Living Rawesome

Day #138 Banana Crème Pie – EVERYDAY RAW DESSERTS (not released yet)

December 10, 2009

This is the big surprise!! Two nights ago I received an email from Matthew Kenney!! He sent this Angelic Banana Creme Pie dessert. This pie was created by Matthew Kenney himself and Meredith Baird. Meredith helped Matthew on every aspect of his new book. She has her own website and is the founder of L.O.V.E. Nude Food. I have been so excited for the last 2 days, waiting to make this pie. It is the biggest pie I have made! I used at least 6 cups of cashews to make it. I know I am bringing this pie to a special place-I am bringing it to the Gainesville Potluck on Tuesday. I am looking forward to hearing how delicious they think it is. The last time I went I brought the Lavender Pie and everyone loved it.

I am glad I purchased more cashews. If I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have had enough to make the pie.

First I made the crust

Jason was here to help me open up the Thai coconuts. The coconut creme recipe called for the coconut milk, so used the coconut meat and water. I blended it up first then poured it into a glass jar to save it for the creme recipe that I did after the filling.

I couldn’t find macadamia nuts ANYWHERE!! Is there always a shortage?? I guess I need to order them online. I had to use cashews for the crust:( I really tried to find mac nuts. I went everywhere close to my home. Rutabagas doesn’t carry them. Walmart was out and I didn’t see them at any of the other grocery stores. Even bananas were a challenge for me to purchase. Rutabagas nanners were green and I needed ripe bananas, so Jason stopped at Sam’s on his way home from his LAST day of school (Yippy!!) and the lines were too long and we had to get Sabby to soccer, so he didn’t buy them. So it’s later than I wanted to make it, but it is well worth it. It is a 3 part recipe and it only took 20 minutes. That includes cleaning out the Vitamix.

I think my Vitamix is dying. It started smelling really bad and I had to pour the mixture for the banana filling into a bowl and stir the mashed bananas (I mashed them in food processor) into the mixture. I then added coconut oil. I mixed it until the coconut oil was well incorporated. Even though I didn’t use the Vitamix for the entire filling mixture, it was creamy and smooth like silk. It’s a very beautiful mixture. I poured the filling into a plastic lined cheesecake pan because I still don’t have tart pan (it actually calls for a tart pan).

I added bananas to the top of the banana creme filling, then I had to make the coconut creme.
I made the coconut creme in the Vitamix after the banana filling and it worked great, so I think that I just can’t add too many cashews to the Vitamix. I added the coconut creme on top of the banana creme and the bananas. The coconut creme is the best coconut mixture I have EVER had!! I absolutely love it! It is creamy and light. It reminds me of yogurt I used to buy. Oh my gosh!! Thank you Matthew and Meredith! I can’t wait for the entire book to come out. I know that it will be the best dessert book! Desserts are my favorite to make. Please OH Please release the book soon! I want to include it in my project.

Note to readers-this pie is rather expensive BUT if you made it for yourself you could freeze it and it would probably last at least a month. It is huge:) I wouldn’t want to keep it for myself, I love to share these creations.

I made Jason his own pie. I love the mini cheesecake pans. They are so adorable!

The kids enjoyed the filling too. I didn’t make them their own because they don’t really care for coconuts.

“There is sweet water inside a tender coconut. Who poured the water inside the coconut? Was it the work of any man? No. Only the Divine can do such a thing.”- Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Banana Crème Pie
Makes one 9 inch pie

Crust Ingredients
Macadamia Nuts
Coconut Flakes
Agave Syrup
Coconut oil
vanilla Extract (or 1 bean)
salt

Banana Crème Filling
Soaked Cashews
Mashed Banana (I put bananas in food processor because my Vitamix malfunctioning)
Agave Syrup (maybe half honey)
Vanilla Extract
Lemon Juice
salt
coconut Oil

Coconut Crème
soaked Cashews
coconut Milk *
agave
Vanilla
Lemon juice
Coconut oil liquefied
salt

Day #137 The Muscle pg. 32 everyday raw

December 9, 2009

I decided to make this outstanding shake for my hubby. Who else would be better to give it to than him? He is my perfect muscle dude! This shake turned out superb. I have never had pears and mesquite together. Every time I have mesquite it makes me think of a cold night by a fire in the woods somewhere. IDK why but it does. I have decided that mesquite is only good with a few ingredients and I would have to say PEARS and of course, chocolate are two of these ingredients. Anything goes great with chocolate. I think this is perfect for a chilly night after a long workout:)

Those of you who don’t know what mesquite is well, it is a bean pod that comes from the wild mesquite tree, mesquite pod meal is very nutritious. It is sometimes called White Carob. To me that is a more appetizing name than, mesquite. Mesquite meal is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, protein, and lysine. I love the Navitas Naturals brand. I love the colorful packaging. It is always more fun to work with ingredients that have bright and colorful packaging.

The other night I went to Publix to get apricots for the cake I made and found these cute little pears that I used for this recipe. One reminded me of a yin yang symbol, so of course I had to buy it. They are very tasty. Pears are very different from apples. These have a leathery skin. The outside is tough but once you break it open they are juicy and soft. I guess I could compare these pears to many people in my life. They are tough on the outside but once you get to know them you get to the sweet soft side.

The Muscle Ingredients
pears
cinnamon
hemp protein
mesquite pod meal
almond milk
agave
vanilla
sea salt

I have a surprise for tomorrow’s recipe. I wanted to make it today, but instead of shopping I decided to clean my room and bathroom. I threw out so many papers. I don’t particularly like cleaning but it has to be done. I did get the chance to meditate and read in my fave spot. I am taking on 2 more small challenges. One green smoothie a day (again) and to meditate each day for 90 days. I do better when I set a time limit. I figure both make me feel so much better so I might as well make it a daily ritual for me.

I am really excited about tomorrow. It is one of the most special recipes I have made. You will want to tune in for it. Yippy!!

Goodnight. I am going to do some shopping and clean some more. As of right now, I have my bed full of clothes, beads, magazines and more and more papers. I would like to sleep in my own bed tonight, instead of the couch:( I usually fall asleep there, reading or watching the first 5 minutes of a movie. My poor hubby, he always ends up watching the rest of the movies by himself. And yes it is literally the first 5 minutes that I fall asleep but if I manage to make it past the first 5 minutes then I am up for the entire movie.

“I choose PEACE!”-Veggie Girl

Day #136 Apricot “Yogurt” Cake and Sweet Cream pg. 136 entertaining in the raw

December 8, 2009

Happy Birthday to my gorgeous mother!! And those of you that read yesterday’s entry, well, I did get the dehydrator for her and she cried..Yes tears of joy. I love it when she cries. In a fun kind of way. She understands me. I just love to buy her things that I know she really will appreciate. If she cries I know she does! She probably knew what was coming to her, I mentioned that I wanted to get her a dehydrator at our Thanksgiving gathering. I bought her flax, Braggs, and an onion and of course the recipe for Theresa’s famous onion flax crackers.

Today was an unusually busy day. I imagined that I wouldn’t be that busy but somehow my day flew past. I did manage to pick up my organic cashews:) I ordered them 2 weeks ago and kept forgetting to go get them. I rode with Sabby to school and then I planned on coming home to clean but I opted to go to my perfect place in the park to read between my 3 trees. Of course it was my Wayne Dyer book. I learned so much today about myself and my surroundings and relationships. One quote that I really loved today was, “Thy peace is the essence of the universe. It is God at work, at play, and everywhere in between. It is infinite love. There is no anger, fear, greed, malice, or envy. There is a vast ocean of peace always available when one comes to know “thy peace”. In this place problems do not exist. In his book Dyer explains in 7 chapters how to live the prayer of Saint Frances of Assisi. The first of the 7 is “Lord make me an instrument of thy peace”. It is exciting for me to read this book because he is writing about things I have known but the way he presents the ideas in his book draws me back to the peace I do feel when I am nearest and in most need of God!

It was a beautiful day for biking and the gym was also a real treat. I decided that I am going to switch up my routine. I was just getting started in the gym about 1 1/2 months ago. Now I have been steady going so I figure I will begin to do my circuit training. To me this is definitely the most fun!!

Well, enough about my day, I will get to the recipe. I knew I wanted to make this, but today I realized that apricots are out of season, and I thought, “Where am I going to get them?” I called Walmart right away, but I was quickly put on hold and nobody came to the phone in the produce department. I hung up and called back. I didn’t want to make a trip there if they didn’t have them. Once again I was put on hold for what seemed even longer. I was in a hurry so I hung up and called Publix. I love Publix. I don’t know why I didn’t call there first. They helped in 3 minutes and even told me when they came in and how much they were by the pound. I picked them up after Sabby’s guitar lesson and came home and soaked all the ingredients that needed to be soaked. Once the ingredients were ready I threw them in the blender. I did get somewhat creative, but once again, my decorating is not comparable to MK’s expertise. One day I will get there:)
I did have fun with it. I still need to buy a piping bag and some spatulas. I can’t believe I am into this project so far without so many of the proper tools for the kitchen. I used a cheap ziploc bag to decorate with the sweet cream. But I have to say, it was fun to decorate. I do need some tips though. I am learning.

Apricot Cake Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
dried apricots
fresh apricots
agave
coconut oil
salt
vanilla
vanilla bean
juice of a lime
garam masala

I was interested to see how the garam masala would taste in this recipe. I absolutely love it. There is a hint of the flavor, not overpowering like chili. It is subtle and light. The dried Turkish apricots are so delicious. At one time I was addicted to them. I would eat so many of them a day, now I am fond of them but I prefer not to eat too many dried fruits. They dehydrate me, but they are delicious!

Sweet Cream Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
vanilla
salt
agave

The cake and the cream are in the refrigerator now. I did plan on bringing it for the party, but I got started too late on it. I did bring over the citrus tart and my mom, dad and sister liked it. I am going to bring some apricot cake to friends tomorrow. I haven’t seen too many people the last couple of days, because I have been studying and really have been reaching to Higher Heights within myself. I really do feel like I am on a spiritual vacation. I am loving it. How could I not? I make the best food ever, and I have time to enjoy the outdoors, which I missed so much while I was working more hours. Most of all I recognize all the gifts that God has placed in my life. I may be missing some, but I will appreciate them all when I am destined to appreciate. IT IS ALL IN DIVINE ORDER!

Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life

Day #135 Anise Syrup pg. 136 entertaining in the raw

December 7, 2009

I have to be honest. I haven’t bought any thai coconuts or jicama. Since most of the recipes call for those items I am pretty much out of luck. I still haven’t found rose water extract or orange blossom water. I need to order them online, along with maple syrup powder, but I still haven’t ordered any.

I am really not complaining I am just kind of rambling to put my thoughts down. I have been studying all day and I am really exhausted. I didn’t sleep that much, but I am so grateful! I am done with Anatomy and Physiology 1. Next semester is part 2. It was a great test experience. I prayed before, during, and after. I am grateful that I had the experience and it challenged me in so many ways. I have never been very fond of Science. I do have a degree in Science (Psychology) but I have never done well in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. This class has made me appreciate the human body on such a deep level. We are a magnificent species. I love knowing how the body works. I love to learn about it. I am looking forward to the next class and all other science classes after.

Tonight I am relaxing and listening to Jason talk to me about his Nursing class. He has to do a Practicum (performing his nursing skills) tomorrow morning. He is almost done with this semester. He is doing extremely well. It will be great to hang out with him on his vacation. I have exactly ONE MONTH until I go back to school. I am looking forward to biking, hiking, cleaning, reading and relaxing. We don’t have anything planned as of now. Also I am going to make delicious raw meals.

Tonight I picked the anise syrup. It is a simple recipe. My kitchen is a mess and I didn’t want to clean it. I am really exhausted and I guess I am a bit too honest about the condition of my house. What can I say,,, it is finals week and we are not keeping up with the house. It will get done. Besides, there is ALWAYS house work. Tomorrow is my Mother’s birthday so I will take the apricot “yogurt” cake over there and the sweet cream to go with this syrup and I still have to let my Dad try the citrus tart. I have to purchase thai coconuts and a dehydrator. I am surprising my Mom with the Dehydrator. I think she already knows that I am getting it. At least she won’t have to wait 2 years to get Teflex sheets:) She loves flax crackers, so I will get the ingredients for those too. She doesn’t read my blog so she won’t know. She is not very computer savvy. I can’t wait to see the look on her face:)

Anise Syrup Ingredients
agave
cinnamon
anise
pinch of salt

I am going to help Jason some then I am going to finish, Because I Said So. I love this movie. It is one of my faves. I may last for the whole thing, I am almost done with it. I watched some of it today to get a break from studying. I usually fall asleep in the first 5 minutes of all movies I try to watch at night. But if I don’t finish it tonight I have tomorrow or the next day. No more homework or classes for an entire month. Yippy!
“It is important that you recognize your progress and take pride in your accomplishments. Share your achievements with others. Brag a little. The recognition and support of those around you is nurturing.”-Rosemarie Rossetti quotes

Day #134 End-of-the-season heirloom tomatoes, warm “cheese” crisps, and melting olive oil “ice cream” pg. 80 entertaining in the raw

December 6, 2009

To end my long day of studying and work. I decided to make this beautiful meal. I had the crisps in the refrigerator. I made them a while back.

I decided to leave out the olive oil ice cream. Ick. I just felt like why make it. It doesn’t even sound good to me. But I did marinate the tomatoes. I dressed it up with arugula from the other day.

Jason bought me a beautiful heirloom tomato yesterday, so of course I had to use it. It was huge. I peeled it. Which was simple and I deseeded it. I cut thin slices and then formed them into squares. My presentation is a 1 on a scale of 1-10. MK’s is simply divine. One day I hope to dress up my meals like he does. Maybe a new camera would help.

Tomatoes Ingredients
large tomatoes
olive oil
salt
pepper

Crisps Ingredients
pine nuts
nutritional yeast flakes
lemon juice
chipotle chile powder (I used dry and ground them up in a coffee grinder)
salt
water
thyme (I used dry)

Olive Oil Ice Cream Ingredients (I omitted)
olive oil
agave
sea salt

We will try it tomorrow. I am too tired to eat and Jason just ate the Citrus Tart. He liked it:) Now for the real test. I want my Dad to try some. On Tuesday I will take him some.

I am going to bed. I have my last test tomorrow. Wish me luck!

“My main hope for myself is to be where I am.” -Woody Harrelson

Day #133 Citrus Tart Filling pg. 115 entertaining in the raw

December 5, 2009

Today has been such a busy day. I woke up early and started studying for Anatomy. Jason studied with me until about 12:00 pm. Then we went to the gym. It was needed! I was going stir crazy. I really don’t like sitting around very much and definitely not for as long as I did. After the gym, we came back home and ate lunch and we watched the Gator vs. Alabama game. The Gators lost. While I was watching that game I also studied for 3 hours. My brain is pretty fried. I had to make the filling really quick because I had to pick up the kids from Grandpa’s house and go to work for a couple of hours. I usually work long days on Sundays but I need to study some more tomorrow. Anyway, it’s been a long day and I’m ready for bed.

This pie is delicious! I love the fruity pies by Matthew Kenney. Jason helped me juice the lemons, so we could get out of our house quick.

Filling Ingredients

cashews
lemon juice
raw agave
coconut oil
water
vanilla extract
lime zest
orange zest
sea salt
vanilla bean

The cashews were soaked for 1 hour, and all ingredients were added to Vita-Mix. It came out smooth. It is actually quite pretty, you can see specks of green and orange in the filling. I put the filling in the pie crust and it is ready for my dad tomorrow. Jason and I really love the flavor. I think Christian will like it too.

Live one day at a time emphasizing ethics rather than rules.
Wayne Dyer

Day #132 Crust pg. 115 entertaining in the raw

December 4, 2009

Today I decided that I wanted to make something sweet for my father before he leaves to California for a few weeks. I decided on the citrus tart with cherry sauce and rosewater ice cream. I am hoping I can locate some rose water extract before Monday. I am going to, I have to. I should’ve ordered it online a while back, but I just don’t like ordering online. Jason usually does all the ordering. I just found out that he ordered Teflex sheets for me. I am so excited. Then I can do really great wraps.

This crust was another simple procedure. I decided that I wasn’t going to dehydrate it. It is easier to get out when it is frozen. I used plastic to line the pie plate. I made cashew flour in the food processor and then added all ingredients to a bowl by hand.

Crust Ingredients
shredded coconut
cashew flour
salt
agave
coconut oil

Tomorrow will be the filling for it. This recipe sounds so refreshing. There is orange zest and lime zest in it. I can’t wait:)

Feelings are much like waves, we can’t stop them from coming but we can choose which one to surf. ~Jonatan Mårtensson