Showing posts with label food. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food. Show all posts

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Goji Berries - Superfood

Goji Berries

I absolutely love goji berries!  This little powerhouse of a berry not only adds a nutritional punch to your diet, but can be used in a variety of recipes, or eaten as is.

Dried goji berries are chewy with a taste all on their own.  They are not overly sweet and have actually been described as a cross between a cherry, raisin and cranberry.  These tiny berries are a powerful nutrient rich food and have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 2000 years.  Filled with antioxidants, carotenoids, 18 amino acids, fiber, vitamins A, C and E, and over 20 other trace minerals and vitamins including zinc and iron... well, you can see why they are one of the top superfoods.

I add goji berries to a variety of my raw vegan recipes for added nutrition, flavor and bulk, such as: smoothies (makes an excellent chocolate smoothie combined with raw cacao powder, another nutritious superfood), nice cream (vegan ice cream), brownies, bliss balls, protein bars, overnight oats, chia pudding, and so much more.

There's much more to know about Goji Berries, so Google them for more information.

Be healthy.

Peace☮
Rocki

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Sweet Potato Fudge Cookies - Semi-Raw and Vegan

Sweet Potato Fudge Cookies

I'm quite pleased with how this experiment turned out!  Delicious, chewy, fudgy, healthy and guilt-free cookies that are vegan, gluten-free and semi-raw. 

I like to keep most of what I eat nut-free, but of course I do enjoy the occasional nut loaded food.  Instead of using any type of nut or seed, I decided to try a sweet potato to create a yummy raw cookie.  Well, short version... raw sweet potatoes do not agree with my digestion, plus there are some things that are simply not meant to be eaten raw, in my humble opinion. 

Anyway, to satisfy my curiosity and tummy, I steamed the sweet potato.  Voila'!  That worked out much better.  Even though the sweet potato is lightly steamed, with everything else involved I consider this recipe to be semi-raw.

These cookies are dehydrated, but no worries as there's other options in case you don't have one or feel like waiting a few hours until they are done.

Before I get to the recipe for these super yummy cookies, I just want to make note that the dough is very thick when processing.  So if you do not have a good heavy duty food processor, you'll probably want to split it in half and finish processing it that way.  I'll explain in the recipe when to split the batch.


Sweet Potato Fudge Cookies
Semi-Raw and Vegan

2 cups roughly chopped steamed sweet potato (not yams)
1 1/2 cups semi-packed medjool dates (if dates are hard, soften them up a bit in water)

Put the above ingredients in food processor and process just enough to break down a bit.  Leave the mixture in the processor and add in the following:

1/4 cup cacao powder
1/4 oat flour (I make my own from gluten-free oats)
1 Tbs agave (or more to desired sweetness)
1/2 tsp vanilla
pinch of sea salt
fresh water

Start processing until everything is well combined.  If mixture seems too dry, start adding water 1 TBS at time.  At this point, if your processor cannot handle the dough mixture, remove about half of it to a bowl and continue processing until well combined and then do the same for the mixture in the bowl.

Form into cookies and place on mesh tray.  Dehydrate at 115° F for approximately 7-10 hours.  Time frame will vary due to location, weather, humidity, dehydrator, wetness, thickness, etc.

No dehydrator?  No problem.  Simply roll the cookie dough into bite size balls and if so desired, roll the balls into shredded coconut, hemp seeds, etc. then pop them in the freezer.

Or... if you're not raw, pop them in the oven at a low temp for about 30 minutes or until desired doneness. 

Store in freezer or fridge. 

Peace☮
Rocki

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Raw Vegan Veggie Lasagna Stack

Raw Vegan Veggie Lasagna Stack

There are so many ways to make raw vegan lasagna and this is another one of mine.  It is super easy to make and you can change it up to your own liking.  In fact, this is so simple that a recipe really isn't needed, but I have provided it at the end.

Raw Lasagna loaded with veggies

I didn't know where I was going with this one, so I just grabbed a bunch of veggies and went with it.  There are 3 huge layers plus the top, but a couple of them are double stuffed.  Just look at all that raw goodness!

Raw Vegan Meals are far from boring

I text Mark a picture of what I made for dinner (I know, I'm such a tease!) and could hardly wait for him to get home so we could eat.  It was very difficult to not dig into it before he got home.  Okay, so I had a little bite... I had to make sure it was edible, right?

Well, let me just say that the lasagna was our entire dinner.  That is how huge and filling they were.  So if anyone ever tells you that a raw vegan lifestyle is boring... need I say more?

Raw Vegan Veggie Lasagna Stack

This is truly very simple, but here are the basics for my sauce recipe and avocado mash.  The rest of the ingredients I'll list, but there are no measurements as I pretty much winged this one.

Tomato Sauce
1/4 cup sundried tomatoes - soaked until softened then drain
2 medium tomatoes - roughly chopped
1 medjool date
5-6 basil leaves - chopped
1 long sprig rosemary
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
black pepper - few turns or to taste
pinch sea salt

Process well in food processor.  Mixture will be thick.  I don't like my lasagna wet and soppy, so I strain my sauce.  Put the tomato mixture into a fine to medium mesh strainer, place over bowl and set aside to drain while you prepare the rest of the lasagna ingredients.  You can see how I did it in my other lasagna recipe here.

Avocado Mash
1 avocado
squeeze or two of fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp onion powder
black pepper - couple turns
pinch of sea salt

Just like it says - mash the avocado along with all the ingredients.

Zucchini noodles
I used 3 zucchinis - sizes vary so use however many you need

I made the noodles with my mandolin - a bit thicker than usual due to the amount of veggies that I was using.  They soften up like noodles while in the fridge for a couple hours and are so yummy!  Anyway, you can also slice them with a knife if you don't have a mandolin.

Use whatever veggies you would like in your lasagna, but here's what I used in this one from bottom up:

zucchini noodles
sauce
chopped yellow bell pepper
zucchini noodles
sauce
peeled carrots
zucchini noodles (I put a little avocado on it first then put it on top of the carrots to hold in place)
avocado mash
chopped onion
corn
zucchini noodles (I put a little tomato sauce on it first then put it on top to hold veggies in place)
tomato sauce

Serve immediately or at least within a 2-3 hours and enjoy!

Peace☮
Rocki

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Raw Pizza and Flatbread - Spinach Basil with Vegan Cheese

Raw Vegan Pizza

Raw pizza.  Oh yes.  And we can eat it anytime we want without the guilt.

This is another variation of my raw vegan pizza crust.  I was in a spinach and basil kind of mood, so I took the hint and into the garden I went (kitchen).

Raw Vegan Spinach Basil Pizza Crust and Flatbread

Besides the fresh basil plant that I have in the kitchen, the house smelled like basil throughout while the crust was in the dehydrator.  My oh my, was my tummy rumbling! 

I decided to make a smaller pizza than usual as I wanted a flat bread for sammies as well.  That's what is on the bottom tray.  Same recipe, but two different yummies.

Veggie Pizza on Raw Spinach Basil Crust

I wanted different toppings to go along with my spinach basil crust. Something bright and colorful - and of course tasty.  So while the crust was in the dehydrator, I made a simple orange bell pepper hemp cheese spread.  Perfect.

Then I opened the fridge and just started pulling out veggies.  I thought it would be fun to have something resemble stringy cheese - like when you bite into a pizza, you have a string of "cheese" from your mouth to the pizza.  Carrots were my choice for this and I used a peeler for it.  The rest of the veggies I thinly sliced, except for the beet root.  I used a small flower cookie cutter.  Every raw vegan pizza needs pretty purple flowers.

Before I go onto the recipe, I have to say that the carrot "cheese" truly worked!  Mark took his first big bite and stringy "cheese" went from his mouth to the pizza in his hand.  We both smiled.  "Cheesy" smiles of course.

Raw Pizza and Flatbread - Spinach Basil

3/4 cup flax meal
1/2 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup hemp heart seeds
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 Tbs phyllium husk
1/8 tsp sea salt

Combine all ingredients in large bowl and set aside.

1/2 cup sundried tomatoes - soaked in 1 1/2 cups water for approximately 30 minutes.  Drain and reserve liquid for next step.
2 large tomatoes - roughly chopped (just about 2 cups)
1/2 large yellow bell pepper - roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic - minced or diced small
1/2 cup onion - roughly chopped
pinch of sea salt

In food processor, process until well combined.  Leave in processor and add in:

2 handfuls baby spinach
small handful basil

Continue processing until well combined. 

Add 1 cup of the reserved soak water to the dry mix bowl and stir well.  This will be thick.  Stir in the wet mixture.  If it seems too thick to spread, add some more soak water a little at a time. 

Spoon the  mixture onto two lined dehydrator trays.  You can either make 2 pizzas or flatbread or one of each.  With your clean hands or spatula, form into shape of choice.  You don't want it too thin as it will shrink up a bit in the dehydrator.  Also, the thicker it is the longer dehydrator time.

Put into the dehydrator at 145° F for 1 hour only then turn down to 115° F for another 5-7 hours or until done.  Total time will vary due to location, weather, dehydrator, wetness, thickness, etc.  When the top is dry to touch, transfer it to a mesh tray - put a mesh sheet on top of the crust/bread, flip it over and remove it from the lined sheet by slowly peeling it off.  Put it back in the dehydrator until done.  I typically rotate the tray around, but is not necessary.  The small pizza crust took a total of 6 hours this time and the large flatbread about 7 1/2.

Top the pizza with your favorite toppings and enjoy!  For the flatbread, cut it into desired sizes.  Store in sealed container on counter for 1-2 days or in fridge for 4-5 days.  Can be stored in freezer for longer storage.

Note: you can also dehydrate longer for a cracker instead of bread.

Raw Flat Bread and Vegan Cheese Spread

Orange Bell Pepper Hemp Cheese Spread
this makes more than you need for the pizza, but is versatile like any other cheese spread

1 orange bell pepper
1 cup hemp heart seeds
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
juice of half a lemon
pinch of sea salt

In blender, blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.  This makes a thick cheese spread.  If you want a thinner cheese, add a little water at a time and blend. 

Store in sealed container in fridge for up to 4 days.

Peace☮
Rocki

Friday, April 25, 2014

Raw Vegan Single Serve Nut Fudge Brownie

Raw Vegan Fudge Brownie - Single Serve


Single serve nut fudge brownie. Because sometimes you need to satisfy that "GOTTA HAVE CHOCOLATE NOW!" fix in a jiffy.

While this raw vegan brownie does contain nuts, it's still healthy and guilt-free - and quick to make in a single bowl.

Single Serve Nut Fudge Brownie

1/3 cup walnuts
1/2 Tbs dried coconut shreds (or hemp heart seeds)
1/2 Tbs cacao powder
1/2 Tbs agave (or liquid sweetener of choice)
1/2 Tbs almond butter or other nut butter

Grind the walnuts in a coffee grinder or for a quick, barbaric dishes-free way: put them in an unsealed baggie and smash them with a heavy utensil, but don't pulverize them to smithereens.  With a fork, combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Form into a brownie or any shape you wish. Eat this warm ooey gooey fudgy nutty brownie immediately or put in fridge for at least 30-60 minutes and it will taste even better! 

That's it.  Simple and quick. Your chocolate fix is now cured. 

Peace☮
Rocki

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Raw Carrot Cake Cookies - Vegan and Nut-Free

Raw Carrot Cake Cookies - Vegan and Nut-Free

Carrots.  I love carrots!  I eat them whole, shredded, grated, julienned, chopped, diced... guess I could just sum it up and say I eat them raw.

Not only are carrots delicious in the raw or as a savory side dish (not to mention packed with nutrition), they also make a very yummy dessert - like cookies!  And smoothies, shakes, cakes, pies... I'll stop.

I wanted a cookie without nuts.  I'm not a nut hater and I do love them, but I like to keep a low fat diet so I don't use them that much.  When you bite into these cookies, it's like taking a bite of moist carrot cake. Mark REALLY loves them.  I have to hide them in the back of the fridge or put them in a hidden container.  Kidding.  Maybe.

Raw Carrot Cake Cookies - Vegan and Nut-Free
makes approximately 20-24 small cookies

1 full cup carrots - roughly chopped
1 cup hemp heart seeds
1/4 cup coconut shreds
2 Tbs raw vegan protein powder (or replace with flax meal or more hemp)
1 cup packed medjool dates
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp cloves

In food processor, process carrots into tiny little bits.  Do not over process - you don't want mush, just tiny bits.  Put into large bowl and add in the remaining ingredients.  Stir well to combine.  Mixture will seem too wet, but after dehydrated they will be deliciously moist cookies.

Form into small balls and flatten into cookie shape.  You may need to periodically wet and dry your hands as they'll get a bit sticky. Put onto lined dehydrator tray and dehydrate at 145° F for 1 hour only then turn down to 115° F.  Once tried to touch on top, remove and flip them from the lined tray onto a mesh tray and continue dehydrating until done.  Total time varies approximately 10-12 hours or until desired liking. These took me 10 hours total time. 

Store in fridge or freezer in a sealed container.

NOTE:  these are too wet for bliss balls or non-dehydrated cookies.  However, if you do not have a dehydrator you can use shredded carrots or squeeze dry the processed carrots with paper towels and add in a about 1/4 cup flax meal until the mixture holds together.

Peace☮
Rocki

Friday, April 18, 2014

Raw Vegan Lasagna

Fresh Raw Vegan Lasagna
This is another recipe that I transferred from my old blog

Before I go on about my Raw Vegan Lasagna recipe, I just want to mention that I have included several pictures to show part of the process and how the ingredients look after preparing them.  I just don't want you to feel overwhelmed by all the photos.

Every time I make my lasagna I change it up here and there.  I never measured anything or wrote it down, for most of my recipes actually.  However, after several requests and starting my old blog, plus preparing for my E-books, I figured it would be a good idea.  I have a kitchen full of my recipes. 

I'll skip the part in telling you how flavorful, delicious, mouthwatering and nutritious it is and get straight to the good stuff.  One little note and then I'll zip it.  Under each photo I explain a little about it, but the entire recipe is at the end.

Veggies prepped and ready to make lasagna

This is a little backwards, but this is almost the end result after preparing all the fresh ingredients (except for the zucchinis) in order to make the lasagna.
 
Wilted fresh baby spinach

Sometimes I like to wilt the fresh baby spinach a little in a tasty mixture, but not to the point that it looks entirely cooked.  It will take on a more cooked texture and appearance after the lasagna has chilled for a couple hours.  I start with the spinach to give it time to wilt and set it aside.

Fresh mushrooms take on a "cooked" texture after marinated

Next we wilt the mushrooms.  I slice the fresh mushrooms and place them in a bowl with my wilting mixture.  I like to wilt them to not only take on a cooked appearance, but for taste and texture as well.  I set this aside and proceed with the next step.  (I strain them after they get to the wilting point that I like)

raw vegan "cheese" crumbles

Sometimes I have this "cheese" on hand as it is a great topping for salads, but to show the entire process of this recipe I made some fresh.

fresh tomato sauce

The yummy sauce!  I start with sundried tomatoes that I soak in warm water.  I actually start the recipe by soaking them and proceed from there, but I didn't take a picture of that part. 

Anyway, after making the sauce I put it in a fine mesh strainer while I prepare the rest of the ingredients.  The reason I do this is because I don't want my lasagna to be wet and soppy.

Sliced zucchini using a mandolin

I slice the zucchinis very thin, approximately 1/8", except for about 5 slices as I make them a little thicker and use for the bottom layer.  If you don't have a mandolin, a sharp knife is perfectly fine.

Zucchini pasta noodles

It still amazes me how zucchini can take on a pasta texture in many raw recipes and it is so yummy!
 
organic olives

Occasionally I add clean organic olives in my lasagna, but this time I used them as a garnish.

first layer of lasagna

Now to layer the lasagna.  No, I didn't forget my lasagna dish.  Sometimes I like to make it on this platter as it is easier to cut and serve from.  The choice is yours.

I start with a little sauce on the bottom, then zucchini and more sauce.  You can layer how you wish, but I'll explain how I do it in the recipe at the end.

raw vegan lasagna RAWks!

(waves magic wand) And in a blink of an eye we have raw vegan lasagna! 

veggie filled lasagna

Look at all those yummy layers!  This can be served immediately or put it in the fridge to chill so it can take on a more cooked texture and appearance as in the photo below.


chilled raw vegan lasagna takes on cooked texture

This is what it looks like after chilled for a few hours.  Sometimes I pop it in the dehydrator to warm up a bit, but for the most part we love it right out of the fridge.

And now for my recipe.  Don't let all the steps scare you...once you get everything set out and start going it is a fairly smooth process.  Just allow yourself a little time, it is SO worth it!  I listed everything in order as I make it.  This can be altered in many ways to fit your liking and/or diet.  For instance, you can completely skip the wilting process and use the fresh ingredients as is.  I make plenty lasagna that way too as it's quick and simple .  Hope you enjoy it!

Raw Vegan Lasagna

Step 1 - Soaking Sundried Tomatoes
3/4 cup sundried tomatoes

Soak in warm water and set aside while preparing the other ingredients.  You will use these in the sauce that will be made in Step 6.

Step 2 - Wilting Mixture
1 Tbs EVO (extra virgin olive oil)
1 1/2 Tbs Braggs or other Amino Acids
1 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
1 Tbs Agave

Wisk all ingredients in a small dish. I use a glass measuring cup as it is easier to pour from.  This is used for both the spinach and mushrooms.  It may not seem like enough for both, but it is - plus the shrooms will produce liquid as they start to wilt.

Step 3 - Wilt Spinach
3 big handfuls of fresh baby spinach

Loosely tear spinach and place in large bowl.  Add less than half of the wilting mixture to the spinach then toss to coat.  Set aside.

Step 4 - Wilt Mushrooms
8 oz or more of Mushrooms of choice

Slice mushrooms and place in bowl.  Add remaining wilting mixture, toss to coat well then set aside.

Once they have wilted to desired liking, drain and set aside.

Step 5 - "Cheese" Crumbles
1/2 cup cashews
3 Tbs pine nuts
1 small garlic clove
1 Tbs nutritional yeast (gives it the cheesy flavor, not to mention health benefits)
1/8 tsp sea salt

Add all ingredients to food processor and process until it resembles small crumbles.  Set aside.

Step 6 - Sauce
1 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (or tomatoes of choice)
3/4 cup soaked and drained sundried tomatoes from Step 1
1 medjool date (stone removed)
1/3 cup roughly chopped onion
1/2 Tbs Balsamic Vinegar
4-5 fresh basil leaves
1 large garlic clove
1 Tbs Italian Seasoning

Place all ingredients in order into food processor and pulse several times until well blended (may need to scrape down sides), but do not over process.  You don't want this to be a smooth sauce or it will be too runny for the lasagna - it needs to be a little chunky.  Set aside.

Step 7 - Zucchini Noodles
2 large zucchinis

I use a mandolin, but if you do not have one then a sharp knife will be fine.  I start by making about 5 thick slices which will be used for the bottom layer.  Slice the remaining zucchinis very thin or desired liking.  Set aside.

Step 8 - Layer the lasagna  
Now comes the fun part...wait, the above was fun too, right?  This part isn't rocket science, but I'll explain how I layered it, but feel free to layer as you wish.

Take a little bit of sauce and splatter it around with your hand onto a large platter, just to have a thin layer.  Just note here that for the rest of the layering when it comes time for the sauce, I use my clean hands because it's much easier to place on top of the zucchini and spread around.  The sauce doesn't completely cover everything like in traditional lasagna, but enough to get a decent covering.  So the rest goes like this...

Place the thick slices of zucchini on the sauce plate and then...
sauce
"cheese"
spinach
zucchini
sauce
"cheese"
mushrooms
zucchini
sauce
optional olive garnish
top with lots more "cheese"

You can serve and enjoy immediately or place in the fridge to chill a few hours which will let the zucchini become more "noodle" like and all ingredients take on a more "cooked" texture and appearance.  You can also warm it in the dehydrator if you so choose.  Enjoy!

Peace☮
Rocki

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Flax Seeds and Meal

Flax Seeds and Flax Meal

These itty bitty seeds are a nutritious plant source of fiber (soluble and insoluble), omega 3 essential fatty acid, antioxidants and lignans.  They are a kitchen staple for raw foodist's as well as in many traditional kitchens. 

I use flax in a variety of my raw recipes in place of nuts and oat flour or in addition to, as I like to keep a low fat diet, but mainly for the nutrients.  I use it in our daily smoothies, crackers, bread, tortillas, pizza crust, cookies, brownies... the list is endless.  Flax is a perfect food to add to many recipes, not just for the nutritional value, but because they act as a binder as well - an excellent replacement for oil and eggs.  When soaked, they become gelatin and gummy/sticky like which helps hold ingredients together and adds a bit of bulkiness.  

Some recipes call for both flax meal and seeds, or one or the other.  It depends on what you're making really.  For instance, flax seeds makes an excellent cracker, but I also add flax meal to mine.  You can eat the flax seeds on their own, but it is said that you may not be receiving the entire nutritional benefits as the seeds may pass through your intestines undigested.  In any case, you can't go wrong by adding at least 1 Tbs a day of flax meal or flax oil to your healthy diet - for starters.

Flax seeds are best stored in a dark sealed container or at least in a dark area such as your pantry, and store flax meal in the fridge or freezer to keep it from loosing its nutritional value.  I buy flax seeds in bulk and grind my own with a coffee grinder as needed and enough for about a weeks worth of smoothies, etc.

Peace☮
Rocki

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Spicy and Savory Brussels Sprouts- Raw Vegan Snack

Brussels Sprouts - Spicy and Savory

Brussels Sprouts.  We love them!  So many ways to prepare them and they are delicious steamed.  But I just had to get these little guys back into my raw diet.

I've seen several variations of Brussels Sprout chips from individual leaves to the whole entire sprout, so I thought I would put my own spin on these delicious little munchkins.

 
Brussels Sprouts in the dehydrator
 
I had a big batch on hand, so into the garden I went.  Oh, I call my kitchen "the garden" :)  Anyway, Mark and I love spicy food, so I made half of the batch savory and the other spicy.
 

Raw Vegan and Gluten-Free Brussels Chips
 
The end results from my official taste taster: "YUM-MEEEEEE!" (imagine eyes wide open with a big grin on his face while reaching for a handful)  I guess that means they passed and can be added to my recipe pile in the corner of the garden.  One of these days I plan on preparing some e-books for all my raw vegan recipes.

Several ideas for other flavors are dancing around in my head.  We may be eating a lot of Brussels Sprouts. 

Spicy & Savory Brussels Sprouts - Raw Vegan Snack
makes 60 bite size pieces

30 Fresh Brussels Sprouts - halved and set aside

Combine the following in a bowl:
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
2 Tbs EVO (extra virgin olive oil)

Add Brussels and combine until well coated. Let sit for about 15 minutes.  Place cut side up on mesh dehydrator tray.  I sprinkled the following onto half of the Brussels batch: Smoked Paprika, Smoked Cumin and Ancho Chili Pepper powder.  However, the spices or other seasonings can be added to the oil mixture instead - it was an after thought since we love a little heat.

Dehydrate at 115° F for approximately 8-12 hours or until desired texture.  Time will vary due to veggie size, weather, moisture, etc.  These little munchkin snacks are full of flavor and delicious crunchy or a little chewy.

Notes: due to Brussels Sprout size varies from tiny to large, you may need to add a little more oil and/or adjust the seasonings to your liking.  If you do not have a dehydrator, no worries as you can use your oven.  They won't be considered "raw", but you can still enjoy this nutritious snack!

Peace  ☮
Rocki