The Art of the Smoothie Bowl

My girls are Instagram/Pinterest/YouTube addicts. You know, normal teens. So when they came to me with the latest food craze “we just like totally had to try,” I almost burst out laughing. What was this life-altering dish? Wait for it.

A smoothie bowl. 

Me: Isn’t that just a smoothie in a bowl, instead of a glass? 

Them: No Mom! *eye roll* It’s a smoothie in a bowl, with fruit and nuts on top. It’s very Tumblr.

Me: *blank stare*

Okey dokey then. If pretty food you can photograph and share is what it takes to keep my kids eating healthy, I’m all in. So here we are jumping on the smoothie bowl bandwagon.

To be fair, once I tried a smoothie bowl for myself, I was converted. Preparing a smoothie bowl is a zen-like experience because the focus is on not only being delicious, but visually appealing as well.

Here’s how to make your own at home.

First and foremost, you need pretty bowls. Let’s not forget that this dish will be Snapchatted and shared on Instagram. I’ve seen pictures for some smoothie bowls and they are just way too big. I absolutely love these pretty teal bowls from The Pioneer Woman that I found at Walmart. At 10 ounces and only $24.94 for a set of four per, they are the perfect size and price point.

Next you need a base. Since you’re not drinking this smoothie through a straw, you can go a little thicker than you normally would. Plain Greek yogurt is best.

Next up, the add-ins. Organic is best if you can, and thankfully Walmart has Organic Frozen Fruit under its Great Value brand that won’t break your budget. Feel free to use any combination of frozen fruit you’d like. There is no need to add milk of any kind, since you’re going for a thicker variation of a smoothie here. Blend until smooth and pour into bowls.

The real art of a smoothie bowl though comes with the toppings. Let yourself get creative here, but here are just a few suggestions:

• Coconut chips
• Fresh berries
• Sliced kiwi
• Granola
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sliced banana
• Chia seeds
• Sliced almonds
• Sunflower seeds
• Dried fruit

Smoothie bowls are not just for breakfast. They are a wonderful and healthy alternative to dessert, so put out an array of toppings and let everyone in the family make their own. Once you’ve made your smoothie bowl distinctly your own, you’re ready to dig in. After you get a picture of course.

 

 

This post is sponsored by Walmart Canada as part of the New Year Meal Challenge program. In exchange for this review, I have received special perks in the form of products and/or compensation. All opinions on this blog are my own.