What could be more exciting than hosting a party for your favorite people to share all your favorite foods in one big delicious dish? I can't think of anything! In this month's blog, we are going to be talking about one of the biggest and most delicious trends that has hit social media, restaurants, and kitchens by storm, the Buddha Bowl!

Happy March everyone! My family and I have been loving the beautiful spring weather here in Charleston! We can't wait to spend more days at the beach and to just be outside together. There is nothing like fresh air and sunshine to keep a smile on your face. The beautiful green leaves and flowers popping up everywhere has inspired me to share one of my favorite meals with you, the ever-popular Buddha bowl! This dish is one of the most beautiful things to look at before digging into an amazing meal. Are you familiar with them? A Buddha bowl is a single serving meal for any diet that is delicious, extremely healthy, and can be a true piece of gastronomical art. Buddha bowls are most commonly served in one big bowl full of delicious items that hit every food group needed for a complete and delicious meal. From that description, I'm sure you've seen something like it filling your Instagram feeds, your Pinterest account, and favorite recipe websites!

But, where did the name come from? There are many different theories, but some think the dish was inspired by Buddha's big round belly. Other's come from a more classic approach. Buddha was known to walk through whatever village he would find himself in and carry a big empty bowl with him. Villagers would fill the bowl with what every food offerings they could give him, and he would eat what he was given.

One of the greatest things about a Buddha bowl is that there is no right or wrong way of creating one. There are no directions you have to follow or any specific guidelines you have to stay in. You can create and fill them with whatever ingredients you and your family prefer. You can even make a batch of delicious fillings and have a Buddha Bowl bar, and let your family build their own. It's a wonderful way to introduce so many delicious and healthy options to your children at a young age while allowing them to experiment with different flavors, texture combinations, and being bold in making their own choices in their diet.

Now, where do you start? The best way to begin is to think in terms of layers. Begin by filling the bottom of your bowl with either a grain, a leafy green vegetable, or broth. Secondly, add your veggies. These veggies can be either roasted, cooked to your preference, or raw. Be bold! Try mixing vegetables you might not have thought of mixing before! Next, add your protein. This can be a great meatless meal, and you can use tofu or chickpeas as your protein, but meat can also be used if you wish. Then, you can add all kinds of toppings. This is a great opportunity to use nuts, seeds, or sprouts. You finish your bowl off (if you like) with a small drizzle of sauce or dressing. Ta-dah! You have just made your first delicious  Buddha bowl! If you need a little guidance or inspiration for your first Buddha Bowl, you can find them on all your favorite social media platforms. There are so many options out there waiting for you and don't be afraid to shake up a recipe that you find.

Buddha bowls are incredibly diverse, and you can create a bowl to fit any cuisine you like. It's a diverse way to enjoy your favorite foods in an extremely healthy way. They can be served with a mixture of hot or cold items, you have the freedom to make that choice. They are not only so good for you, but they're also beautiful to look at, create, and present to others. They can also be a wonderful inspiration for a party! How can you host the best Buddha Bowl Party? It's easy! Invite your guests over for a party inspired by sharing delicious and healthy foods. Have each guest bring a grain, a leafy green, veggie or protein to share with the party. Provide your guests with a bowl for them to fill with their favorite ingredients, and have everyone set up their contribution like a salad bar. I always love to start with greens. Top those delicious leafy greens with a grain like rice or quinoa, then add on as many veggies as your heart desires! Top those veggies with your favorite dressings, hummus, nuts, seeds, and a protein if you wish. You can even customize your party and give it a theme. Host a Thai, Mediterranean, or Mexican Buddha bowl party! Inspire your guests to customize, improvise, and find inspiration from one another. Challenge one another to try new things and new combinations. They will LOOK beautiful too. Make sure you take pictures, you will want to share your masterpieces!

I cannot wait to hear what you think about your own Buddha bowls. Please share pictures with me, and I would love to hear about your ingredients choices and what inspired you. They're wonderful for every age, so dive into this fun, delicious, and interactive meal with the whole family!