It’s January and that means everyone gets to reboot, do it over and start again. All the scrumptious snacks and multiple meals washed down by holiday cocktails and finished with rich desserts can be forgotten by new resolutions. Oh, if only that were true. At my Mom’s house for Christmas she had a table set up in the dining room that was solely dedicated to dessert selections. I am actually filled as full as a human can be with the spoils of the holidays. Now it’s time to cleanse. My body is craving health food. I think sugar and I are going to part ways for a time. In the interest of starting my days with antioxidants and vitamins while maintaining the taste my body has gotten used to over the past several weeks I’m making smoothie bowls.
Some people think Smoothie bowls are glorified smoothies, just smoothies that you put in a bowl and then top with artfully displayed fruits, nuts, and whatever else you think would look pretty. Since the dawn of Instagram, many a food blogger and influencer have created elaborate and over-the-top smoothie bowls to garner likes, comments, and even more followers. They have succeeded in their quest because this breakfast, if nothing else, is really so pretty.
However, the smoothie bowls I make and have ordered at various health food shops are packed with wonderful nutrient dense ingredients like kale, spinach, dates, protein powders. They are made with far less liquid than a smoothie, creating a thick sorbet like density. This also helps the toppings balance on top.
Fresh Start Smoothie Bowls
Ingredients:
Smoothie:
- 1/2 apple
- 2 pitted medjool dates
- 1 medium ripe banana can be fresh or previously sliced and frozen
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries use strawberries/raspberries for a greener smoothie, darker berries for a purple smoothie
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- 1 large handful kale, large stems removed
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk such as almond milk (will depend on if your berries are frozen)
- 1 Tbsp flax seed meal
Optional: 2 Tbsp salted creamy almond or peanut butter
Toppings:
- Granola
- Raw or roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- Shredded unsweetened coconut
- Fresh berries
- Sliced fresh banana
- Chi seeds
- Roasted unsalted sunflower seeds
- Almond or peanut butter
The options are endless!
Method:
- Add all smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more almond milk to thin only enough to get your blender going. Keep it as thick as possible.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more ripe banana (or maple syrup) for added sweetness, more spinach for a bright green hue, or almond milk for creaminess. Remember you want it to be thick and creamy to support the toppings.
For the green smoothie I used strawberries, which let the green color come through more. For the purple bowl I used darker berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries).
For more protein, add nut butter! This also enhances the natural sweetness of the smoothie. Divide between 2 serving bowls and top with desired toppings! Best when fresh, though leftovers can be kept in jars in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
Photographer Sally Roeckell specializes in contemporary lifestyle portraiture with an emphasis on food photography. She regularly shops at Heinen’s for the family dishes she features via Table and Dish on Instagram and on her website at TableAndDish.com.
Have you heard about Heinen’s Tasteful Rewards™ program? Sign up for free to receive exclusive weekly specials via email and earn Heinen’s rewards. As a Tasteful Rewards™ membership benefit, Heinen’s will donate up to 1% of your qualified purchases made between September and April to a local school of your choice through their Teaming Up for Education Program. CLICK HERE to sign up for Heinen’s Tasteful Rewards™ and, trust me, this is one email that will always please your palate!
Heinen’s Grocery is located at 500 N. Hough Street, between E. Main Street and Route 14 (next to Meatheads) in Barrington, Illinois. They’re open 7 days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, visit Heinens.com.
