Living Rawesome

Day #215 Chocolate Sauce pg. 48 entertaining in the raw

February 25, 2010

I am getting close to finishing this recipe. I still need to buy coconuts and raspberries. Cathy is going to be so excited. The photo in the book looks amazing. I think that it would be a good idea to use strawberries, especially because they are in season here in Florida.

As I made the chocolate sauce tonight, I did my best to avoid eating it. I knew that if I started eating it, I wouldn’t stop. So, I didn’t and I feel like I conquered my sweet fits that I usually have at night. I am getting better and starting to realize more and more about what I want to put in my body to have the best health ever. I decided maple syrup is not one of the things I should be eating everyday. Also I vowed to go raw for 30 days and I have been pretty much sticking to that. I haven’t been into anything that isn’t raw, well, if you consider cashews, and agave as raw. I feel that I really am questioning what I consider to be raw now that I have been eating raw for a few days now. I will write about that in another entry.

I am glad that I made the decision to do strictly raw for 30 days. I am starting to feel cleaner and lighter.

Sauce Ingredients
cacao nibs
raw agave
coconut oil
maple syrup
vanilla extract
sea salt

All ingredients were blended in Vita-mix until smooth.

It’s funny when I write the same directions. Sometimes I wonder if I should still write the directions. I feel like those are the directions for 95% of the recipes I have been doing. It shows how simple raw food prep is. I love it.

A vow is a purely religious act which cannot be taken in a fit of passion. It can be taken only with a mind purified and composed and with God as witness.
Mohandas Gandhi

Day #214 Coconut Brittle pg. 48 entertaining in the raw

February 24, 2010

I took a turn away from the Italian flare today from Matthew Kenney’s book. I was really in the mood for a sweet treat with ginger. I made this sweet treat instead of the rest of the lasagna. I made bread sticks with fermented cheese and I ate 4 little pizzas earlier today. Needless to say, I got over my Italian kick. I forgot to take pics of the pizzas. They are so delicious, I really didn’t think about anything but eating them.

I made this recipe for my sister. When she first saw this book she said she wanted this recipe. So it’s in the works now. This recipe was made in the food processor then I spread it thinly on a teflex sheet. It will dehydrate overnight then I will place it on the dehydrator tray and wait for it to fully dehydrate.

Brittle Ingredients
dried coconut
macadamia nuts
maple syrup powder
maple syrup ( I used agave)
ground ginger

I just remembered I still have homework!! Oh my! I better get started on it. It’s due in the morning. My goal is to write some entries about Jackie and Gideon Graff, and my certification class with Eva Rawposa. I also want to write the recipe for the bread sticks I made. If everything turns out the way I want it to, I will do that before the weekend is over. Wish me luck. Goodnight.

“We are unlimited beings. We have no ceiling. The capabilities and the talents and the gifts and the power that is within every single individual that is on this planet, is unlimited” – Michael Beckwith

“The enlightened give thanks for what most people take for granted …… As you begin to be grateful for what most people take for granted, that vibration of gratitude makes you more receptive to good in your life” – Michael Beckwith

Day #213 Marinara pg. 160 entertaining in the raw

February 23, 2010

I was in the mood today to make Italian food again. I am making the cannelloni, with sun-dried tomato-ginger marinara etc… Jason made this meal for me on Valentines Day 2 years ago. I will never forget it. He was so sweet, he made up a menu with each course listed in order from drink, appetizer, to main course and dessert. I bet you can guess what dessert was, I will leave that to your imagination. The payment for each meal was an amount of kisses. This meal was very rich, and heavy. I remember thinking how delicious it was but I also remember that I didn’t need much to fill me up. I hope I can make it just as good as him.

Marinara Sauce Ingredients
sun-dried tomatoes
roma tomatoes
shallot
lemon juice
olive oil
agave
salt
ginger juice
dried chili pepper flakes

Sun-dried tomatoes go into the food processor first and then the rest of the ingredients are added. I made extra just so I can have it available to me for my pizzas or zuke pasta. I am going to buy zucchini tomorrow.

Well, I am going to see Jackie and Gideon Graff at the Raw Food Gathering. I can’t wait!

“The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long as you’re learning you’re not old.”-unknown

Day #212 Macadamia Red Pepper Cheese pg. 75 everyday raw

February 22, 2010

I worked on pizza crusts today from Alissa Cohen’s book. I made the easiest crust. It is actually titled the easiest crust. I made 17 mini pizza crusts. I loved this crust so much yesterday, so when I was browsing everyday raw I saw that in the description of this cheese it read, “This is a great spread to use on a cracker or to make a Middle Eastern pizza with vegetable. So, without a question, I decided this would be perfect.

Jason looked at the dehydrator and he said that the pizzas look great. I will send one with him tomorrow when he goes to school.

Macadamia Red Pepper Cheese Ingredients
2 cups macadamia nuts, soaked 2 hours
3 T nutritional yeast
1 1/2 t salt
cayenne pepper
1/2 T lemon zest
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup red bell pepper
1/2 shallot
1/4 clove of garlic

I put all ingredients into Vita-mix and I decided to not follow the directions to this recipe exactly because the directions explain to put small scoops on a Teflex sheet and press down slightly. I am going to use it as a spread and pizza sauce. So I will dehydrate some of it when it is on the pizza. I will put pics on tomorrow.

I have been cleaning and preparing for my class in March today. I am really excited. Also tomorrow night is going to be such an awesome experience. Jackie and Gideon Graff are coming to Lecanto for the Italian Extravaganza. It starts at 6:30pm. I can’t wait to have Italian food.

I have some reading to do for the Quest class at Unity. I haven’t read my assignment and I want to be ready for Wednesday.

Goodnight.

Aiutati che Dio ti aiuta.”
Literal translation: “Help yourself and God will help you.”
Idiomatic translation: “God helps those who help themselves.”-Italian Proverb

Day #211 Chipotle Mayo pg. 72 everyday raw

February 21, 2010

I just returned home from a fun filled weekend of making delicious raw food and learning so much from the lovely Eva Rawposa. Now I am an official certified chef and instructor through Alissa Cohen. I am excited to fulfill this dream that I had so long ago when I first began raw food. As some of you know, it was Alissa Cohen’s book that gave me to encourage me to go raw for the 30 days to see how I would feel. I sure am grateful that I did, because it has changed my life so much. I am honored to be a part of Alissa Cohen’s teachings and I hope I can inspire people and they can learn something from me.

I am looking forward to the classes I have scheduled. I was dragging my feet on them, but just being around her and Jaimee, really helped me realize that I need MORE RAW in my life. Thank you ladies.

I made another simple recipe this morning before I left for class. I am going to put this on the pizza crust we made at class yesterday. We had some today, and I absolutely loved it. It even had a crust that was very similar to a wheat or white pizza crust. Absolutely superb. I am going to make several of them and freeze them so I can have them on hand. I was going to some crusts tonight, until I looked in my refrigerator and realized that it has nothing to offer me for the recipe. I am going shopping tomorrow.

I am off to clean out the van and clean up the kitchen. It is time to get back to my “duties”. Goodnight!

Ingredients
macadamia nuts
chipotle chile
soaking water from chile
olive oil
sea salt

All ingredients blended in Vita-mix until smooth.

Delish!!!!!!! I love Chipotle flavor. One of my top 5 faves for sure.

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? (Matthew 5:43-47 )

Day #210 Sour Cream pg. 78 everyday raw

February 20, 2010

I just got to the hotel after the class today. It was so much fun! The class lasted 2 1/2 hours more than was planned. We made really delicious recipes. I learned many new things. One thing that I really appreciated is that when you look at a recipe there is always a F.A.S.S.-fat, acid, salt and sweet item in it as the base. I will be more aware of it now when I look at recipes. I am also getting on Meetup.com and starting one for Citrus County. I was going to do it several months ago, but I am going to tonight.

Today’s recipe is the simple sour cream. I think it is good, but I prefer the sunflower sour cream. I will make some chili when I get back and hope to top it off with this.

Ingredients
cashews(fat,sweet)
water
olive oil(fat)
lemon juice(acid)
salt(salt)

Interestingly enough, all ingredients for F.A.S.S. are in this recipe. I guess cashews are the sweet. They are naturally sweet to me and the salt brings the sweetness out more. Thank you Eva Rawposa for all the tips today. I absolutely am stoked to start doing more raw. I have been rather lazy, but being around all the marvelous food today and the two rawesome ladies (both Jamie, and Eva are raw), they have inspired me to do more raw and actually really do more preparation.

I am off to a movie with the family:) I love them, and they had so much fun today in Jacksonville. Our hotel is absolutely gorgeous. I am so blessed!

Goodnight!

Blend all ingredients in Vita-mix until completely smooth.
I halved the recipe because we will not eat this much at once.

Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.-COLLEEN C. BARRETT

Day #209 Chili-Lime Macadamia Nuts pg. 40 everyday raw

February 19, 2010

I am getting ready for tonight’s journey to Jacksonville. I am so excited. I will be training for 2 days with Eva Rawposa so I can become Alissa Cohen certified. I have so many questions to ask and I know it will be the best weekend ever! My family is also going so we can tour Jax when I am done at class.

Today I made chili-lime macadamia nuts. They smell so good, I can’t wait until they are completely dry and I can eat them with my collard wraps with almond dressing.

Ingredients
macadamia nuts, dehydrated
maple syrup
agave
lime juice
lime zest
chili powder
cayenne
sea salt

After the macadamia nuts are dehydrated for 48 hours, then you put the remaining ingredients on them and dehydrate again for at least 36 hours.

I will not be posting too much on my blog for the next few days, but I will post the recipes I do. They will be simple because of travel, but I am sticking to my commitment. If I can do it in Maryland, I can do it in Jax.

I am off to pack. I can’t wait! I have waited so long to do this.

“Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us” Samuel Smiles

Day #208 Creamy Eggplant and Hummus Cream in Almond Tart Shells with Olive Tapenade pg. 156 entertaining in the raw

February 18, 2010

The Final Meal!

Jason had a tart for breakfast, no, not a POP TART. It was a little spicy for me to have for my first meal of the day. I did have small bite though. I really loved the cream and the eggplant. There was a little extra left so I put it together in a bowl and ate that. MMmmm, the spices were intense together. I would love to make a dressing with tahini, anise seed and garam masala and pour it in my bean sprouts. Now that would be incredible. I will do that tomorrow.

I had to make the cream and tapenade this morning before school. I am trying to switch it up a little. I am trying to make the recipe in the morning. That way I am not in the kitchen munching on stuff at 10:30 at night. That can’t be good for my dreams. The last two days I have managed to finish my recipe of the day before 5 pm. We will see how many days I can do this.

Cream Ingredients
1/2 cup cashews, soaked 1-2 hours
1/4 macadamia nuts, soaked 1-2 hours
1 T fresh lemon juice
2 t olive oil
4 T tahini
1/2 t salt
4 T water
1 clove garlic

All ingredients were blended until smooth.

Tapenade Ingredients
pitted olives
lemon juice
olive oil
pinch of anise seed

All ingredients were blended until smooth.

This meal is definitely worth making again. If you like creamy and heavy meals, then this is for you. The tart was delicious, but I could also eat just the cream and the veggies together. I have never been one to like pies, like pot pies, or even pumpkin or pecan pie crusts. I always love the gooey centers. So for me, I could leave the crust and take the rest. Jason really liked it. He didn’t finish the whole tart, it is pretty heavy. I am sure he will have it tonight when he gets home.

Today was a filled day again, I had class, then gym, and of course I had to see Jason. I am getting low on my love tank, he had to fill me up again;), so I stopped at work to see him. Christian and I went for another hike. We had a difficult time finding the walking trail, but we finally found it. We had about 30 minutes to spare, so we walked 15 minutes into it, then I wanted to turn around. We both a saw a sign that read “Gut Pile”. We both were curious as to what it was, so we went to take a look. We walked for few steps, and I saw a dead armadillo on my left and then I saw 2 of them. I showed Christian, and then I saw a third one. It really made me feel uncomfortable because they were laying in a triangle. I could see something dark laying about 30 feet from us, but the bushes in front of us were blocking it. We walked a few more feet around the bushes and found at least 10 dead animals and carcasses lying on the ground. We both couldn’t believe it. I was speechless, and of course Christian has a very active imagination, so he pretended we were in a horror movie, and a killer was lurking in the woods. Needless to say, we didn’t stay long. On the way back I realized that it must be for hunters. I never thought of what the hunters do with the remains of the animals, but I guess they put them in the Gut Pile. I always thought they took the animal home to clean it. Christian is still talking about it, and we went almost 2 hours ago. It’s amazing what you can see when you go out in nature. I won’t forget it, or the way I felt when I saw the big animal spines, skulls and black hairy bodies. I was not expecting that today at all. Christian wants to go back, maybe one day we will. I would rather see live animals then dead. We did get to see cows coming in for feeding time when a farmer pulled up to the gate. It was really fascinating watching them. Even the little calves were running in. We saw one white calf that stood out from all the rest, it was so adorable, he was running in to get food. I love cows:)!

Now, I am going to try to decide what I want to make for tomorrow before tomorrow comes, I have to plan to take something with me to Jax, too. After, I am going to lay down and watch Spongebob with Sabby.

Goodnight.

My lover is mine, and I am his. (NLT)-Song of Solomon 2:16

Day #207 Eggplant with olive oil marinade pg. 156 entertaining in the raw

February 17, 2009

Happy Birthday to Rhonda!

Today is going to be a quick entry. I made the eggplant and it is in the dehydrator now. The meal should be ready tomorrow for Jason. I could’ve made the rest of this recipe today, but honestly, I AM OUT OF FOOD! I have to go shopping but not buy too much, because I am going away this weekend to Jacksonville. I am so excited I am getting Alissa Cohen certified through a gal in Jax. I will be spending the entire weekend with her.

Eggplant Ingredients
1 large eggplant
olive oil
salt
pepper
garam masala

I chopped the eggplant and tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garam masala.

Note** I was right, my tart shell isn’t completely dry, so I am going to leave it in the spring form pan another night.

Dinner will be served tomorrow. Tonight, Jason will have to settle for the boys’ Black Bean Soup. They all love it.

I am off to get Christian, shop and do homework. Should be a fun filled night. This entire day has been amazing. My fave part was spending time with Jason at Shalom Park and just talking. I miss him so much. Between work and school it is hard to fit time in for us. I will see him this weekend. I am so lucky, he will be driving to Jax and we will be in eachother’s presence for more than 3 hours IN A ROW!! Praise you Lord:) I am looking forward to it.

Goodnight!

MONITOR YOUR INNER DIALOGUE
Recognize that what you think about, expands. Monitor your inner dialogue, and match your thoughts to what you want and what you intend to create.

Day #206 Tart Shell pg. 156 entertaining in the raw

February 16, 2010

Today was a fun filled day. I went to school this morning and received my Cardiovascular test grade. I got a B on it. I was really shocked when I received it. I really was expecting an A. I was hoping it didn’t bring my grade down too much. After the test, I have a 98% in the class, so that is a big accomplishment for me. I am happy about that. After school I went to the gym and had a great workout! I did weights and cardio. I was in a hurry to get home so I could go on my hike with Christian. We had a wonderful time on the hiking trail. It was perfect weather and we had just the right amount of time. We could only go for 45 minutes because we had to pick up Sabby, but we took off our shoes and had a barefoot hike and chatted the whole time. He really loves hiking and so do I.
I made stir fry tonight for the boys and Jason. The boys loved it. I had to deliver it to Jason because he is working again tonight. He liked it too.

I decided to start this meal for Jason. I may try some of it, who knows. I don’t really like olives, so I don’t know if I will like it. I had to make the tart first, then I will make the rest of it. This was a simple recipe to make.

Tart Shell Ingredients
almonds, processed to crumb form
cashew flour
salt
nutritional yeast
olive oil
water
cumin

I mixed all ingredients in a bowl by hand. I lined a spring form pan with plastic. The recipe calls for a tart pan, but I don’t have a tart pan with a removable bottom. NOTE** I did not have very good luck in previous recipes, with the small tart pans that I bought. I placed it in the dehydrator and tomorrow I will try to take it off the plastic and dehydrate longer without the pan and plastic. I am sure I will have to dehydrate longer than overnight. For recipes like this, it usually takes longer to dehydrate it enough so I can remove the crust from the pan it is in. It is supposed to be slightly crisp when done.

The picture in the book looks delicious, I hope it’s good. Of course Jason will love it! He always likes to make me happy, by loving the recipes. In reality, the recipes are delicious, and he is always honest, so I know he is enjoying them.

I am going to the Dr. tomorrow to get my SpectraCell Analysis. I am excited about my blood tests.

I GO WITHIN AND GET IN TOUCH WITH GOD.
All of the great teachers have left us with a similar message: Go within, discover your invisible higher self, and know God as the love that is within you.Dr. Wayne Dyer