Summer is here, at last!

In Winnipeg, winter may last for the better part of the year, so when summer finally does show up, it’s time to have some fun. Savour each day of that hot, sunny weather. Get outside and be active. Go for runs in the park or swim in the lake. Spend nights with your family, and watch the stars come out to play.

I can’t say there is a season I particularly don’t like, but even I have to admit summer is awesome. All that freedom from the things that weigh us down for several months of the year: heavy coats and boots, endless amounts of assignments in school and long days at work. With the heat comes a lightness and a brightness in our days – we breathe easier, try new things and explore.

The heat often also brings a lack of desire to use the stove or any other appliance that may warm the house in the process of cooking. Here is one of my favourite breakfasts for those hot days, or any day of the year, really. It’s satisfying, and it feels like you’re eating dessert for breakfast without an ounce of guilt.

This recipe is very adaptable and you can use whatever fruit you like. My favourite combinations are mango, cherry strawberry, or mixed berries. If you want to take advantage of the amazing berries Manitoba has to offer around this time of year, go strawberry picking and stick some in your freezer for a flavourful twist on this adaptable recipe. Hope you come to love this recipe as much as I do!

Sweet Summer Smoothie Bowl

An original recipe inspired by SELF magazine.

INGREDIENTS

Base:

175 g or 1 1/4 cups frozen berries

1/2 cup plain Skyr or Greek yogurt

1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

1 tbs. cocoa powder, optional

Cinnamon

Vanilla

Stevia to sweeten, optional

Toppings:

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats

2 tsp. hemp hearts

2 tsp. chia seeds, whole

1 tbs. raw cocoa nibs

2 tsp. raw pumpkin seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a blender, puree berries, yogurt, almond milk, vanilla, stevia and cinnamon. Pour into a bowl, and top with toppings of choice.

Serves: 1

Time: 10 minutes

Enjoy!

Maia Thomlinson is a poet who creates with and on her hands, constantly exploring new mediums to connect with the people she seeks to reach. It could also be said that she is a hand balancer who writes, as both passions hold equal space in her heart. Currently, she is pursuing film, photography and illustration in combination with poetry and spoken word.

In the hours she is not busy writing, creating or balancing on her hands, Maia loves to bake and people watch and spend time with family and friends, ideally in nature. She hopes to travel a lot in the near future.