Living Rawesome

Veggie Magic in Sarasota, FL

I have been wanting to go to Veggie Magic in my home state of Florida ever since I heard of the movie Supercharge Me!  Jenna Norwood had changed her life through raw and living foods.  I still haven’t seen Supercharge Me:(  I did buy it on my special day down at the restaurant but my television is broken.  (Which I do have mixed feelings about.)   I want it to stay that way, but I miss watching all my raw videos.  I do spend more time on the computer and have been sleeping in my own bed at night instead of the couch, which makes me happy.  Anyway, that’s another story.

My family went down to Sarasota on a Saturday.  It was a great day to go.  Florida had been hit by weeks of rain and on this day it was clear all day.  What a blessing.

Here I am at Veggie Magic.  I was surprised that it was in a shopping plaza.  I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in.  I loved the openness of the restaurant.  It was brightly lit and the walls were filled with articles about the lovely, Jenna Norwood.  On my left there were 2 comfy couches, next to a piano.  Tables for 2 and 4 people filled the room.  The openness of the kitchen gives the store a welcoming environment.  I love a clean kitchen.  You can see them prepare all of the food.

You place your order from the menu which is placed on the wall and they also have paper menus.

This is the menu and the baskets are there for the recipients to get their food.  You are given a word instead of taking your name after you order.  What a cute idea!  We ordered Raw Pizza and Double stack burger.  Our word was Shining.  It explained my feeling on this day.

My lovely hubby was shining too:)  As always!

Veggie Magic has many Raw Food books on a book shelf and they also sell many raw items such as flax crackers, Rawmesan (raw vegan parmesan cheese made from walnuts), tamari and other goodies. 

Here I am checking out the books.  I am always looking for new material to read.

We only waited a short time for our food.  We admired that Jenna decided to use  straws made out of corn.  The boys thought it was so awesome that the straws were green.

Here is Sebastian being silly with his straws.  He still has them.  Funny what kids are interested in.  It’s great for them to see that companies use these items.  They are our future of our planet.  They need to know the more environmental friendly products.

We were waiting patiently with smiles:)  Both boys were anxious to taste their meals.

Here are my two look alikes.

Our meals were just as beautiful as expected.

Here is the lovely and delicious All American Double Stack Cheeseburger.  It is made from seeds, fresh veggies and herbs.  Cheese made from pine nuts and homemade ketchup.  The burgers were used as the bun.  Clever.  It was very good.  My favorite was definitely the Pizza.

Beautifully dressed and  yummier than Papa John’s.  As well as healthier than any common pizza.  There is absolute excellence in this pizza.  God, I am sure, is so proud of this fine dish.  A veggie and flax crust loaded with pine nut cheese, sundried tomatoes, a homemade marinara sauce and spinach.  My children loved it so much they were fighting over it.  We did order another one to make them happy.  I would love to make this at home.  I would say this pizza was my children’s fave raw meal yet.  I do make graham crackers out of Matthew Kenney’s book that they love,  but this was their favorite raw meal.

He really couldn’t get enough.

And of course no meal is complete without dessert.  Here is a carrot cake topped with a whipped cream.  Made from carrot pulp, walnuts, ginger, cloves, cinnamon and raisins.   Very tasty.

The visit to the restaurant was great then we were off to our first time on Sarasota Beach.

We had a safe and wonderful day!

Raw Gathering 5-28-09

I had a blast at the last gathering. It was great to see all of you again.  For those of you that were not at previous gatherings, we were blessed by you being a part of this special time together.  We had so many lovely recipes.

It was a different time and day of the week but I think it worked out great.  Thank you to all who attended. I’m so honored to share this journey with all of you:)

Me, Jackie, Kay, Sarah and Erica

Kay making the Beet Raviolis

Mommy making up the gift for Dr. Schramm, he loves pistachio treats from Rutabaga’s Etc.

Erica, and Sarah making Dill Cream Cheese Nori.  One of my faves of the night.

Here if D’Adjoa giving the ingredients for the wonderful Curry Plantain salad.

Kay, Marsha and Gayle giving the recipes for what they brought.  Destiny, Sarah, Emma, Theresa, Sue, Judy, Pam getting their raw meal.  All smiles:)

Emma, Destiny, Johanna, Angela, Sebastian

D and Theresa

Me and my Man:)

White Chocolate on Carob Brownie

Carob Brownie

3 cups soaked and dehydrated walnuts

2 cups raisins

1 t salt

1/4 cup carob

Place walnuts and carob in food processor.  Let it run until it becomes a fine powder.  Add raisins and salt.  When it sticks together place in a plastic lined pie crust.  Then pour in white chocolate filling.

White Chocolate Filling

1 cup cashews

1/2 c agave

1/2 c melted cacao butter

1/3 c water

1 T vanilla

Blend all ingredients together, except melted cacao butter.  When filling is smooth, add cacao butter.

Here there are cacao nibs on it.  You can add berries, dried mulberries, cranberries, goji berries, or golden raisins.

Enjoy:)

Raw Gathering 5-28-09

I had a blast at the last gathering. It was great to see all of you again.  For those of you that were not at previous gatherings, we were blessed by you being a part of this special time together.  We had so many lovely recipes.

It was a different time and day of the week but I think it worked out great.  Thank you to all who attended. I’m so honored to share this journey with all of you:)

Me, Jackie, Kay, Sarah and Erica

Kay making the Beet Raviolis

Mommy making up the gift for Dr. Schramm, he loves pistachio treats from Rutabaga’s Etc.

Erica, and Sarah making Dill Cream Cheese Nori.  One of my faves of the night.

Here if D’Adjoa giving the ingredients for the wonderful Curry Plantain salad.

Kay, Marsha and Gayle giving the recipes for what they brought.  Destiny, Sarah, Emma, Theresa, Sue, Judy, Pam getting their raw meal.  All smiles:)

Emma, Destiny, Johanna, Angela, Sebastian

D and Theresa

Me and my Man:)

Paradise on Earth

Beet Ravioli with Ginger Dressing

Beet Raviolis

4 small beets, thinly sliced on mandolin, marinated in 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 T lemon juice, 1 t salt
Small dollop of Rawcotta Cheeze on one beet slice and place another beet slice on top.  Spoon dressing onto each ravioli.

Rawcotta Cheeze

3 cup raw pine nuts
3 cup cashews
3/4 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup Braggs Liquid Aminos
3 Tbs garlic pressed
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Soak nuts about 12 hours and rinse well.  Add all ingredients and blend until creamy.

Dressing
1 T ginger powder
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 small carrot, sliced
1 T mellow white miso, unpasturized
1/2 c extra virgin olive oil
3 T flax oil
1 lemon, juiced

Place all in blender and blend until smooth.

Beet Raviolis can be served room temperature or dehydrated for 1 hour to serve warm.  Enjoy:)

Drum Circle

Sunday was one of the best days of my life. I finally played a drum in an actual drum circle.  I know that it seems silly but ever since I used to go the Rainbow Gatherings when I was a kid,  I have always wanted to play.  Well, d’Adjoa made it possible.  When I walked into d’s  house for the first time, it was so serene and my eyes went directly to her drums, which, she later informed me are called Djembes, pronounced Jim Bay.   She let me tap on the djembe with her that day.  When we were playing,  we started talking about how long she has been playing.  She then informed me that there is a local drum circle right here in Citrus County.  I was stoked and even more excited that it was on Mother’s Day:)   The circles happen every second Sunday of the month.

Many people brought their own drums, but the drum circle coordinators let the visitors borrow some instruments.  Everyone was very friendly and open to all the newcomers.  D’ loaned me her drum and Jason and I took turns.  I was intimidated at first, but the beats were easy to replicate.  I just followed the lead of the more experienced drummers.  It was so much fun.  Three hours felt like one.

We were really meant to go to the circle that night.  Christian’s substitute teacher was the founder of the drum circle.  He was told 2 days before in his band class that there is a drum circle.  Funny how things keep coming around once you’re open to it.

Jason is a natural at everything! He looks so content and laid back.  I love this man.  I can’t wait to get some drums so he can play and I can dance.  That is our deal.  He plays, I dance!  Our all time favorite.

On this night  I thought about how my life has changed since I entered the workforce and how a lifestyle of  raw and living foods entering my body has caused the world to seem different and open to me.  All things are possible and my dreams can come true.  I feel like I’m finally living.  My emotions are not deadened by pesticide laden dead foods.  My motto for my life has changed.  Now I know that these are David Wolfe’s words but I do try to have the “Best Day Ever!”  My greatest strength is the love that I give and receive.  I no longer surround myself with negativity.  I search for positive people and places.  I feel like I am more in touch physically, emotionally and spiritually to myself and my creator.

I can’t wait for the next circle.  I’m hoping all of you get to experience a beautiful peaceful night on the beach.

Kayaking

What an awesome Sunday it was to go to Crystal River.  We rented kayaks and went to the 3 sisters springs.  Sarah and I had been talking for so long about going kayaking and we finally made a point to go after Jackie suggested we go.  The weather was sunny and breezy.  So we met at the kayak rental and began our journey.

It wasn’t too crowded either, even though it is getting to be the season for many people to see the beauty of Citrus County.  Glad we could all finally go.  Christian and I went together and Jason went with Sabby. Jackie had her own.  Rich and Sarah brought their own.

The ride to the spring was with covered trees and shaded.  It was a serene trip with Christian.

We followed eachother until we got to the 3 sisters.  There are signs everywhere for saving the 3 sisters springs.  Three sisters is privately owned and endangered of being sold to a commercial developer.  Efforts are being made to buy the land so it can continue as a wildlife refuge.  You can find out more at www.savethreesisters.com

In case you want to rent kayaks here is the number.  LOL.

The water is so beautiful.  Jackie was loving it.  Christian and I rode around the springs while everyone else was in the water.  Then I finally got in.  I never go in the water because it’s always too cold for me.  The last time I went swimming we went swimming with the  manatees and I was so cold and I was chillin for 3 days after.  But this time was different and so serene and invigorating.

Everyone had to stand on the fallen tree in the water. Doesn’t it look like a giant pool.

We stayed at the spring for about 2 hours.   Then we went for a short ride out to the river but everyone was ready to go home.  The only one that wore sunscreen was Jackie.  It was a great day and next time we will wear sunscreen.

David Wolfe’s Superfood Booksigning and Brunch

This was the best day I had had in the longest time.  I had been waiting since October 2008 to see David Wolfe when he was in Sarasota, Florida at Veggie Magic. I missed him when he was there .  I heard that he was going to be in Winter Park promoting his new book Superfoods.  I was very anxious to get my hands on the new book and to hear him speak.  He never misses a beat when it comes to answering questions.  He can get anyone fired up about Raw food.  As soon as I heard that he was going to make another Central Florida appearance,  I placed a flyer about the seminar in Rutabagas in hopes that we could get a group of people together and go see MY FAVORITE RAW FOODIST OF ALL TIME!!

Kay, d’Adjoa, Veggie Girl (ME), Jason, Jackie, Kathy, Rich and Sarah all decided to go.  I was so excited to have my friends with me to see this unforgettable seminar.

When we got there, everyone was in line to get the pre-release of his new book Superfoods. Of course, there were samples of Sunfood’s goji berries, cacao, cashews, and many of David Wolfe’s books. I only wanted to get his new book and the DVD Food Matters.  I was so excited when I saw it was there. I was going to buy it online, but it was there and I didn’t have to wait to buy it. I’ve watched it 4 times now.

Here I am waiting for D.W.! All of us grabbed the third row. I wanted to sit in the front but we wouldn’t all fit:(  The seats we had were great anyway.  As I was sitting there, I couldn’t believe I was seeing him again. I am always watching youtube videos, but it is no comparison to the real thing.

David Wolfe talked about all the superfoods that can enhance our health. Cacao, Goji Berries, Maca, Marine Phytoplankton which he passed around for the audience to try.  The night was so amazing. The event lasted about 3 hours for the seminar, book signing, and question and answer session. I love to listen to him. I bet he loves to teach as much as all of us loved listening to him. I will always remember the awesome time we all had, it will go in my box of memories labeled “BEST SEMINARS EVER!”

Oh my gosh!! I have a key to my future...

Finally got a photo with DW:)

Jason, Kay, Jackie, Sarah, Kathy, Me and David Wolfe

The next day I went to the brunch question and answer session with David Wolfe.  The brunch was hosted by Natural Awakenings with a meal prepared by Chef Olive.  She is truly talented. We started off with chocolate mint water.  It was very appropriate, I thought, because of David Wolfe being a chocolatier.  The meal was a perfect brunch choice…Squash Pancakes from Matthew Kenney’s new book.  She made a hot sauce to go with the whole meal.    I would love to have another meal by Chef Olive.  It is such a joy eating food that is prepared with love.

David Wolfe was staying in Titusville and he was running late, so we ate before he arrived.  He spoke about more than just superfoods.  He touched on economic issues, health awareness, and I was so lucky to ask him a question that I’ve been wondering for years.  I asked him why I have ridges in my nails.  He called me up to look at my nails and said that I have a sulphor and silica deficiency.  He requested that I try horsetail which I have tried in the past and got very sick with flu-like symptoms.  He told me not to do that and try other things like bamboo sap, nettle tea, MSM, and oat straw.  I have been doing bamboo and still waiting for results.  I am willing to wait.   I have had the problem since giving birth to my first son almost 13 years ago.  Fortunately, my son, Christian,  got to go with me.  He also enjoyed David Wolfe.  Christian always laughs at the way David Wolfe tells stories.  We both had such a memorable day.  What a way to spend time with my son!!

Parsnip Sushi

Raw Parsnip Sushi

Jason and I went to The Present Moment in St. Augustine, Florida for the first time in 2008. We fell in love with the sushi and I told him, “I want to make this at home.” So the very next day we bought parsnips and tried to come up with a recipe of our own and we invented this.  He seems to make it a little different each time depending on what we have at home but it ALWAYS tastes THE BEST EVER!! He always sprinkles it with love, of course:)

Jason’s Raw Vegan Parsip Sushi

1 pound or 3 large parsnips, peeled and chopped into one inch pieces

1 T Tahini

1 T Braggs Liquid Aminos

1 T sweet white miso

1 T lemon juice

2 cloves of pressed garlic

1 inch piece of ginger, minced

1/4 t wasabi powder

1/4 t mustard powder

Process all ingredients in food processor until it is similar to the texture and size of white rice.  When it is ready place 1/2 cup “rice” mixture  onto raw nori sheet on your sushi rolling mat.  Place vegetables of your choice evenly on to the “rice”.

Then roll tightly until you have about an inch of nori left. Moisten the one inch flap with water. Then finish rolling.