Right now I have an incredible view of East Village, the Coronado Bridge and a fancy new skyscraper as it nears completion. San Diego, you have my heart. This view almost makes me forget how long I circled around the streets looking for parking during this incredibly busy weekend in San Diego. The world-famous Comic Con is in session and one thing is for certain… San Diego has reached maximum capacity.

I wasn’t planning on posting this on the blog. I kind of just whipped it up after my workout yesterday and kept adding things until I felt fully satisfied with my breakfast creation.

As soon as I shared it on instagram I received a bunch of likes in a matter of moments. It seems I’m not the only one with an intense love for both chocolate and figs. I liked it so much that I made another one for lunch today.

Since I’m not one to hoard my kitchen secrets, I figured I would share my tasty creation with you all! If you want to check out my other Paleo Acai Bowls, click here and here !

Dark Chocolate Acai Bowl

1 frozen banana
1/2 c. blueberries
1/2 acai packet
1 scoop vega vanilla protein powder
handful of baby kale

toppings:

* these are all optional, feel free to customize your bowl with your favorite nuts, seeds, etc. I would suggest keeping the figs though… since they’re in the name and all 😉

2 Tbsp. toasted crushed or sliced almonds
1 Tbsp. hemp seeds
1 Tbsp. unsweetened shredded coconut
3-4 fresh ripe figs, chopped roughly

Vegan Chocolate Sauce

2 squares DARK chocolate, chopped/shaved or 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate chips
1 Tbsp. coconut oil
sprinkle of sea salt

1. It’s kind of important to have a high-speed blender to make the base if you want it to have that thick “bowl” quality, but if you don’t have one, this would be just as delicious as a smoothie bowl.
2. If your almonds aren’t toasted, do this first so they have a little bit of time to cool off.
3. In a non-stick skillet, add almonds and cook over medium-high heat watching closely so they don’t burn. Shake the skillet frequently to toast all sides. Remove from heat when done and set aside on a plate or cutting board.
4. In the same skillet add coconut oil and chopped chocolate. If the skillet is still hot, everything should melt nicely. If it needs more heat, heat over a low flame until warm and stir until smooth. Remove from heat and sprinkle in salt.
5. Place all the acai ingredients in a blender with a tiny bit of water and blend until smooth using the plunger add as much water as you need to get it going but if you have a vitamix, you shouldn’t need much.
6. Put the acai blend into a bowl. Add toppings and then drizzle the warm chocolate sauce on top.
7. Slow down and enjoy every bite. Once the chocolate sauce hits the cold smoothie, it will harden like a chocolate-dipped ice cream cone… Yum!