Living Rawesome

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

Day #131 Arugula and Tomatoes pg. 92 entertaining in the raw

December 3, 2009

I just made the rest of the really delicious tacos with marinated arugula and tomatoes and sour cream for my lovely husband. I told him not to eat before he got home. He usually eats dinner late anyway, so he is a great guinea pig for me. It’s been a really long day so I will make this short.

My day was filled with studying, a meeting with Christian’s teachers, and helping him with a science project. He decided to see if McDonald’s, Burger King and Wendy’s hamburgers would mold. We read on the internet about a wellness educator and nutrition consultant Karen Hanrahan who purchased a McDonald’s hamburger 13 years ago and the burger still looked like a “fresh” burger. Christian watched Food Inc. the other day now I think it really has him thinking about what the food industry is doing to the food. I am excited for both of my kids that they are learning at such a young age about the truth.

We went to all 3 fast food restaurants and purchased burgers. It was such an odd feeling to purchase the burgers. My boys have NEVER bought a hamburger ever! So it was amusing to all of us. I used to eat McDonald’s when I was a small child. Scary I know. I don’t know what felt more strange, the fact that we were buying the burgers or that we are so different in the way we eat compared to many people (no judgement). I felt as if I was in a foreign land.

I will keep you posted on how that project is unfolds….

For the recipes I did it real quick:

Arugula Ingredients
arugula
olive oil
salt
pepper

Tossed arugula together with olive oil and used a dash of salt and dash of pepper. Put it in a bowl that was small enough for the dehydrator and it’s in there now waiting for Jason. The arugula will only be in there for 20 minutes.

Tomatoes Ingredients
pear tomatoes ( I could only find grape)
olive oil
salt
black pepper
julienned basil

I tossed tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper and they have been dehdrating for 2 1/2 hours.

Going to set them up…

The taco shells are filled with sour cream and pear tomatoes. Arugula is on top. Yummy!

“Your children will see what you’re all about by what you live rather than what you say.”-Wayne Dyer

Day #130 Sour Cream pg. 92 entertaining in the raw

December 2, 2009

What a beautiful day it has been. I started my day with my Bible reading. I cleaned up around the house, and headed off to Sebastian’s parent/teacher meeting. After that success, I went to the gym. I worked out back and abs and did some cardio. I love getting into shape:) After, I went to see my Jason at work. We had lunch together and studied for my test tonight. He is such a great tutor. I am so fortunate to have him help me. I decided that I would go to the lake and read and meditate. It was beautiful out there today, we are expecting a big storm so the wind was blowing the water and the trees were blowing. It was breathtaking to sit there between my favorite 3 trees and enjoy God’s power!

I decided to make the sour cream today and the rest of this meal tomorrow. I have made several sour creams and I like this one alot.

Sour Cream Ingredients

2 cups pine nuts, soaked 1-2 hours
1 cup water
1/2 cup olive oil
3 T fresh lemon juice
1 t salt

All ingredients went into the Vita-Mix. It was easy to whip up. I can’t wait to try this mexican meal. Ahh it will be divine:)

I am going to get ready for school, I need to study some more.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you-1 Corinthians 3:16

Day #129 Chocolate Chili Tacos pg. 92 entertaining in the raw

December 1, 2009

Today is the day of the medicinal plant walk down near Brooksville at the Chinsegut Nature Center. Christian and D’Adjoa are going with me:) It should be a great day.

I decided to make this recipe before I went so I could be back in time to turn the tacos over. I seem to always miss the cut off and they get hard. That happens most of the time. I am always on the go, but I don’t think it sacrifices the taste.

This recipe is the first part of the marinated arugula, pear tomatoes and pignoli “sour cream”.

Taco Shell Ingredients
corn
red bell pepper
flax meal
water
fresh lime juice
chili powder
sea salt
cumin
cacao powder

All of the ingredients were blended in the Vita-Mix until smooth. I spread on the parchment paper into 5-6 inches and about 1/4 inch thick. They are dehydrating now at 118 degrees for 3-4 hours. Then I flip them and dehydrate 30 minutes more. They are supposed to be folded in half overnight. I will use my cut up dowel rods to keep the shape.

These are the pics before:

If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk. ~Raymond Inmon

Day #128 Banana Almond Butter Cooler pg. 30 everyday raw

November 30, 2009

I am ending the month of November with the best smoothie ever! I love bananas, almonds and cacao. I really made it for Jason. He was hungry for something quick. He had a green smoothie then this decadent treat.

Ingredients
4 cups frozen bananas
1/2 cup cacao nibs
1/4 t cinnamon
2 cups almond milk
1/4 cup agave

He loved it. I personally like my smoothies a bit on the “ice creamier” side. He usually adds more liquid to his smoothies. So this was perfect for him.

I think these ingredients would make really delicious popsicles for kids. I know my kids would love them. The whole smoothie is gone so I will have to make this again for the kids. I made the recipe too late for them to try it. They are sleeping, God bless their souls. They were super tired.

I am going on a medicinal plant walk tomorrow. So hopefully I will learn which plants I can make a salad out of. I am going with D’ and Christian. It should be perfect weather.

I am really sleepy, I did almost 40 miles on the bike today. Not all at once, but throughout the day. I am ready to take our bike trip up the coast of Florida. I love biking.

She who succeeds in gaining the mastery of the bicycle will gain the mastery of life.
Frances E. Willard

Day #127 Basil Black Pepper Wrappers, Macadamia “Cheese” and Tomatoes pg. 30

November 29, 2009

Today’s meal is simply divine. It looks elegant but so simple. I am waiting for Jason to get home so he can try it. I am not hungry. I have had a long day. I worked today, then went to the gym. I had to return to work to put a few things away then the boys and I went to the beach to watch the sunset. It was stunning. The sky was clear and we watched the sun enter the horizon and we all said goodbye. We saw dolphins coming to the surface of the water. It was a perfect painting by God. I love the sunset. I am so grateful I finally made it over there to see it. It’s been calling to me:)

Wrappers Ingredients
coconut meat
spinach juice
basil leaves
salt
ground black pepper

The wrappers require the blending in the Vita-mix. Then I lay the mixture on parchment paper, and dehydrated for 3-4 hours. After they were dry I cut them with scissors to make them square.

Cheese Ingredients
macadamia nuts
lemon juice
nutritional yeast
shallot
salt

The cheese ingredients were placed in the food processor then crumbled onto the parchment paper. I dehydrated it for 4-6 hours.

I didn’t want to dehydrate the tomatoes too. I thought I would keep them fresh. I placed the basil leaves on top of the cheese. I love the smell of fresh basil. These plants just keep thriving. I don’t understand it. I hardly ever water them. Maybe Jason is watering them. Either way, they are beautiful herbs.

I hope he likes these wraps. I will find out when he arrives.

“When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator”Mahatma Gandhi

Jason did like them. I love when he eats my food and he took the lovely pic for me.

Day #126 Sweet Cacao Sauce pg. 116 everyday raw

November 28, 2009

I just got back from a Thanksliving meal with friends, D’Adjoa, Marsha and Theresa and of course my significant other Jason. He is such a trooper. He is always there for me. It was such a rawesome meal. Everybody brought at least 3 different things to share. It was a huge feast. A few people didn’t make it, but it was the way it was supposed to be. We all got to talk to eachother and really get to know each other better. What a blessing they all are to me!

I really feel sick in my belly from eating too much food. I haven’t eaten that much food in a while and of course I had to try both pies I made. UUhhhh I have not been eating sugary things at all. The food was just too good to pass up. The Pumpkin Pie with Thyme was a real hit. Everyone loved it. There is only one piece left. I will post pics hopefully tomorrow. I made a few things today for the gathering. I will post the pics and recipes.

Tonight I decided to make those chocolate wafers that I wanted to make for the vanilla mint flan that I made a few days ago.

Sweet Cacao Sauce Ingredients
cacao nibs
agave
coconut oil
I mixed the ingredients then spooned them out with a Tablespoon. They will harden in the freezer then I will add the vanilla mint flan in between the wafers.

The farther I get into this project I know that this is the right way. I adore the people I have met and what the GOOD LORD has taught me in all of my journey. I am grateful for what I have learned and what I will learn about myself and others. I love preparing raw food and I am so fortunate to have people in my life that share the same passion.

“A friend is someone who understands your past, believes in your future, and accepts you just the way you are.”