Living Rawesome

Welcome to my blog about my LOVE for God's Raw Living food. Please join me on my journey towards health and wellness. I truly believe that pure natural raw living food is the doorway to a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
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Day #357 Filling and Chutney pg. 128 entertaining in the raw

July 16, 2010

I have been super busy today. I ordered Water Kefir Crystals and I have been online learning about how to ferment water. I am going to ferment the ginger brew that I have been making. I am just waiting on my grains now. I also have been trying to figure out what bars I want to make. I know I want a chocolate topping but I want a chewy bar, so when I get home later I am going to make one. Most likely I will use chia and almonds with some raspberries.

I made the rest of the Sweet Pea Samosas today. I will put it all together tomorrow, because I am not hungry at all! I ate 3 Midnight Brownies today!! I can’t believe it, I feel rather sick in my belly, but I couldn’t stop thinking about them sitting in my refrigerator. So I took some to my friend Mary and then I took some to Jason and Cathy at work. Now they are gone (PHEW). I don’t need that stuff in my house, I love to make it, but don’t know when to quit! So I had 3 brownies and 2 green smoothies today. For breakfast I had sauerkraut. Interesting day of eating, I have to say.

This recipe will be perfect for tomorrow’s lunch. I am making Cacao Mint Cremes tomorrow. It will be a “minty” meal.

Filling Ingredients
1 cup jicama
2 cups sweet peas
1 cup macadamia nuts
1/2 cup water
1 t coriander
1 t garam masala
1 t chili powder
1 salt
2 T nutritional yeast flakes
2 T chopped cilantro
1 T chopped mint

Chutney Ingredients
1 1/2 cups almonds, soaked 8-10 hours
1 1/4 cups fresh mint, roughly chopped
1/4 cup orange zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup agave
1 t chili powder
1 cup olive oil
1 t salt
black pepper

Filling-Process jicama in a food processor until well minced. Add peas to gently crush. Set aside. In a Vita-mix, blend mac nut, water, spices, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast. Add to pea mixture and check seasoning. Dehydrate 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool, then add cilantro and mint.

Chutney-Pulse chop almonds in food processor; place in a bowl and set aside. Pulse-chop remaining ingredients in a food processor; mix with almonds in bowl.

Now I am off to let the kids go swim. But I will be in my kitchen again soon.

“I can’t cook. I use a smoke alarm as a timer.”
Carol Siskind, American Comedianne.

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 6:40 pm.

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Day #356 Mint Wraps pg. 128 entertaining in the raw

July 15, 2010

Wrappers Ingredients
2 cups chopped coconut meat
pinch of sea salt
1/2 cup chopped mint leaves

Blend coconut meat and salt in a Vita-Mix until very smooth, then stir in mint. Spread mixture in a thin layer over 2 dehydrator teflex sheets for 4-5 hours until fully dehydrated. Remove wrappers from sheets, trim edges, and cut into 4 even strips. Store in plastic wrap until ready to use

I am on the way to the beach, ahhhhhh, I can’t wait!! My favorite spot, St. Augustine:)

“The cure for anything is salt water – sweat, tears, or the sea.”
–Isak Dinesen

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 12:47 pm.

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Day #355 Chai Chia Pudding (unreleased)

July 14, 2010

Meredith sent me 4 recipes!!! I am so excited. I decided to make this recipe because it would be quick and easy, but most of all the ingredients made my mouth water. I wish my friend Destiny was here, she LOVES Chai Tea. I love the idea of the Chia Pudding with the spices of Masala Chai. It wasn’t until recently that I learned about Chai. I was not a common tea drinker, in fact, my drug of choice was coffee about 5 years ago. I was never one to have caffeine (you don’t want to see me on that drug), it makes me crazy. My mind races and my heart flutters, so I always avoided it. I was drinking coffee alot just for the flavor, but one day I had it and it burned my stomach so I quit. Now I like to drink teas. I do have a favorite place to buy teas, it’s called Teavana. The teas are expensive but very delicious. Anyhow, Chai tea is one of my favorite teas, but it has to be Decaf. Fortunately with this recipe I don’t have to worry about caffeine or stains on my teeth.
The original Indian chai tea was made by drying spices in the sun, grinding them by hand and then simmering the mixture over an open flame, usually in a clay pot for at least one hour before serving. The Chai spices usually consist of cloves, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, fennel and peppercorns.

This recipe is bursting with Chai flavor~ Chia has never tasted so powerful and inviting:). I would say it’s perfect for breakfast or a snack before bed, although it is quite heavy. **Note** I had this for breakfast (July 15) it was so filling and I was full until lunch time. It is my new favorite breakfast!


Chai Chia Pudding
Chia Seeds
Cashews
Water
Honey
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
ginger
vanilla
vanilla bean
sea salt

Blend all ingredients except for the chia seeds until smooth- making a cashew crème. Pour crème over chia seeds and allow to soak for 2 hours or more until the chia becomes a tapioca consistency.

* Add fresh fruit, or dried fruit and nuts to your liking for a delicious breakfast.

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you and all your heart might desire.”~Irish Blessings

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 9:28 pm.

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Day #354 Midnight Fudge Brownies (unreleased)

July 13, 2010

I posted photos from yesterday’s recipe, take a look.

Midnight Fudge Brownie
Makes 24 smaller brownies (16 big squares)


*I got the tip from Rawmazing’s Susan Powers to put the food in sunlit window. Thanks Susan!

Wet Ingredients
Cacao powder
Mac Nuts
Cashew
Water
Date Paste
Agave
Lemon juice
Salt

Dry Ingredients
Cashew Flour
Brazil Nut Flour
Cacao powder
salt
vanilla Extract

* Chocolate Maple Glazeis made with the swirl ingredients listed from the Chocolate Walnut Tart.

Blend all wet ingredients except cocoa flour until smooth in Vita mix. Then slowly add Cacao powder.
Mix all of the dry ingredients well in a food processor or mixer and then combine with the wet ingredients.
Press into brownie pan (preferably with a removable bottom) and place into the dehydrator for 2-3 hours until firm. Spread on the maple glaze. Then remove from pan and dehydrate overnight on plane rack. 10-12 hours more.

These measurements and instructions were perfect. I haven’t felt a batter like this before. It was extremely easy to press down into the pan. The batter wasn’t too sticky or too dry. Many times the batters of recipes turn out more wet and gooey and they are difficult to work with. My hands came out clean after touching this batter. There wasn’t much to lick off my fingers. I do like to do that from time to time. I am very careful not to put my fingers back into it, so don’t worry, those of you that are so lucky to share these amazing recipes with me.

I will post pictures tomorrow.

It is time for me to clean up and go get Christian. Jason, Sabby and I went to Ocala all day and Christian stayed at his friend’s house. We bought Sabby football shirts, shoes, and practice shorts. I attempted to get gym clothes, which I don’t like shopping for clothes, but for some reason today I decided to and I really shouldn’t have because I left the store frustrated and wailing like a little baby. I sure know how to ruin an afternoon. Everything fit fine, but I picked something out that wasn’t on sale and I thought it was, so I told Jason to return it all. So I have been in a bad mood ever since. Sorry for the venting, but, is it wrong for me to want to look half way decent while attempting to work out? I don’t think it’s a sin to buy things that look nice, but sometimes I start analyzing why any of us buy material things. Is it because we are taught that, do we want to look good for ourselves, or for others? Then I start thinking about the money that I was going to spend on the shirt and all the possible places I could spend it instead like helping children that are starving. Anyhow, I don’t have any of the clothes I spent an hour picking out and I pretty much ruined the day. But once again, my food prep saved my day. After I made my recipe I have to say, I feel 50% better. Working with my hands makes me happy:).

Maybe I will attempt to get gym clothes another day. Until then, I will use the same ‘ol clothes.

Materialism is the only form of distraction from true bliss. ~Douglas Horton

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 5:55 pm.

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Day #353 Paul Smith Basil and Young Spinach-Striped Flan with White Cardamom Foam and Lemon Dust pg. 62 entertaining in the raw

July 12, 2010

At first this recipe looked intimidating and tedious, but it turns out it was simple, after I got my Vita-mix clean. I had all the ingredients on hand so I made this. I am waiting for my Thai Coconuts for the wraps for the rest of my recipe from yesterday on pg. 128. I decided to use what I had since I didn’t need too many coconuts.

Basil Mousse Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
carrageenan (irish moss soaked)
water
sesame paste
fresh basil
sea salt

Spinach Mousse Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
carrageenan
water
sesame paste
spinach juice
sea salt

Basil Mousse: Blend all ingredients in Vita-Mix until very smooth. Reserve. Repeat this same procedure for the spinach mousse.

Lemon Dust Ingredients
zest of lemons (dehydrated)

Foam Ingredients
water
brazil nuts
white cardamom powder
salt

Blend all ingredients then strain and place back in blender. When ready to serve turn blender on for one minute, spoon foam from top of blender with a Tablespoon and place around flan.

Here is the final photo, I actually like my iPhone better than my camera now.

Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 012

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread. ~Mother Teresa

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 8:38 pm.

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Day #352 Yogurt pg. 128 entertaining in the raw

July 11, 2010

I cleaned this morning and then chatted on the phone for many hours.  Sundays are such lazy days for me but I like it that way. I have to have one day of rest. I am often taking days of rest all too often now. Although, I have to admit, I do love staying home and not punching in on a clock. I like making my own hours and my own cleaning days, and if I want to watch a show, dance, or make raw food I DO IT!

I am anxious to taste this entire meal.  I love mint and coconut. I would’ve made the entire recipe, but I am lacking Thai Coconuts. I had all the ingredients for the yogurt, so I started with that.  Tomorrow, I am hoping to score some Thai coconuts.  The yogurt by itself is divine.  I had to stop eating it or there wouldn’t be anything left. .  It won’t be too long until I can try this lovely meal.

Yogurt Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
water
lime juice
lime zest
salt

All ingredients were blended in the Vita-Mix until smooth.

I am taking the kids to swim, they have been inside all day playing on the computer, and hide and seek. It is time to get out and get some exercise.

Exercise: you don’t have time not to.~Anonymous

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 4:19 pm.

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Day #351 Beet Ravioli with Fava Bean Puree and Green Herb Oil pg. 44 entertaining in the raw

July 10, 2010

I made the complete recipe today. I went all the way down to Brooksville to try to find golden, white, candy stripe or other varieties of beets, but I didn’t find any beets that were unique. I had to use red beets. I was going to wait to see if I could find any other color beets anywhere else, but I couldn’t because I didn’t want the puree to go bad. I am disappointed because I really wanted to make this recipe with the special ingredients.

Beets Ingredients
beets
olive oil
lime juice
raw agave

I peeled the beets and I trimmed the edges so they were square. I sliced them thin on the madolin. Then I put the puree on 1/2 of the beets I cut them I placed the layer of beets on. I drizzled the herb oil on top of the beet ravioli, put fresh basil leaves on top, then served it. The presentation is gorgeous. It is a perfect summery meal.
Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 011
“The beet is the most intense of vegetables. The radish, admittedly, is more feverish, but the fire of the radish is a cold fire, the fire of discontent, not of passion. Tomatoes are lusty enough, yet there runs through tomatoes an undercurrent of frivolity. Beets are deadly serious.”
Tom Robbins

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 5:02 pm.

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Day #350 Green Tomato-“Ricotta” Tart with Basil “Ice Cream” pg. 50 entertaining in the raw

July 9, 2010

I finished this unique meal today. I was lucky to find the green tomatoes while I was shopping at Skoors today. I don’t often eat tomatoes that are not ripe so eating them in this recipe was interesting. I don’t know how these are digesting in my body, but they were not too bad. I think this meal is one of the most interesting recipes that I have made on this project. Like I said before, I have never thought about mixing basil with ice cream and then the thought of tomatoes on a sweet pie, is definitely not something I would make on a regular day, I much prefer chocolate! Anyhow, it was worth making just to try it. It reminds me of my experience with Harry Potter Jelly Bellies when I tried them so long ago. It was a journey that I probably will never embark on again, but glad I did it for the experience. This recipe is exotic but I have to give this combination a 6 out of 10. But the experience is definitely a 10!

I made the pie crust and filling today along with the Confit. Confit is pronounced Confee and is usually immersed in a substance for preservation and can be kept in storage for a long time. This confit was only made today and dehydrated for 1 hour. The texture of the tomatoes was a bit rubbery and chewier than a ripe tomato. I can’t compare it to any other confit because I have never had it.

I am learning so many things on this project. It has opened up my eyes to different cuisine and allowed me to explore foods that I never would have in my home unless I had to do it. I am still having so much fun, it is hard to believe that it is almost over. Many people have asked me what I will do next, I have decided, but I am waiting to announce because I am not sure how to do it yet. I will figure it out, then I will let you know.
I will still be spending time in the kitchen enjoying and creating recipes. They will be simple, natural and healthy, and most of All Fun!

Now onto the recipes…
Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 008

Tart Crust Ingredients
nut flour
salt
maple syrup
coconut oil
date paste

“Ricotta” Ingredients
cashews
coconut meat
lemon juice
agave
coconut oil, melted
water
vanilla extract
sea salt
vanilla bean, scraped

Confit Ingredients
unripe green tomatoes, seeded and diced
raw agave
salt

I made the crust by mixing all ingredients together by hand. I made small tarts, it makes 4. I lined the tart pans with plastic and pressed dough into the tart. I placed it in the freezer for 30 minutes then added the Ricotta.
The Ricotta was made in the Vita-mix to have a smooth consistency. I filled the crust and chilled it while the tomatoes were dehydrating for 1 hour.  The confit went on top of the tart.
The ice cream was made the other day, so I just had to scoop it out next to this beautiful tomato tart.

I hope Jason likes it. My kids won’t try the entire recipe, they were troopers and tried the ice cream. They said, “It would be better if there was no basil in it.” Kids are funny, I told them, “Basil is  the flavor of the ice cream, I had to put it in there.”

They did love the chocolate walnut tarts, and I am happy they are trying it. This project has impacted my entire family. It really is hard to believe that a year is almost over. I love that my family supports me in ALL I do. With that alone I am blessed!

“More gold has been mined from the thoughts of men than has been taken from the earth.” ~Napoleon Hill

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 7:09 pm.

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Day #349 Fava Bean Puree and Oil pg. 44 entertaining in the raw

July 8, 2010

I wrote a quick email to Matthew Kenney and asked him what to use instead of Fava Beans and he suggested I use fresh peas, so I lucked out today at the store. They had organic sweet peas! I am hoping to find the different varieties of beets that I need to finish this recipe. There is a Farmer’s Market in Brooksville that I want to check out this weekend. I am hoping they have a variety of beets. If not, I will have to use red beets. So wish my luck in finding them.

This puree and oil were simple and quick to make.

Puree Ingredients
fava beans (I used fresh peas)
olive oil
lemon juice
salt
fresh mint
nutritional yeast
fresh basil

I peeled the peas and combined them with the olive oil. I placed them into the dehydrator for 90 minutes and then processed them in the food processor with remaining ingredients.

Oil Ingredients
fresh herbs such as mint, basil, oregano, parsley
olive oil

I placed herbs into the Vita-Mix with olive oil and blended until smooth. I then placed it into the dehydrator for 30 minutes. I strained it and placed it into a glass jar until I find the beets.

This meal is basically done, I just need the beets. I hope, hope, hope I can find them on Saturday!

I often listen to music while I make food. It always brings out my creative edge. I love music. I sing and dance while I prepare food. Well tonight I listened to Johnny Cash. He was so brilliant! Love this quote, that follows. I all too often keep my mind on things in the past that I feel like I failed at, and seeing his words makes me realize AGAIN, I need to forget and move on. God has a plan for me and whether I like what happened in the past or not, they are ALL lessons! Thank you Lord and Savior!!

“You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don’t try to forget the mistakes, but you don’t dwell on it. You don’t let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.”
Johnny Cash

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 7:01 pm.

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Day #348 Chocolate Walnut Tart (unreleased from Everyday Raw Desserts)

July 7, 2010

Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 002Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 003

Matthew Kenney Project July 2010 009

Crust Ingredients

Walnuts, soaked and dehydrated
Cacao Powder
Maple Syrup
Coconut Oil
Vanilla Extract
Sea  salt

Filling Ingredients
Cashews
Raw Walnut butter
Maple Syrup
Vanilla Extract
Sea Salt
Coconut Oil

Swirl Ingredients
Cacao powder
Maple Syrup
Coconut oil

Crust- Place prepared walnuts in a food processor and pulse into a coarse flour. Add remaining ingredients and lightly pulse until well mixed. Press into 9 inch tart pan with removable bottom. Chill until ready for use.
*I used two small tart pans.

Filling- Blend first five ingredients until smooth. Then add the coconut oil and blend until completely well combined, but do not over blend. *I made my own walnut butter by putting the walnuts into the food processor with the “S” blade. I had to use the straight edge spatula to loosen it up and then I started it again. I did this until the mixture was like butter.

Swirl- Blend all ingredients until smooth.

Assembly- Pour filling into prepared crust. Allow to chill for 10 minutes until slightly firm. Then pour the swirl on top. Using a chopstick or a thin knife, gently swirl in the cacao maple mixture making sure not to disrupt the bottom layer of curst. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

This recipe is perfect for a late night sweet tooth. I know it is extremely fattening, and truly decadent. I love making the desserts. I asked Meredith to send me some chocolate recipes from the new book. She is so thoughtful and I really am so grateful that she takes the time to give me these recipes. I know it is very special. She has been so supportive during my project. If I ever have questions she always writes me back and is thorough.

This really satisfied my craving for cacao. I made a small tart for me, and I ate it already. I couldn’t help myself. I do make the mistake of making my project’s recipes at night, that is the worst time to eat. I have been getting better. I am more cautious now when I try things. I stop myself before I eat an entire serving. Over the past year I have learned that I don’t need to eat the whole thing to enjoy the recipes.   I take small bites now, and savor it as long as possible.  I honestly have more fun making the recipes, than eating them. However, the tarts are waiting in the refrigerator for me, if the boys or Jason doesn’t beat me to them.

I am going on a wild edible walk tomorrow, so I better go to bed. Goodnight!

Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.
Benjamin Franklin

Posted 13 years, 8 months ago at 11:28 pm.

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