I am sitting here with an elephant-sized to do list. One slight problem: My two and a half year old son Jake does not seem to understand why paying bills, writing, taking and editing photos, cleaning the house, and making his breakfast takes precedence over reading a skyscraper high pile of books he just built. Should I read two books, then turn on Thomas The Tank Engine or Curious George and get on with the list? He is one smart cookie, and two books just won't do. Another point, I start to cringe with guilt as I watch him staring into boob tube for more than 15 minute intervals. So the plan today while my freelancing husband is working, is to go back and fourth between entertaining Jake and chipping away at the daily business. Then a major push when he takes has his nap. Motherhood never looked more glamourous, non?
On days like these, I need a quick, easy, and nutritious breakfast. Something that gives me the rocket fuel to get through the first few hours of the day. Brazilian Breakfast is like having toast, cereal, and oatmeal all in one. Where's the caffeine you ask? Once you get over the ceremony of your hands wrapped around a cup of tea or coffee in the morning (an olympic hurdle for me), you won't have those energy peaks and valleys throughout the day. All of the components in this smoothie make you feel satisfied, bright, and awake.
Why the name "Brazilian Breakfast?" The star ingredient is a superfood from Brazil called Acai (pronounced ah-sah-ee). This little berry is chock full of antioxidants, amino acids, and essential fatty acids that prevent premature aging. I have also included a small dose of Goji berries (also called Wolfberries). Hailing from Asia, they are one of the most nutrient dense berries on the planet. Prized for thousands of years, they are high in protein, amino acids, and trace minerals. The Acai and Goji berries combined give the smoothie it's purple hazed hue.
Brazilian Breakfast
1 banana
1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
1 cup almond milk (soy, rice, or organic milk are great alternatives)
3 medjool dates pitted and chopped
1/4 cup New England Supernatural Granola (available in the bulk bins of your health food store, or use your favorite)
2 tablespoons goji berries
Optional: 1 teaspoon of agave
In a blender, add the acai, 1 tablespoon goji berries, frozen berries, banana, dates, and almond milk. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass to 3/4 full. Fill the rest of the glass with the granola and sprinkle to the remainder of the goji berries. If you need an extra bit of sweetness, add a teaspoon of agave (the dates are naturally sweet, so they should really do the trick).
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