Almond Joy Smoothie Bowl

 

One sweet perk of being a food blogger is that companies send you samples of their products. You get to taste them and experiment with them in recipes. Sometimes you get really lucky and discover a product you totally dig.

I recently got a box of samples from Kura and, to be honest, I didn't have high hopes. I'm just not usually a fan of protein powders; they're often full of junk or taste nasty or both. But I read the information about these GMO-free "smoothie starters" and I was intrigued: each serving has 14 grams of protein from grass-fed dairy, contains 26 vitamins and minerals, and four billion probiotics. And they have no added sugar. So, Kura passed the first test: not full of junk. 

I was pretty sure these smoothie starters couldn't possibly taste good. Wrong again: they're delicious! Not only is Kura tasty, there's no weird texture or grittiness. Seriously, I'm hooked. I think I've finally found a protein powder I can get down with! If you'd like to try a free sample of Kura, you'll get one (and so will a friend) through their "get a sample, give a sample" promotion.

I decided to feature Kura in a smoothie bowl. Have you heard about these things? Like a regular smoothie, the bowls are nutrition-packed; this Almond Joy smoothie bowl has loads of potassium, magnesium, calcium, and protein. But instead of chugging it, you eat this with a spoon; because of the texture and the chewing, smoothie bowls can feel more satisfying than a drink.


Ingredients
makes two servings

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/3 cup lite coconut milk
• 1/4 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut
• 2 scoops chocolate Kura protein powder
• 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 Tablespoons almond butter*
• toasted coconut, sliced almonds, and chocolate chips for topping
 

Place all ingredients except the toppings into a high-speed blender (I used my Vitamix) and puree. It should become the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Spoon into bowls and top with the coconut, almonds, and chocolate. 

If you eat it right away, it'll be frozen and creamy and will be like eating an ice cream sundae. If you let it sit for a while, it'll be more like pudding. Either way: it's like dessert for breakfast and it is DELICIOUS.


NOTE: you can use plain almond butter, but I used one of my favorite varieties:  Cocoa and Coconut Barney Butter. It's really good (and was not provided to me from the company, I just love it!)

 

If you're like me and love the combo of coconut, chocolate, and almonds, try these other Almond Joy-inspired recipes!

Almond Joy Cowboy Cookies

 

Almond Joy Bites

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