I brought some special treats to the blog today! One of them contains a little Disney magic for our final Spring Brunch recipe and the other isn’t so much a treat to eat, but a little tribute to my mom in honor of Mother’s Day!
First, what in the heck does Disney have to do with frosted pineapple smoothie bowls? Well, if you saw my teaser on Facebook earlier in the week, then you know I’m talking about the frosty cup of heaven that is the Dole Whip, hailing from the tiki huts of Adventureland at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and Disneyland. This refreshing treat is most often devoured on a hot and sticky 85 degree day after riding magic carpets, cruising through the jungle, and spinning yourself silly on mad teacups, not to mention waiting in line for hours to do those things.
But today, we’re skipping the rides, the lines, the hot weather (at least here in MN) and we’re going straight for the pineapple treat because there is nothing better than that refreshing, desire-to-be-on-a-tropical-island-inducing soft serve.
While this recipe isn’t soft serve in the traditional sense, you’re still going to love it because it’s in the form of a smoothie bowl! Let’s talk smoothie bowls for a sec. I’d been seeing them all over Pinterest and Instagram and wondered, “What’s the big deal? Why not just drink the smoothie?” It wasn’t until I found myself in a self-serve frozen yogurt shop with all those awesome toppings that it clicked. Smoothie bowls are like frozen yogurt with toppings, only way healthier! Just make your usual morning smoothie and then top it with all the healthy, super-food goodies imaginable. Check out my toppings of choice.
Oh hey Banana Coconut Cashew Granola up there on the right.
Of course, these toppings are just suggestions. Go crazy with all the fruit, nut butters, and cereal you love! As you can see, I created 2 types of bowls: one hearty with nuts, granola, and nut butter and the other with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of coconut.
Enjoy these smoothie bowls for breakfast, as a snack, or just make the smoothie/soft serve part for a refreshing dessert.
Now, on to treat number 2. Because I don’t think I’ve ever told my mom how much her interests and talents have inspired so much of who I am today. Because every day I catch myself during these random moments (ie, chopping veggies, singing with my kids, and navigating my way home) appreciating my mom. Here are a few reasons why I love her dearly.
Her adventurous spirit: She’s energetic, fearless, active, and the most seasoned traveler I know. Growing up, she’d drag take me on 10 mile hikes through the mountains. She’d be the first in line for the upside down roller coaster and always up for multiple rides on Space Mountain. Her insane sense of direction and thoughtful vacation planning has guided me along the coastline of Spain to the quiet and pristine forests of the Superior Hiking Trail along Lake Superior. When I sit down to make travel plans these days, I have to smile at my itineraries and micro-managed activities. I got it from my momma. And by “it,” I mean her vacation planning abilities, not her sense of direction.
Her taste in music: Growing up, I’d love sorting through and listening to my mom’s collection of records and cassette tapes. Among them were the original soundtracks to Woodstock and Saturday Night Fever, Chicago’s Greatest Hits (this song, love it), Michael Jackson’s Thriller and my favorites, Carole King’s Tapestry and The Sounds of Music soundtrack. I remember during one car ride to my grandma’s house, we had Tapestry on repeat, and we sang the entire 5-hour drive. By the time we arrived, my voice was hoarse. When it comes to music, I’m definitely an old soul because of these classic albums that I grew to love. And I’m happy to have passed some of that love onto my daughter. Not a night goes by that she doesn’t beg me to sing So Far Away or Edelweiss before bed.
Her home-cooked meals: Last but not least, my mom has definitely inspired my cooking. There was never anything super fancy on the table, but it was always home-cooked and made from the heart. For a wedding present, she put together a cute little cookbook of all our favorite family recipes with photos included! Little did we know that 7 years later, I’d be sharing some of those recipes on my own food blog.
For everything you’ve inspired me to do and for all the ways you continue to show your love as a mother and grandma, thank you! Happy Mother’s Day!
- 4 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- Juice of ½ lime
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (the kind found in the dairy section. I used So Delicious brand)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ⅓ cup pistachios
- ¼ cup goji berries
- ¾ cup granola
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 banana, sliced
- ⅓ cup nut butter
- ⅓ cup shredded coconut
- In a large blender or food processor, combine the pineapple, lime juice, and coconut milk. Blend until mixture reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. Add more coconut milk in ¼ cup increments if you'd like a more smoothie-like consistency. Store the mixture in the freezer until ready to serve. If storing for a long period of time, take the smoothie mixture out of the freezer about 30 minutes prior to serving to allow it to soften.
- Pour or scoop the dole whip into small bowls. Top with any or all of your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Information (per serving) from Caloriecount.about.com
Calories: 80 Fat: .8g Carb: 18.7g Fiber: 3g Protein: .1g Sugar 16.2g Sodium: 3mg
Weight Watchers Points (calculated on member website)
WW: 2 Points Plus
Spring Brunch Recipes:
Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon Baked Oatmeal
Spaghetti Squash and Meatball Frittata
Asparagus, Strawberry, and Quinoa Caprese Salad
Italian Butternut Squash Quiche
Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Pancake Sliders
Hi! I'm Krista, a self-proclaimed vegetable lover who likes to put a creative spin on healthy cooking. Here you'll find a variety of lightened up recipes using fresh and wholesome ingredients! 
Krista,
Your Mother’s Day tribute to your mom is beautiful.
Love you all
Aunt Shirley
Thanks so much for the sweet note Aunt Shirley! I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!