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8.08.2011
7.19.2011
Raw Ice Cream Sandwiches
How does one properly enjoy a hot summer eve? I vote with a fork, spoon, or fingers and something sweet. Last night I made my first ever raw chocolate cookie to use as the sandwich for banana soft serve. The great part about these raw treats is that they are made with REAL FOOD so you don't have to worry about over-indulging. Your body recognizes it as actual food so it will digest it as such, not like the average ice cream sandwich would. I tried to take some decent photos to share however the lighting in the kitchen is so horrible that you just have to trust that it will taste good... the picture will not do these guys any justice!
For the Chocolate Cookies you will need the following:
1 1/2 cups oat flour (toss oatmeal in a food processor and grind into a flour)
1 heaping cup dates, pitted
3 TBS coconut nectar, agave, or maple syrup
4 TBS coconut butter
3 TBS cacao powder
1 TBS water
Process oat flour. Mix with cacao powder and set aside. Mix remaining ingredients in food processor until thoroughly combined. Once a consistent paste is formed, add flour mix and blend well. With a rolling pin, spread into a thin layer and cut out cookies. Let your creativity take over and use fun cookie cutters or else use the top of a glass. Works like a charm when strapped for the proper utensils. Place cookies on a sheet and freeze for at least one hour.
Meanwhile...
Take at least 4 frozen bananas (previously peeled, cut into smaller portions, and frozen overnight) and blend well. This may take a few minutes depending how much banana you have. Add 1-2 tsp vanilla extract if desired (or maca powder for a hint of butterscotch! yum!) Place back in freezer until cookies are well set.
Once the cookies have hardened, remove from freezer and assemble your sandwiches.Eat devour immediately! Make sure to store leftovers in a sealed container in the freezer for another sweet tooth indulgence!
If you are having an extra sweet tooth, as I usually am, try adding a bit of Caramel Sauce to the mix. To whip up this easy and tasty treat you will need:
1 cup dates, pitted
1/4-1/2 cup almond milk
1 TBS raw honey, coconut nectar, or agave
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
Blend well in blender or food processor. For more of a spread-like consistency use 1/4 cup of milk at first and add more if you prefer a thinner "sauce".
For the Chocolate Cookies you will need the following:
1 1/2 cups oat flour (toss oatmeal in a food processor and grind into a flour)
1 heaping cup dates, pitted
3 TBS coconut nectar, agave, or maple syrup
4 TBS coconut butter
3 TBS cacao powder
1 TBS water
Process oat flour. Mix with cacao powder and set aside. Mix remaining ingredients in food processor until thoroughly combined. Once a consistent paste is formed, add flour mix and blend well. With a rolling pin, spread into a thin layer and cut out cookies. Let your creativity take over and use fun cookie cutters or else use the top of a glass. Works like a charm when strapped for the proper utensils. Place cookies on a sheet and freeze for at least one hour.
Meanwhile...
Take at least 4 frozen bananas (previously peeled, cut into smaller portions, and frozen overnight) and blend well. This may take a few minutes depending how much banana you have. Add 1-2 tsp vanilla extract if desired (or maca powder for a hint of butterscotch! yum!) Place back in freezer until cookies are well set.
Once the cookies have hardened, remove from freezer and assemble your sandwiches.
If you are having an extra sweet tooth, as I usually am, try adding a bit of Caramel Sauce to the mix. To whip up this easy and tasty treat you will need:
1 cup dates, pitted
1/4-1/2 cup almond milk
1 TBS raw honey, coconut nectar, or agave
1 tsp vanilla extract
pinch of sea salt
Blend well in blender or food processor. For more of a spread-like consistency use 1/4 cup of milk at first and add more if you prefer a thinner "sauce".
7.11.2011
Granola Is Not Just For Hippies
Alright. So my go-to granola recipe is awesome and blows store bought granola out of the water anyday. This granola is made sans oil- creating a less greasy and extra crunchy heavenly delight. And being homemade makes it oh so much better! Granted it is not raw... but like I mentioned before I never intend to be 100% raw and this recipe is part of the reason why.
The original recipe (adapted by Ellie Krieger) goes something like this:
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 C pure maple syrup
1/2 C chopped pecans
1/2 C chopped almonds
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C raisins (optional)
1-2 TBS cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Mix together oats, nuts, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add maple syrup and mix until evenly coated. Spread evenly on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes. After 15 mins, remove from oven and toss granola around with a spatula. Be sure to 'unstick' the oats that may be stuck to the pan to keep them from burning. Add raisins now if you'd like to cook them a bit. Place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crunchy. Careful not to let burn!
Here's my take:
1 1/2 - 2 C oats
1/2 C chopped pecan
1/4-1/2 C chopped almond
1/4-1/2 C pure maple syrup
lots of cinnamon
few handfuls of raisins
half handful of shredded coconut
sometimes a pinch of salt
Typically I just throw whatever I have on hand in the mix. My favorites include (I didn't even realize I bought dry roasted almonds until now. whoops! I'm a die-hard raw nut fan).
I leave out the walnuts & sunflower seeds since I prefer the combo of almond, pecan, and maple syrup without the rest. Throw in whatever sounds good to you based on taste preferences.
I throw it on a baking sheet and try not to forget about it in the oven like I tend to when baking/multitasking but it's hard not to because your kitchen will smell AMAZING. Since I usually halve the recipe I take it out between 10 - 15 minutes to add the raisins, throw it back in for 8-10 addt'l minutes.
This morning my batch came out looking like this -tasty- but smelling even better
The original recipe (adapted by Ellie Krieger) goes something like this:
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 C pure maple syrup
1/2 C chopped pecans
1/2 C chopped almonds
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/4 C sunflower seeds
1/2 C raisins (optional)
1-2 TBS cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
Mix together oats, nuts, salt and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add maple syrup and mix until evenly coated. Spread evenly on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 375 F for 15 minutes. After 15 mins, remove from oven and toss granola around with a spatula. Be sure to 'unstick' the oats that may be stuck to the pan to keep them from burning. Add raisins now if you'd like to cook them a bit. Place back in the oven for another 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned and crunchy. Careful not to let burn!
Here's my take:
1 1/2 - 2 C oats
1/2 C chopped pecan
1/4-1/2 C chopped almond
1/4-1/2 C pure maple syrup
lots of cinnamon
few handfuls of raisins
half handful of shredded coconut
sometimes a pinch of salt
Typically I just throw whatever I have on hand in the mix. My favorites include (I didn't even realize I bought dry roasted almonds until now. whoops! I'm a die-hard raw nut fan).
I throw it on a baking sheet and try not to forget about it in the oven like I tend to when baking/multitasking but it's hard not to because your kitchen will smell AMAZING. Since I usually halve the recipe I take it out between 10 - 15 minutes to add the raisins, throw it back in for 8-10 addt'l minutes.
This morning my batch came out looking like this -tasty- but smelling even better
7.10.2011
Overnight Oats!!
I've fallen in love with this reallllly easy and delicious way to enjoy oatmeal- one of my all time favorite foods that I've missed lots in the past year. Techniqually I consider this raw as you do not have to cook. So for all those folks out there who complain they don't have enough time in the morning to prepare a breakfast before running out the door to work- worry no more! With this no cook method there is limited cleaning and minimal prep time... such a quick way to eat healthy when life seems too busy.
The easiest way to prepare these is by using an old glass jar - 8 oz. - that you still have the lid (i.e. jam jars, nut butter jar etc.). This way you can save time and energy by eating them right out of the same container you prepare them in. Add equal amounts oats and liquids. A filling amount is usually 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats with 1/2 milk of your choice. I'll add some honey or agave to give it a touch of sweetness and lots of cinnamon as I am obsessed.
SO, measure out the amount of ingredients you would like, give it all a good stir, and let it sit overnight in your fridge. In the morning, the oats will have softened in the liquid and you can add whatever you'd like to add flavor.crunch.whatever your heart desires.
Ideas for optional additions to add in the morning/before you eat:
bananas
berries
granola
chopped nuts
dried fruit
shredded coconut
nut butter
jam
cacao powder
yogurt
chia seeds
honey
extra milk
If you don't fancy cold oats, there is always the option to heat them up a bit.
The easiest way to prepare these is by using an old glass jar - 8 oz. - that you still have the lid (i.e. jam jars, nut butter jar etc.). This way you can save time and energy by eating them right out of the same container you prepare them in. Add equal amounts oats and liquids. A filling amount is usually 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats with 1/2 milk of your choice. I'll add some honey or agave to give it a touch of sweetness and lots of cinnamon as I am obsessed.
SO, measure out the amount of ingredients you would like, give it all a good stir, and let it sit overnight in your fridge. In the morning, the oats will have softened in the liquid and you can add whatever you'd like to add flavor.crunch.whatever your heart desires.
Ideas for optional additions to add in the morning/before you eat:
bananas
berries
granola
chopped nuts
dried fruit
shredded coconut
nut butter
jam
cacao powder
yogurt
chia seeds
honey
extra milk
If you don't fancy cold oats, there is always the option to heat them up a bit.
6.24.2011
Sleeping Naked is Green!!
Just finished Sleeping Naked is Green, and I can't help but mention how this book has inspired me to "green" a bit more in my own life. With the tag line "how an eco-cynic unplugged her fridge, sold her car, and found love in 366 days" this book sums up a year in the life of a 20-something Canadian reporter & film critic who makes a change everyday for an entire year to live more sustainably and "greener". Vanessa Farquaharson is brutally honest and nothing short of hilarious in her story of changes, ranging from easy to those a tad more drastic, such as selling her car. I was able to pull many ideas and inspirations from this great read. Some that I am starting or re-enforcing in my life include:
1) No more tissues-switch to organic cotton handkerchiefs: I grew up so grossed out by my Dad's hankies. Even recently I cringed when my Mom was using one... blowing your nose in a cloth and then reusing it? Kind of gross. But if you aren't sick and blowing your nose every 5 seconds, I think this is a simple change to make. I certainly don't enjoy seeing the garbage can pile up with snot rags that head to the landfill. Instead they'll be washed and reused. yippee!
2) Diva Cup. For life. 'nuff said.
3) No more Q-tips. You're techniqually not suppose to shove those in your ears anyways.
4) No more to-go cups or take out containers. I am already pretty good about this. I limit my consumption of plastics and disposable crap as much as possible. Even if it is biodegradable and not plastic, I still am not having it. I can manage without, thank you very much.
5) No more gum. While I may offend someone if I ate too much garlic-sorry ahead of time- I need to give up this horrible habit that is full of artificial sweeteners, colors and derived from petroleum.
6) Register with Freecycle. Who doesn't like free stuff?
7) No more nailpolish. I already gave up regular nailpolish a long time ago. All the chemicals made me feel like I was loosing thousands of brain cells in a mere few minutes it took to paint (and I probably was). I don't care enough about my nail color to loose precious smart cells. I'd rather stay in the nude.
8) Drink only loose leaf tea in a reusable tea infuser. I'm half way there. And I vow to compost any tea bags when I'm in a pinch.
9) Air dry all clothes. I have been slacking the past few years due to pure laziness I suppose. & too I usually need to shrink my clothes so they fit right.
10) No more disposable straws.
11) Use a rain barrel to collect rain water. Once I'm settled into P'burgh, it's on!
12) No more Post-Its.
13) Drink local. Local as in 250 miles.
14) & oh yes! sleep naked! However I can't do that yet. Not appropriate as I am currently camping out in my brother's living room.
There are definitely more changes that I will embark on as soon as I live on my own. & too I don't need to go into THAT much detail about those that are a wee bit personal. Regardless, I'm eager to switch up some of my practices and discover what I learn. I highly recommend this book. Check your local library (it is in Chicago's Public Library circulation), buy used on amazon or just buy and share with someone else!
Happy greening!
1) No more tissues-switch to organic cotton handkerchiefs: I grew up so grossed out by my Dad's hankies. Even recently I cringed when my Mom was using one... blowing your nose in a cloth and then reusing it? Kind of gross. But if you aren't sick and blowing your nose every 5 seconds, I think this is a simple change to make. I certainly don't enjoy seeing the garbage can pile up with snot rags that head to the landfill. Instead they'll be washed and reused. yippee!
2) Diva Cup. For life. 'nuff said.
3) No more Q-tips. You're techniqually not suppose to shove those in your ears anyways.
4) No more to-go cups or take out containers. I am already pretty good about this. I limit my consumption of plastics and disposable crap as much as possible. Even if it is biodegradable and not plastic, I still am not having it. I can manage without, thank you very much.
5) No more gum. While I may offend someone if I ate too much garlic-sorry ahead of time- I need to give up this horrible habit that is full of artificial sweeteners, colors and derived from petroleum.
6) Register with Freecycle. Who doesn't like free stuff?
7) No more nailpolish. I already gave up regular nailpolish a long time ago. All the chemicals made me feel like I was loosing thousands of brain cells in a mere few minutes it took to paint (and I probably was). I don't care enough about my nail color to loose precious smart cells. I'd rather stay in the nude.
8) Drink only loose leaf tea in a reusable tea infuser. I'm half way there. And I vow to compost any tea bags when I'm in a pinch.
9) Air dry all clothes. I have been slacking the past few years due to pure laziness I suppose. & too I usually need to shrink my clothes so they fit right.
10) No more disposable straws.
11) Use a rain barrel to collect rain water. Once I'm settled into P'burgh, it's on!
12) No more Post-Its.
13) Drink local. Local as in 250 miles.
14) & oh yes! sleep naked! However I can't do that yet. Not appropriate as I am currently camping out in my brother's living room.
There are definitely more changes that I will embark on as soon as I live on my own. & too I don't need to go into THAT much detail about those that are a wee bit personal. Regardless, I'm eager to switch up some of my practices and discover what I learn. I highly recommend this book. Check your local library (it is in Chicago's Public Library circulation), buy used on amazon or just buy and share with someone else!
Happy greening!
6.23.2011
Are you a dipper?
I AM!
"Food is a vehicle for sauce"-Mike Bancroft of Chicago's Co-op Image Hot Sauce. I agree! I love dips, spreads, and sauces SO much that sometimes I find myself looking for something, anything JUST to enjoy the former. Jazzin' up food = fun. Bland food = not fun. Some of my favorites are salsa, guacamole, ketchup, spicy mustard, spinach artichoke, Sriracha hot chili, horseradish, BBQ, hummus, babaganoush, pesto, nut butters.... I'll stop here cause the list just goes on and on. I will never deny a dip- given its vegan friendly. On the sweeter end I love honey, maple syrup and on occasion agave. Maple syrup mixed with raw cacao power= hello best homemade chocolate sauce ever!
For ketchup, barbeque, etc. I had to find a brand that doesn't add sugar (since avoiding processed and refined sugar is my 'thing'). I really like Organicville. Very tasty and its well worth the switch from high-fructose corn syrup laden Heinz (my apologies to Heinz as I owe much to the family and company that will be providing me the gorgeous 388 acres of farmland at Chatham's Eden Hall Campus. In respect of this... I can't bash Heinz too much :) If I wasn't so anti-HFCS trust me I'd be lovin' on that Heinz 57.
While I should be putting up some enjoyable recipe for my fave- I'm out of town and without all my recipes. To make up for this, I will mention I have been on the hunt for a healthier version of Nutella to satisfy this void. While there are plenty of HFCS-free versions out there, including Chicago's local Futters, I still have not come across one that isn't sweetened with some variation of corn syrup or cane sugar. Next week I am making it a priority to come up with my own batch of chocolate hazelnut spread sweetened with local honey. Stay tuned for a recipe soon.
"Food is a vehicle for sauce"-Mike Bancroft of Chicago's Co-op Image Hot Sauce. I agree! I love dips, spreads, and sauces SO much that sometimes I find myself looking for something, anything JUST to enjoy the former. Jazzin' up food = fun. Bland food = not fun. Some of my favorites are salsa, guacamole, ketchup, spicy mustard, spinach artichoke, Sriracha hot chili, horseradish, BBQ, hummus, babaganoush, pesto, nut butters.... I'll stop here cause the list just goes on and on. I will never deny a dip- given its vegan friendly. On the sweeter end I love honey, maple syrup and on occasion agave. Maple syrup mixed with raw cacao power= hello best homemade chocolate sauce ever!
For ketchup, barbeque, etc. I had to find a brand that doesn't add sugar (since avoiding processed and refined sugar is my 'thing'). I really like Organicville. Very tasty and its well worth the switch from high-fructose corn syrup laden Heinz (my apologies to Heinz as I owe much to the family and company that will be providing me the gorgeous 388 acres of farmland at Chatham's Eden Hall Campus. In respect of this... I can't bash Heinz too much :) If I wasn't so anti-HFCS trust me I'd be lovin' on that Heinz 57.
While I should be putting up some enjoyable recipe for my fave- I'm out of town and without all my recipes. To make up for this, I will mention I have been on the hunt for a healthier version of Nutella to satisfy this void. While there are plenty of HFCS-free versions out there, including Chicago's local Futters, I still have not come across one that isn't sweetened with some variation of corn syrup or cane sugar. Next week I am making it a priority to come up with my own batch of chocolate hazelnut spread sweetened with local honey. Stay tuned for a recipe soon.
6.16.2011
26 Blessed Years
What a difference a year makes! I have been blessed with a year full of many new friends, experiences, and revelations that have helped shape me into who I am today- 26 years old and only getting younger-duh! With a new job, new perspectives and unbinding myself from a lease I flowed through my 25th year with much more fluidity. In addition to my winter exodus to Maui & living at Greenleaf, another highlight of my year was volunteering with Brian in Costa Rica for a turtle conservation program. We met awesome people from all over the world, experienced life in the jungle living off the grid, both managed to think we were dying of malaria and denghue fever, and oh yes, contributed to the conservation of sea turtles! Here are a few photos from our trip that I always enjoy:
hatchlings
watching the hatchling make it to sea at sunrise
mama turtle
my first hatchling save!
incidentals trek through the jungle
nest excavations
blue-eyed tree frog
siblings
go turtles go!
nest checks at sunrise
camp
twins
toucan
I look forward to another year full of many new people, places, and experiences! So what better way to recognize a new year of life than with a relaxing, no frills dinner with the fam. I didn't give the menu much thought as I've been really busy but we whipped up some tasty dishes that included:
*Salad (but of course!) consisting of red leaf lettuce, romaine, arugula, spinach, sunflower sprout greens, peppers, cucumber and grape tomatoes. Topped with my Mom's lemon vinagrette.
*Roasted golden beets & purple asparagus (that turn green when cooked-hmm!)
*Grilled chicken for the rest of the family.
& last but not least...
*Raw KEY LIME PUDDING for dessert! I made my mom take away my bowl after I was on my 4th(??) helping. It's just that good. Brian and I also shared some Raw & Fine chocolates I picked up last minute. His allergy to avocados completely slipped my mind when planning to make the pudding and avos are the main ingredient, whoops! Chocolate to the rescue!
For those who would like to indulge in the goodness of a healthy & raw alternative to key lime pie or for a fun twist on a pudding... DO try this at home.
Key Lime Pudding:
4 ripe avocados
1/2 cup lime juice (plus 1 tbsp for stronger lime flavor)
~ 1 TBSP lime zest
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, melted
pinch of celtic salt
Blend well on high in a blender or food processor. Eat right away, chill if desired for later, or use as a pie filling for key lime pie. Top with crushed macadamia nuts or shredded coconut for something extra. & enjoy enjoy enjoy!
hatchlings
I look forward to another year full of many new people, places, and experiences! So what better way to recognize a new year of life than with a relaxing, no frills dinner with the fam. I didn't give the menu much thought as I've been really busy but we whipped up some tasty dishes that included:
*Salad (but of course!) consisting of red leaf lettuce, romaine, arugula, spinach, sunflower sprout greens, peppers, cucumber and grape tomatoes. Topped with my Mom's lemon vinagrette.
*Roasted golden beets & purple asparagus (that turn green when cooked-hmm!)
*Grilled chicken for the rest of the family.
& last but not least...
*Raw KEY LIME PUDDING for dessert! I made my mom take away my bowl after I was on my 4th(??) helping. It's just that good. Brian and I also shared some Raw & Fine chocolates I picked up last minute. His allergy to avocados completely slipped my mind when planning to make the pudding and avos are the main ingredient, whoops! Chocolate to the rescue!
For those who would like to indulge in the goodness of a healthy & raw alternative to key lime pie or for a fun twist on a pudding... DO try this at home.
Key Lime Pudding:
4 ripe avocados
1/2 cup lime juice (plus 1 tbsp for stronger lime flavor)
~ 1 TBSP lime zest
1/2 cup raw honey
1/2 cup cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, melted
pinch of celtic salt
Blend well on high in a blender or food processor. Eat right away, chill if desired for later, or use as a pie filling for key lime pie. Top with crushed macadamia nuts or shredded coconut for something extra. & enjoy enjoy enjoy!
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