Sweet avo nourish bowl + raspberry-vanilla chia jam

Whatever it may be, if done with a little extra love and creativity it's just always - in my experience - gonna turn out better. My go-to individual nourish bowls, whether sweet or savoury or somewhere in between, are a case in point. By its very nature, the word "nourish" needn't just be used in a foodie sense, but applied to all of life's ventures and facets. First and foremost, though: 

nourish yo' self from the inside.

As final exams are drawing to a close (eee!), I've been able to gradually make more time for the things that make me very happy indeed; gettin' experimental in the kitchen - specifically with pretty plant-based power foods - being one of them. Of course, this bowl of sunshine can be tweaked as much as ya like, but the avo-banana base is a good place to start. And I certainly wouldn't dodge the jam either (geddit); it's so simple to make and delicious to boot.

     

For the raspberry-vanilla chia jam, you will need:

> 1 punnet of raspberries 

> 2-3 tbsp agave nectar (or honey if you prefer)

> a dash of vanilla extract 

> 2 ½ tbsp chia seeds

For the sweet avo smoothie base, you will need:

> ½ an avocado (nice and ripe)

> 1 banana 

> 1 tbsp agave nectar 

> a drop or two of milk (I use almond)

> optional: 1 tsp maca powder

Make:

1) I always start by prepping the jam, so it can be setting while I blend up the base. Blend the raspberries, agave syrup (or honey) and vanilla extract until a nice smooth consistency. Once sufficiently blended, stir in the chia seeds thoroughly and place mixture in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. 

2) While waiting for the jam to thicken, whizz up the avocado, banana, agave nectar and milk. It should be nice and creamy; don't add too much milk! 

3) Pour the avo-banana base into a bowl. Once the jam has set (at this stage I'm normally a bit impatient and take it out the fridge anyway - rebellious I know), top the smoothie base with it, arranging however you wish.

4) Now comes the fun bit: top to your heart's content with additions of your choice! For the bowl pictured, I went for almond butter, medjool dates, extra raspberries and chopped walnuts. 

5) Sit, savour, smile.