder, but I think it would be fine. I would just increase some of the other fruit you add in. 🙂