Showing posts with label recipe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recipe. Show all posts

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Dragon Fruit Delight Smoothie Parfait

Dragon Fruit Smoothie Parfait

Every time I turned around, Dragon Fruit was everywhere on Instagram.  Except in my hands.  I was so wanting to try this fruit that I looked everywhere for months on end, but no luck.  Then I won a tropical fruit box that was filled to the brim with delicious fruit which I had never tried before or even seen in person.

And there it was... wrapped up so sweetly.  A single Dragon Fruit.

Buddha with Dragon Fruit

I actually jumped up and down with excitement.  Okay, actually I screamed like a little girl.  Out loud.  I'm sure my neighbors all heard me.

Anyway, I waited until the very last minute of ripeness to try this fruit.  Mark and I each took a taste and, to be perfectly honest, it was just okay.  It wasn't horrible mind you and had an okay taste factor, but perhaps I put too much into my pursuit of this interesting fruit and expected fireworks.  So I made us a couple smoothie parfaits with it and they were quite delicious. 

In any case, I finally got to try Dragon Fruit, and for that I am thankful.

Dragon Fruit Delight

Bottom layer:
1 1/2 cups strawberries
2 frozen ripe bananas
1 cup coconut water (adjust as needed)

Blend in high powered blender, pour into 2 glasses and set in freezer while making the next layer.

Top layer:
1 Dragon Fruit
1 frozen ripe banana

Blend well.  Remove glasses from freezer.  Gently pour or scoop onto the bottom layer of both glasses.  I garnished ours with chopped strawberries, coconut shreds and dragon fruit.

Enjoy!
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

Saturday, May 31, 2014

A&J Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam

Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam

The other day I was dreaming of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  So I created this thick and delicious healthy smoothie!  But instead of a P&J, this one is A&J -  without the bread.  Creamy almond butter and lick my lips blueberry grape jam.

I don't use too many nuts in my smoothies, but a little here and there is perfect for me.  Besides, it's kind of hard to create a A&J smoothie without them. 

A&J Smoothie - Almond Butter and Jam
 
Jam Swirls
1 cup blueberries
1 cup red grapes
1 very small banana

Blend, pour into separate container and put in freezer while making next layer.

Almond Butter Layer
1 frozen banana
1 non-frozen banana
1 heaping TBS almond butter
1/2 cup water or milk of choice (adjust as needed)

Blend in powerful blender.  Alternate each layer in a tall glass as you wish and enjoy!

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

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Blueberry Plum Green Smoothie

Blueberry Plum Green Smoothie - Raw and Vegan

My daily breakfast is a smoothie, typically green as they are my favorite, or sometimes all fruit.  Occasionally I'll have a chia fruit parfait, but smoothies rock my mornings.

All, if not most, of my smoothies contain superfoods of some sort.  This one, which is actually a green smoothie in disguise, contains the superfoods: dried Goji Berries (upcoming post soon about this nutrient rich superstar) and Matcha Green Tea powder (see Green is the New Orange for more info on Matcha). 

So lets get to the recipe for this super healthy and uber delicious smoothie.

Antioxidant Boost Blueberry Plum Green Smoothie

2 handfuls baby spinach
1 cup blueberries
1 plum (pit removed)
1 Tbs Goji berries
2 frozen bananas
1 Tbs flax meal
3/4 cup coconut water or plain (adjust as needed)
1 tsp Matcha green tea

Blend all ingredients well.  Due to blenders vary (I use a Vitamix) as well as the size of fruits, you may need to adjust the water.

Enjoy this super healthy and delicious tasting smoothie!

Peace☮
Rocki

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Raw Eggplant Spinach Zucchini Rolls with Sunflower Seed Pate

Raw Vegan Meal

Last Sunday we had lazy morning planned before going on an afternoon outing.  Well, for me that meant playing with food.

I was originally going to make another variation of my raw lasagna, but then my mind started to roll.  Literally ;)  I told Mark my idea and he said it sounded yummy!  So I went with it.

These triple layer rolls of goodness goes like this: 1st layer - marinated eggplant topped with my sunflower seed pate and shredded carrots then rolled. 2nd layer - spinach leaves topped with my hemp ricotta style "cheese" and wrapped around the eggplant roll. 3rd layer - zucchini lasagna noodles topped with more sunflower seed pate and snugly wrapped around the spinach leaves. 

Yum. 

There are a few steps to this and I meant to take pictures of them, but... so I'll just break down each step of my recipe with the ingredients needed.  It's not an all day prep, but do allow yourself a little time.

Eggplant Spinach Zucchini Rolls with Sunflower Seed Pate
makes approximately 12 rolls - pending size of veggies

Step 1 - Eggplant Marinade

1 eggplant - thinly sliced. I used my mandolin at about 1/8" - set aside.

Marinade:
1 Tbs each: apple cider vinegar, braggs amino acids, agave
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder

Stir well to combine.  Place the sliced eggplant in a Ziploc bag or large pan/dish and pour the marinade over them.  It will appear that there is not enough, but the juice from the eggplant will develop while marinating.  Try to coat each slice with marinade and double stack the eggplant so they can mingle.  Marinate approximately 60 minutes while preparing the remaining ingredients.

note: I got 12 slices from the eggplant I used, but please take into account that veggie sizes vary.  If yours is very large then you'll need to adjust the amount of marinade 

Step 2 Hemp Ricotta Style "Cheese"

1/2 cup heaping hemp heart seeds + 2 Tbs
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 tsp Herbs de Provence
1/4 cup water

In blender, blend all ingredients.  You may need to stop blender and work down ingredients.  It will look similar to ricotta cheese.  Due to blenders vary, adjust the water as needed, but you don't want it watery.  Put in small bowl and into fridge while preparing next step.  This will also thicken it up more.

Step 3 - Sunflower Seed Pate

1/2 cup heaping sunflower seeds (soaked and dehydrated, but not necessary)
1/2 cup hemp heart seeds
1/3 cup chopped celery
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove - minced
1 tsp Herbs de Provence
1 tsp basil (fresh would be best, but I was out)
fresh Rosemary sprigs - approximately 1-2 inches
1/8 tsp sea salt

In food processor add the sunflower and hemp seeds and process until you have little bits, almost flour like.  Add in the remaining ingredients and process until well combined.  Divide into 2 small bowls, cover and set aside while preparing the next step.

Step 4 - Shredded Carrots, Zucchini and Spinach Leaves

2 large carrots - shredded.  I used my food processor with the shredder attachment to make it easy, but however you wish is fine.  Put in bowl and set aside.

1 long large zucchini - sliced thin.  I used my mandolin at about 1/8".  Have an extra zucchini on hand just in case.

Spinach Leaves - as many as you need, grab a handful and set them aside

Step 5 - time to rock and roll

Remove the marinated eggplant from the dish and onto a paper towel lined tray or cutting board.  Place another paper towel over them and pat dry.  You don't want them wet and juicy.

Have at least 2 trays to work with: a large one for rolling up the different veggie layers with and the other to place them on.  I used 3 trays - I tend to spread out.  Also give yourself enough room and set out all the ingredients in working order.  Here we go...

1st layer: take a marinated eggplant slice and roughly spread with sunflower pate - you don't need to cover it completely or be neat and perfect.  Make sure to get a little dab at both ends so it will seal close.  Top with shredded carrots and roll up snug.

2nd layer: take 1 large spinach leaf (depends on size of leaf, but you want it to wrap around so use 2 if needed) add some hemp ricotta "cheese" on it and wrapped it around the eggplant roll.

3rd layer: take a zucchini lasagna noodle, roughly spread with a little pate, again at the ends, and snugly wrapped around the spinach leaves.

Now repeat until done.  I had a little bit of the mixtures left over, but not much, so I made a few extra zucchini rolls with it. 

Oh and I double wrapped a few of the rolls with the zucchini, but the rest I only used one as I like how they look with the spinach - more colorful.

You can serve these immediately or chill in fridge for a couple hours and then enjoy.

Peace☮
Rocki

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Raw Dessert: Chia Coconut Cinnamon Chocolate Strawberry Parfait

Raw Vegan Dessert


This is one of my gourmet style desserts that is very easy to make.  I love when I have time to be creative. 

There are 6 layers in this delicious, healthy and guilt-free raw vegan dessert.  From bottom up they are: cinnamon chocolate mousse (can't see in the photo), coconut chia pudding, cacao nibs, strawberries, cinnamon chocolate mousse and coconut chia pudding - topped with more cinnamon chocolate, cacao nibs and a ring of coconut shreds.

 Yes.  This is guilt-free and loaded with nutritious yumminess!


Coconut Cinnamon Chocolate Strawberry Parfait

This may look more difficult than it actually is, but it's really quite simple.  The only time consuming part is letting the chia chill (that's fun to say!).  I typically make my chia pudding in the evening and let it chill overnight.  Or you could make it in the morning and let it chill several hours until pudding consistency.  
 
I'll skip the chatter and get right to my recipe.  Well, unless you want me to tell you how my day went and... um, okay.  I get the hint ;)  On with the recipe.
 
Chia Coconut Cinnamon Chocolate Strawberry Parfait
serves 2

Cinnamon Chocolate Mousse
1 large avocado
1 Tbs hemp seeds
2 Tbs cacao powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 Tbs coconut oil
2 1/2 Tbs agave
1/4 cup coconut milk

Blend until smooth and creamy.  Best when chilled for at least 60 minutes or longer.

Coconut Chia Pudding
3 Tbs chia seeds
1 1/2 cups coconut milk - not cream (or almond milk is fine)
Stir several times so that there are no clumps and chill for at least 6 hours for a pudding consistency (I make it the night before and let it chill over night).  I periodically stir the first couple hours.

Use desired amounts of the following:
Chopped strawberries
Dried shredded coconut (I use unsweetened)
Cacao nibs (or chocolate chips of choice)

Layer in serving dishes as I have or be creative and layer as you wish.  Enjoy!

Peace ☮
Rocki

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Strawberry Mint Swirl Smoothie - Raw and Vegan

Strawberry Mint Smoothie

When I have a little extra time in the mornings I enjoy being creative with my smoothies.  I love to do layers with different fruits and greens, from simple to elegant.  This one was rather simple in looks, but the taste had a definite WOW factor!

Strawberry Mint Swirl Smoothie Mint

Cream Layer:
2 cold ripe bananas
3-4 mint leaves
1/4 cup hemp milk (or milk of choice)
1 tsp Matcha (optional)

Blend all ingredients, pour into a separate container and put in freezer while making the next layer.

Reddish Pink layer:
1 handful strawberries - about 1 1/2 cups
1/2 small beet
1 small frozen ripe banana

Blend all ingredients.

Alternately pour each layer in a tall glass and give a little swirl after each layer.  I topped mine with mint and a few nibbles of my fudge brownie, which is completely optional.

Peace☮
Rocki

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Becoming Raw Book and Rocki's Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

Becoming Raw Book and Rocki's Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

If you're new to raw or thinking about becoming a raw vegan, I highly recommend this book: Becoming Raw.  This is one of the first of several books I bought when Mark and I started on our raw path almost 2 years ago.  I keep this informative guide book in my kitchen and still reference it - and learn something new each time.

While this is not a recipe book, it does have a few in there.  But in short, it is a complete book filled with science-based raw vegan nutrition from A to Z - and much more. This easy to read book is packed full with a wealth of information and truly is an "essential guide to raw vegan diets".

I'm including my smoothie recipe in this post since I do have it pictured.  That would be rude of me if I didn't ;)

Tropical Peachy Green Smoothie

2 handfuls baby spinach
1 peach (or 1 cup frozen)
1 large frozen banana
1 Tbs dried coconut shreds
1 piece peeled turmeric (approx. 1")
1 Tbs flax meal
1 Tbs maca powder
3/4 cup coconut water (adjust as needed)

Blend in a powerful blender and enjoy.

Peace☮
Rocki

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Raw Vegan Puerto Rican Rice

Cauliflower Rice - Raw Vegan Puerto Rican II
 
One thing I love to do in the kitchen is turn traditional food raw - especially what I call "old school" favorites. While this raw version isn't actually old school, it is an old favorite that we used to have quite frequently at our friends house long ago.
 
The above version of my Puerto Rican Rice is a spinoff of the first one that I made, which is below.  There isn't too much of a difference recipe wise, but was enough to give it a bit more flavor so am posting both recipes. 
 
Raw Vegan Puerto Rican Rice II
 
1 small head cauliflower
3/4 cup roughly chopped onion
1/2 cup heaping sundried tomatoes - soaked and drained well
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp cumin
1/8 tsp Saffron
1/8 tsp turmeric
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup peas
 
Cut cauliflower into chunks, put into food processor and pulse several times until you have rice like pieces - don't over process or you'll have mush.  Scrape sides as needed.  Depending on size of your processor, you may need to do this part in 2 batches.  Put "rice" into large bowl and set aside. *don't clean the processor*
 
Add the following to the food processor:
 
roughly chopped onion
sundried tomatoes
Process until you have semi-small bits.
 
Add in the chopped cilantro and pulse process a few times. Add this mixture to the rice bowl and stir in the following spices only and combine well:
 
cayenne pepper
cumin
Saffron
turmeric
garlic powder
sea salt
 
Gently stir in the peas.
 
Serve immediately or put in fridge to chill.  Store in fridge for up to approximately 3 days.  Remember, this is fresh food so it's best to eat it sooner than later. 
 
 
Raw Vegan Puerto Rican Rice Dish
 
This is my first recipe and again, while there's not much difference in ingredients, there was a definite overall taste in flavor.  Both scored two thumbs up from my official taste tester. 
 
Raw Vegan Puerto Rican Rice
 
1 small head cauliflower
1/2 cup roughly chopped onion
1/3 cup sundried tomatoes
1/2 Serrano pepper - seeded
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp sea salt
3/4 cup peas
 
Cut cauliflower into chunks, put into food processor and pulse several times until you have rice like pieces - don't over process or you'll have mush.  Scrape sides as needed.  Depending on size of your processor, you may need to do this part in 2 batches.  Put "rice" into large bowl and set aside. *don't clean the processor*
 
Add the following to the food processor:
 
roughly chopped onion
sundried tomatoes
serrano pepper - seeded
Process until you have semi-small bits.
 
Add in the chopped cilantro and pulse process a few times. Add this mixture to the rice bowl and stir in the following spices only and combine well:
 
cayenne pepper
cumin
turmeric
garlic powder
sea salt
 
Gently stir in the peas.
 
I served this rice with avocado slices and sliced bananas sprinkled with Saigon cinnamon.  Both version are delicious room temp or chilled.
 
Peace☮
Rocki
 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Cookie Dough Bliss Balls

Raw Vegan Oatmeal Cookies
 
This is another recipe that I transferred from my old blog

My grandma made the best oatmeal molasses raisin cookies.  In fact, I can still smell them!  Lots of fun was spent in the kitchen at my grandparents house.  Sweet memories.

My Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies are guilt-free, gluten-free, healthy and very tasty.  They go pretty quick too, so next time I'll make a double batch... maybe even triple.
 



The aroma of these cookies in the dehydrator is like pure bliss!

No worries if you do not have a dehydrator as you can eat these cookies completely raw!  You can form them into cookie shapes or Bliss Balls (see below) - they taste like oatmeal cookie dough! 

Raw Vegan Cookie Dough Bliss Balls

For this batch I did a little of both, and Mark took them to work to share.  I rolled some in hemp heart seeds, some in coconut sugar and the rest I left plain.  Shredded coconut would be a nice topping too... so many choices.

Here's my simple recipe for a yummy healthy treat.

Raw Vegan Oatmeal Raisin Cookies and Bliss Balls

1 heaping cup of soaked steel cut gluten-free oats (rinsed and drained) - or regular oats
1 cup flax meal
1/2 cup walnuts (soaked and dehydrated - optional)
2 Tbs hemp heart seeds
1/2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp Roasted Saigon Cinnamon (or regular)
1/4 tsp sea salt

Put into food processor and pulse to combine.

Add in:
1/2 cup packed medjool dates (or dates of choice), process until well combined and can hold it's shape when rolled into a ball.

Add in 1/4 cup full of golden raisins and pulse just a few times to mix in.  You can leave the raisins out if you like.

For dehydrated cookies:

Form into balls, sprinkle with a tiny bit of coconut sugar (or sugar of choice) and flatten.  Put onto mesh dehydrator sheet and dehydrate at 115 degrees for approximately 4-6 hours or until desired doneness.  Time will vary due to weather, location, dehydrator, etc.

For bliss balls:

Form into round balls and if desired, roll into coconut shreds, hemp seeds, coconut sugar... or leave plain.  I love them plain.

Store them in the fridge or freezer - if they last that long. 


Peace☮
Rocki

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Raw Vegan "Baked" Bean Sauce - great on veggies too!

Raw Vegan "Baked" Bean Sauce

As you may know by now, I enjoy turning traditional foods raw and vegan.  However, there are some foods that I cannot eat or do not like.  Let me back up to give you a little perspective, I have several food allergies and I'm practically and joyfully fully raw, say at least 95%, while Mark is at least 85% raw.  There are several foods that he likes that I've recreated for him to fit into our raw lifestyle and this is one of them - Baked Beans.

While the beans themselves are not raw, the sauce I created is and I must say is pretty darn tasty!  Too bad I didn't get to partake on the entire dish - beans do not like me one little bit.  I can, however, handle adzuki beans that I sprout myself. 

Anyway, Mark was hankering for some baked beans so to the store I went.  I read the ingredients on several cans and decided that this was doable.  Because I do not cook food, I bought a can (bpa free) of Eden Organic white beans and home I went.  I donned my Raw Vegan Mad Scientist Coat (apron) and into the garden I went (kitchen).  After adding this and that, adjusting here and there, I exclaimed "I MADE RAW VEGAN BAKED BEANS!" - with a bit of weird science laughter.  

Into the office I went with my bowl and spoonful of sauce.  I gave Mark a taste.  His eyes glazed over with delight - or maybe I had forgotten to wipe the sauce off my chin.  Anyway, I had to stop him from taking the bowl out of my hand. In other words, I had another success!

Here is my recipe for the sauce that can be added to your own cooked beans or canned. 

RAW VEGAN "BAKED" BEAN SAUCE

1 15 oz bpa free can of white beans - drained and rinsed - or use beans of choice.  This sauce was rather delicious on my raw veggies, so the choice is yours.

1/4 cup sundried tomatoes - soaked in 1 1/2 cups fresh water and drained - reserve soak water
1 cup of the soaked water
4 medjool dates
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 Tbs raw gluten-free apple cider vinegar
1/4 tsp sweet paprika
1/8 tsp turmeric - ground/powder
1 tsp mustard
pinch of sea salt

Put all ingredients into blender and blend until creamy.  Due to date fruit size varies, along with blender types, you may need to add more of the soak water and/or adjust to desired liking.

Pour sauce onto beans and gently stir to combine.  Enjoy immediately or chill for a couple hours.  Store in fridge up to 3-4 days.

Peace☮
Rocki

Raw Vegan Fig Dressing

Raw Vegan Fig Dressing - perfect on green and fruit salads!

Obviously, being a raw vegan means you eat a lot of salads too, but they don't have to be boring.  I make our dressings from mainly fruits and veggies, along with a few other ingredients.  Sometimes I don't use dressing at all, but Mark does so I love creating a variety for us both.

This refreshing salad is a mix of greens, strawberries, pear, dried figs and walnuts with my thick n creamy fig dressing.  This also makes a wonderful fruit dip.

Raw Vegan Fig Dressing

1 cup dried figs
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 cups fresh water

Remove fig stems, cut in half and soak in the 2 cups fresh water for at least 60 minutes and then drain. Reserve the soak water.  In blender, add the drained figs, lemon juice and 1 cup of the soak water. Blend until smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add more soak water until desired liking.

Store in sealed jar in fridge for up to 5 days.

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 17, 2014

Raw Chocolate Almond Bars

Raw Chocolate Almond Bars


Prior to going raw, I thought the one thing I would no longer be able to have was chocolate.  Not that I ate a lot of chocolate candies, but I've always loved chocolate in a variety of ways.  In fact, I used to buy the organic vegan chocolate bars and they would actually last me a whole week because I would only eat a little square each day.

As you can see above, as well as many of my other recipes here and on Instagram, chocolate is still in my life - but now it is healthy raw cacao and tastes so very good! 

This chocolate bar recipe is a variation of several others I make and is very versatile.  Next time I make a batch I'll take pictures of all the silicone molds that I use and the different types of candies from bars to yummy fillings.

Raw Chocolate Almond Bars

1/2 cup cacao powder
3 Tbs agave (or maple syrup is fine)
1/2 cup coconut oil (liquid form)
2 Tbs grated cacao butter (melt the raw way or as you wish)
1 tsp vanilla
pinch sea salt
almonds pieces - or can omit

In a bowl wisk all ingredients except almonds. Pour into molds of choice (I use silicone molds) or a tinfoil lined dish.  Add desired amount of almonds on top. Put in freezer for at least 60-90 minutes or until hard. Remove from molds, test for chocolaty goodness and store in freezer... if they make it that far.

Note: these will start to get a little melty if left at room temperature for too long, maybe 10 minutes or so.  I'm still working on a chocolate recipe to give it a longer counter life - but then again I don't thing they would last that long anyway ;)

Peace☮
Rocki

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Raw Chocolate Coconut Smoothie - Vegan Shake

Raw Chocolate Coconut Smoothie

I'm finding it rather difficult to concentrate on typing while sipping on my uber delicious thick and cream, rich and chocolaty, coconuty, raw vegan, guilt-free dessert like smoothie.  Whew!  That was a mouthful.  So I'll get right to the recipe.


Raw Chocolate Coconut Smoothie

1 large frozen ripe banana
1 large not frozen ripe banana
1 Tbs coconut oil
2 Tbs cacao powder
1 Tbs dried coconut shreds (I use unsweetened)
3/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
1/2 cup ice
optional toppings: coconut shreds and my homemade chocolate chunks, which I'll post tomorrow morning.

Blend all ingredients until thick and creamy.  Due to blenders vary (I use a vitamix) you may need to adjust the water.  This delicious shake like smoothie is perfect as is or add toppings of choice.

Note:  if your bananas are not ripe then add a medjool date or sweetener of choice to sweeten it up.

Peace☮
Rocki

Sunday, April 13, 2014

Raw Vegan Pizza Rounds and Poppers

Raw Vegan Pizza Rounds and Poppers

Pizza anyone?  Here's a fun tasty variation of my full size Raw Vegan Pizza that makes a perfect little bite size snack, appetizer or even a meal.  Plus, you don't need to dehydrate them if you don't want to.

Dehydrated or not these are tasty little bites of pizza

This batch I dehydrated (well, except for a few that accidentally ended up in our mouths), but I've also made them without dehydrating.  Seriously, these are SO very yummy right out of the food processor!  The texture is a little different without dehydrating, soft and chewy, but you'll definitely taste the delicious pizza flavor either way.

These were perfect for our lunch with a nice green salad and watermelon

You can either make them round little balls like pizza poppers or flatten them out like mini pizza's - or both.  They make fun and tasty appetizers with or without toppings.  I've made them with a topping of raw vegan cheese with a variety of different veggies on each one.  Put a little olive in the middle of the rounds and you'll have an awesome popper!  A fun and nutritious appetizer to take to parties and family dinners. 

Raw Vegan Pizza Rounds and Poppers
Makes approximately 18 small bites

1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 Tbs flax meal
1/4 cup hemp heart seeds
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1/2 cup heaping sundried tomatoes (soaked and drained)
1/3 cup onion, roughly chopped
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp sea salt
*water if needed

In a food processor, add sunflower seeds and process until small bits like flour.  Add in all remaining ingredients *except* water - process until mixture holds together when forming a ball.  If it seems too dry, add 1/2 tsp water at a time until achieved.

With your hands roll into small bite size balls. Take a little taste test - you know you want to.  You can leave them all round little balls or flatten with your hands into little pizza rounds - like cookies. You'll probably want to do another taste test at this time.  If there are any left and you don't want to dehydrate them, serve immediately or put them in the fridge to chill.

Or - put them on a lined dehydrator tray and dehydrate at 110° F for approximately 1-2 hours.  This will not turn them into crust or crackers, it will simply firm them up a bit more which makes them perfect if you want to turn them into an appetizer with toppings.  You will definitely want to do another taste test right out of the dehydrator - mmmmm!  In fact, at this point you may want to make a double batch.

Peace☮
Rocki