Raw Divine Coconut Smoothie

I will cut to the chase.  This is how you make this divine drink!...

Ingredients:

1 1/2 T. Artisana Raw Coconut Butter (this is a concentrate of coconut milk basically)
1 c. Spring Water
1/4 tsp. vanilla bean powder
1 tsp. raw honey
1/4-1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 or 1 1/2 c. frozen bananas, depending on how thick you would like your drink.  (Non-frozen bananas could also be used for a room-temp. shake.)

Step 1-  In a high powered blender, blend the water with the coconut butter.  This creates a raw coconut milk for the base of the drink. 

Step 2- Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend to your desired thickness.  Particularly if you have a Vitamix, it is possible to make this a thick, ice-cream like drink with the help of the plunger tool. 

This drink is particularly good on a hot day.  And, it's a great substitute if you are transitioning away from fast food desserts of any kind.  Or, it can serve as a fantastic breakfast.  When I made this this morning, both my husband and my 12 month old baby loved it! 

Healing honey, top notch cinnamon, and Artisana coconut butter can all be purchased on-line from:




It's no secret that the coconut is a food/medicine of the highest order.  Glance over the following excerpt from the Coconut Research Center website to learn a little bit about this truly amazing food:

Coconut In Modern Medicine
Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many of the above conditions. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in one form or another, may provide a wide range of health benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

1. Kills viruses that cause influenza, herpes, measles, hepatitis C, SARS, AIDS, and other illnesses.
2. Kills bacteria that cause ulcers, throat infections, urinary tract infections, gum disease and cavities, pneumonia, and gonorrhea, and other diseases.
3. Kills fungi and yeasts that cause candidiasis, ringworm, athlete's foot, thrush, diaper rash, and other infections.
4. Expels or kills tapeworms, lice, giardia, and other parasites.
5. Provides a nutritional source of quick energy.
6. Boosts energy and endurance, enhancing physical and athletic performance.
7. Improves digestion and absorption of other nutrients including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
8. Improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.
9. Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
10. Reduces symptoms associated with pancreatitis.
11. Helps relieve symptoms and reduce health risks associated with diabetes.
12. Reduces problems associated with malabsorption syndrome and cystic fibrosis.
13. Improves calcium and magnesium absorption and supports the development of strong bones and teeth.
14. Helps protect against osteoporosis.
15. Helps relieve symptoms associated with gallbladder disease.
16. Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
17. Improves digestion and bowel function.
18. Relieves pain and irritation caused by hemorrhoids.
19. Reduces inflammation.
20. Supports tissue healing and repair.
21. Supports and aids immune system function.
22. Helps protect the body from breast, colon, and other cancers.
23. Is heart healthy; improves cholesterol ratio reducing risk of heart disease.
24. Protects arteries from injury that causes atherosclerosis and thus protects against heart disease.
25. Helps prevent periodontal disease and tooth decay.
26. Functions as a protective antioxidant.
27. Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
28. Does not deplete the body's antioxidant reserves like other oils do.
29. Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
30. Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
31. Relieves symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).
32. Reduces epileptic seizures.
33. Helps protect against kidney disease and bladder infections.
34. Dissolves kidney stones.
35. Helps prevent liver disease.
36. Is lower in calories than all other fats.
37. Supports thyroid function.
38. Promotes loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate.
39. Is utilized by the body to produce energy in preference to being stored as body fat like other dietary fats.
40. Helps prevent obesity and overweight problems.
41. Applied topically helps to form a chemical barrier on the skin to ward of infection.
42. Reduces symptoms associated the psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.
43. Supports the natural chemical balance of the skin.
44. Softens skin and helps relieve dryness and flaking.
45. Prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots.
46. Promotes healthy looking hair and complexion.
47. Provides protection from damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
48. Helps control dandruff.
49. Does not form harmful by-products when heated to normal cooking temperature like other vegetabl oils do.
50. Has no harmful or discomforting side effects.
51. Is completely non-toxic to humans.

Raw Vegan Lucuma-Kissed Donut Holes

 

This recipe is full of super foods- almonds, dates, pineapple, sea salt, lucuma, and coconut... And,  it's amazing how their flavors and textures come together to create a healthier version of a favorite food- donut holes!  Bon Appetit! 

Inspired from a recipe in Ani's Raw Food Kitchen by Ani Phyo. 

Ingredients: 
1 and 3/4 c. raw almonds
1/2 tsp. sea or himalayan salt
1 vanilla bean, scraped or 1 tsp. extract
2 c. dried, unsulphured pineapple
2 c. pitted dates
3-4 T. lucuma powder
1 heaping scoop Sun Warrior Brown brand Sprouted Rice Vanilla protein powder
1 heaping T. coconut oil
2 T. Really Raw brand agave nectar
1/4 c. shredded coconut

Instructions:  In a food processor, place almonds, salt, and vanilla.  Process into a fine powder.  Slowly add chopped pineapple and dates, mixing well.  Add the protein powder, coconut oil, agave and agave nectar, continuing to mix until well incorporated.  Place the "dough" in a large bowl. 

To serve, use an ice cream scooper or spoon to form donut holes.  Roll holes into a small bowl of 1/4 c. shredded coconut. 

Enjoy!

Serving idea:  Have these with Gynostemma tea instead of traditional coffee- or even Teecino for a more reminiscent flavor!

Naturally Sweetened, (Vegan) Gluten-Free Blueberry Muffins

The Magical Ingredients:
1 3/4 c. sweet brown rice flour
1/4 c. raw coconut palm sugar
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 T. grated lemon rind
1 c. almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk or rice milk
1 T. extra virgin coconut oil, melted
1/2 c. applesauce
1/4 c. raw coconut nectar
10 ounces wild blueberries, fresh or defrosted

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.  Prepare your muffin pan by lining with paper cups or greasing with coconut oil.

2.  In a bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, and lemon rind.  Stir together with a wire whisk.

3.  In a separate bowl, combine the milk, oil, fruit puree, maple sytrup, and blueberries.  Stir gently to just combine.

4.  Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and combine gently.

5.  Scoop into the muffin pan and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.  An inserted toothpick should come out clean. 

Adapted from a Recipe in The Chopra Center Cookbook, one of my favorites because of the extensive use of flavorful herbs in all of the recipes and the emphasis on Ayurvedically balanced flavors:

   














Why use Coconut Palm Sugar/Nectar?
Coconut sugar and sap is a pure, raw, delicious, low glycemic sweetener rich in nutrients.  It is an abundant source of minerals, 17 amino acids, vitmain C, broad-spectrum B vitamins, and has a nearly neutral pH.

   













Extra Tip:

If you own a Vitamix or BlendTec blender, you can make your own FRESH flour by simply placing any whole grain in the blender and blending it for a few minutes until it is a powdery consistency.  I highly recommend this for maximum freshness, nutrition, and pranic quality of your food-
   

Healthy Raw Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cinnamon Morning Latte for the MassAppeal Show!

What could be more fun or more healthy that starting your day with chocolate?  Practically nothing!.. which is why I'm sharing this recipe with your for a Healthy Raw Chocolate, Vanilla, and Cinnamon Morning Latte.

This beautiful concoction does four main things for you:

1- Gives your both instant and long-lasting energy.
2- Fuels your body with an abundance of nutrition to start your day.
3- Boosts your immune system.
4- Helps you start your day off on the right food by boosting the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which gently and naturally nudges your mood in a positive direction!

Another bonus of this breakfast is that it tastes amazing and can be a savored addition to your morning ritual.  There is no sacrifice in healthy eating if you know what you're doing!

All of the ingredients for this morning latte can be ordered from:


The Ingredients (for 2 servings):

2 c. warm/hot water- soothingly warm, but not so hot that it burns your finger
4 T. raw chocolate powder
1 T. extra virgin coconut oil
1/2 c. truly raw cashews
3 T. unheated, unprocessed honey (preferably wildflower and from your local area)
1/2 tsp. raw vanilla bean powder
1 tsp. organic cinnamon powder
a pinch Sea Salt

Blend well and savor.  Share it with a friend! 


Each and every ingredient in this healthy raw chocolate , vanilla, and cinnamon morning latte has a long list of health benefits.  Here is a brief summary of why I chose each of these specific ingredients when formulating this recipe:

Soothingly warm/hot water:  Drinking a warm beverage is an excellent way to help your body wake up in the morning, especially when it's turning chillier outside.  The temperature I'm recommend here is just a bit less than boiling hot because adding boiling water to the other ingredients in this drink would actually destroy some of their nutrients. 

Pure Raw Chocolate Powder:  Raw chocolate is unprocessed and additive-free.  And, perhaps more importantly, it has not been heated or roasted.  Chocolate is an amazing superfood, but it takes on some undesirable qualities when it is roasted and mixed with dairy, sugar, and other ingredients.  By using raw chocolate, you gain the benefit of 700% more antioxidants than even the best organic non-raw chocolate.  You also gain additional brain and mood-boosting chemicals that are present in raw chocolate but not in any other types of chocolate since they are destroyed by heat.  Chocolate is the number one source of magnesium in nature.  We know that 80% of Americans are chronically deficient in magnesium and this mineral is crucial for brain health, bone health, heart health, and the ability to cope and perform well in stressful situations.  Eating raw chocolate is a healthful and delicious way to begin to add more magnesium to your diet and start reaping these benefits!  If you want to learn more about raw chocolate, I suggest reading Naked Chocolate by David Wolfe and Shazzie.  There is some interesting biochemical information in the book as well as historical information.  (Did you know chocolate was considered so valuable in some cultures that it was used as currency?!)

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil:  Coconut oil got a 'bad rap' several years ago as some studies came out regarding the negative effects of hydrogenated coconut oil.  Coconut oil in its natural, unprocessed state, is probably the healthiest oil on the planet, assisting with health problems ranging form skin disorders to diabetes.  Several books have been written about extra virgin coconut oil because it truly is a panacea.  It nourishes the thyroid gland, assisting with under or overactive thyroid.  It boosts metabolism, assisting with weight loss.  And, it is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal, helping to prevent common ailments like the cold and flu.

Truly Raw Cashews:  Cashews labeled raw that you find at the health food store or supermarket are by and large heat extracted and not really raw.  Cashews are rich in zinc, which helps your body to digest damaged collagen and rebuild new collagen in your skin.  Raw cashews are also rich in oleic fatty acids that are highly beneficial for your skin when eaten in their unheated state.  Truly raw cashews can be purchased on-line at specialty stores.

Raw Honey:  Honey is made from the nectar that bees sip from flower blossoms.  It is a universal medicine, sweetener, and nutrient resource.  There is a tremendous amount of research on raw honey from Russia, where it was noted that the most people living past one hundred were in fact beekeepers.  Raw, unprocessed honey is the richest food source of live, rejuvenating enzymes.  Research has indicated that it increases mental alertness, reflexes, and even IQ.

Raw Vanilla Bean:  Unmistakably, vanilla in its purest state is the most delicious type of vanilla.  Its flavor beautifully enhances the flavor of chocolate, which is why we use it here.   As a side note, vanilla, like chocolate, has aphrodisiac properties.  So, keep it in mind for Valentine's day recipes (wink, wink).

Cinnamon:  Cinnamon balances blood sugar, improves digestion, and improves circulation- warming you up on those brisk fall mornings!

Sea Salt:  Adding sea salt to a sweet recipe is a culinary secret.  The salty flavor helps to bring out the sweetness of the drink.  For health purposes, it also adds valuable trace minerals necessary for human health yet only found in the ocean, and it adds some electrolytes to our drink.

Want to learn more?  Buy these books for your home library.  If you buy just one, buy the Superfoods book on the left.  It contains information about all of the superfoods mentioned in this post:
  

My Raw Pastry Experiment: Almond-Date Scones with Silly Strawberry Jam

Sprouting grains and low-temperature 'baking' them into bread is an ancient practice that yields very satisfying results!  You end up with a delicious, chewy result that is truly satiating.  Once you've tasted the sweetness of real, heirloom whole grain, you stop desiring the skeletonized version (i.e. Wonder Bread!).  Enjoy this recipe! 

The base of this scone is sprouted Kamut.  Sprouting the kamut turns its sugars into a more assimilable form, similar to the type in fruits.  According to Tonya Zavasta, "Kamut originated in ancient Egypt in the Tigris-Euphrates Valley... The grain, which has humpbacked kernels, is larger than common wheat, has 40% more protein, and is higher in lipids, amino acids, viatmins, and minerals.  Kamut has a buttery flavor that has not been corrupted by modern farming techniques designed to produce higher yields... Fewer people show allergic reactions to this grain than to ordinary wheat, which represents a huge health benefit for wheat-intolerant individuals."
















Date and Walnut Scones :  A Recipe by Cherie Soria
(Note:  I substituted almonds for the walnuts:  Feel free to use either nut.)

(dehydrator needed)
Yield: 8 scones (8 servings)
These sweet, dense breads are reminiscent of English scones.

Nutrition Note:  With 10 grams of fiber, 7 grams of protein, and a nice complement of vitamins, minerals, and
essential fatty acids, these scones are no ordinary sweet treat.
 1 1/2 cups (370 mL) kamut or winter wheat berries, sprouted for 36 hours, rinsed, and drained
 3/4 cup (185 mL) chopped pitted dates, packed
 3/4 cup (185 mL) walnuts, soaked and dehydrated (I substituted almonds)
 1 teaspoon (5 mL) ground cinnamon
 Pinch of ground nutmeg
 Pinch of salt
1. Process the kamut in a food processor fitted with the S blade until the grains are broken into 3 or more
pieces each. The mixture should be sticky but not mushy.
2. Loosely separate the dates and add them to the food processor along with remaining ingredients. Process
just until the dates and walnuts are mixed in and broken into pieces. The dough should not be smooth; the
date and walnut pieces should still be visible.
3. Transfer the dough to a dehydrator tray lined with a nonstick sheet and press it firmly into a round shape,
about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
4. Cut the round into 8 equal wedges. Separate them on the nonstick sheet, and dehydrate at 125 degrees
F/50 degrees C for 2 hours.
5. Lower the temperature to 105 degrees F/40 degrees C and continue dehydrating for another 3 hours.
6. Turn the scones over onto a mesh-lined dehydrator tray (without the nonstick sheet), and dehydrate for
2–3 hours longer, or until dry and crusty on the outside and tender and moist on the inside. Serve warm or cold.
7. Stored in an airtight container, Date and Nut Scones will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to
2 months in the freezer.
Note: If you like, the bread may be warmed in the dehydrator at 125 degrees F (50 degrees C) for an hour before serving.



Bridget's Silly Strawberry Jam:

1/2 c. Strawberries (actually, any berries will work)
2-3 tsp. raw honey or 2-3 dates (preferably Bahri, which are a lower glycemic variety)
1 tsp. lemon juice

Below is a picture of this jam, made with blueberries, and spread onto a toasted, organic brown rice English muffin from Food for Life.