Coconut Peanut Butter Granola

I have been so in the mood for peanut butter lately. I go in phases with my nut butters. After a long winded love affair with macadamia butter, I think I am ready to move on to another one of my favorites....PEANUT BUTTER!! Just got home from the health food store with some organic peanut butter so I can make some super delicious Coconut Peanut Butter Granola! You have to try this!




Coconut Peanut Butter Granola
ingredients
2 cups oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/3 cup agave
1/4 cup coconut oil
1 tbsp coconut butter
3/4 cup coconut flakes
sea salt

directions
1. To keep it RAW: Mix everything together in bowl and enjoy OR
2. Preheat oven to 275
3. Heat all ingredients in saucepan until melted except oats and coconut flakes
4. Then add oats and coconut flakes and mix together
5. Spread on cookie sheet, cook for 10 min. Remove and spread around, place back in oven and cook for another 10 min. Let cool and YUMMY!

Banana Coconut Ice Cream

I made this for my husband tonight and he loved it! I have been playing around with different frozen banana ice cream recipes and this one takes the cake! Try changing up the dried fruit or using cocoa nibs instead! If you love ice cream, you'll love this!

ingredients
3 frozen bananas
1/4 cup dried coconut
1/4 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp coconut butter
2 tbsp water

directions
1. throw everything in either the blender or food processor and process until smooth
2. SAY YUMMY!!!

What Should I Do With My Juice Pulp?

There are so many uses for juice pulp, like using it in raw pies, breads, and mock salads. But here is just another use if you still have a ton left over after all of your cooking or uncooking is done and you don't want to put it in your compost just yet! Skin Care Product!!! Depending on your skin type, use these masks accordingly. Mix 1 tbsp of pulp with any base mask of your choice. I just started using this French Green Clay and I LOVE IT! So now all there is to do is add a little pulp to my clay paste and apply to my skin : ) Have fun with a day at the SPA in your very own bathroom!

Apple Pulp: Slightly acidic. Soothes and gently exfoliates

Asparagus Pulp: Stimulating. Dries up pimples

Carrot Pulp: Antiseptic. Heals pimples

Fresh Fig Pulp: Softens and soothes. Used for cleansing

Pear Pulp: Cools and soothes hot, sunburnt skin

Pineapple Pulp: An astringent wash for oily skin

Radish Apple Onion Salad w. Dill Dressing

I found a similar recipe to this about a year ago from one of the handouts at my local farmer's market. Since then, I have taken out some of their ingredients, added my own, and put a twist on the dressing. This has to be one of my favorites for salads or at least on the top of the list. It's super easy, satisfies both my salty and sweet tooth, and loads me up with nutrition for the afternoon. This is great in the Spring but I love it any time of the year really.

Radish Apple Onion Salad w. Dill Dressing

ingredients

6 radishes thinly sliced

2 apples, cored, seeded, thinly sliced (toss them in juiced lemon to prevent browning)

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

dressing

3 tbsp apple cider vinegar

pinch of stevia or other sweetener

1 tsp sea salt

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp dried dill (or 2 tbsp chopped fresh)

directions

1. Combine all vegetables in bowl

2. Combine all dressing ingredients and whisk

3. Add dressing to veggies, mix, serve. That's it!

Autumn Sweet Potato Soup (Dairy/Soy Free)

My family had three Thanksgivings this year! Thanksgiving day at my Mom's, day after at my Aunt Gail's, day after that Aunt Susan's. On day two, my aunt made a delicious and nutritious Sweet Potato Soup that was so good that I decided to recreate it using my own creative twist and whatever else I had to use up in my fridge. I only had about one celery stalk but had a huge broccoli stalk headed towards its death in the crisper so I chopped that up and used it instead of the additional celery. I left the skin on the potatoes and the apple for the added fiber. This soup is excellent when it's cold outside and there is nothing better then a hot bowl of soup. Really warming, extremely grounding, and full of LOVE!

Creamy Sweet Potato Soup

ingredients

3 lbs sweet potatoes, chopped

1 tbsp olive oil

1 sweet onion, chopped

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 apple, chopped

6-7 cups water

2 tsp sea salt

pepper

ginger to taste (optional)

directions

1. Roast potatoes in oven on 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes (until cooked)

2. Heat olive oil on medium high and add onions, apples, and celery. Let saute for about 15 minutes or until cooked through

3. Add cooked potatoes, water, salt, and pepper and bring to a boil. Simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add soup to your blender and blend or use an immersion blender to mix up and say YUMM!!

My New Favorite Breakfast Bar

With my schedule these past few weeks, I have desperately needed a breakfast on the go. For years I have been on the hunt for a good breakfast bar that isn't loaded with flour, sugar, additives, and a bunch of other ingredients that will take away my energy rather then give me energy, but have had NO LUCK : (

That all changed about two weeks ago when I was walking through my health food store market in the raw food section and figured I would try a rather pricey yet raw breakfast bar. Let me tell you, it was more then worth it and I am ready to share it!I Of course my requirements were delicious and nutritious but it didn't stop there! This is a one of a kind raw, vegan, organic, most importantly SUPER EASY, breakfast bar that has the potential of leaving you satiated until lunch! It doesn't get much better then that when looking for a breakfast/snack bar on the run.

So here is my new found secret! It's Lydia's Organics! My two favorites are the Spirulina and Cocoa Crunch. YUMMY! You have got to try this for yourself. If you can't find them in your health food store, grab them online at Lydia's online store.

Easy Raw Thanksgiving Recipes

So for this year's thanksgiving, we are going to my parent's house like we do every year. I figured, if I wanted to have some dessert and healthy side dishes I better step in. I've decided to be responsible for making the apple pie and cranberry sauce. I am NOT talking about the buttery, floury, sugary filled apple pie, that feels like you have just consumed a brick after dinner. I'm talking about an even tastier, healthier, raw apple pie that doesn't make you feel guilty even after your third slice!

So the recipe is super easy and can be put together in a pinch. No need for your oven or long wait time for the apples to get just right. Just get out your food processor and you are good to go!

Yummy Raw Apple Pie!

As for the cranberry sauce, since I prefer not indulging in cranberry sauce that is held together by who knows what to create some jellow looking glob, I decided to find a recipe that could provide some great nutrition to my body without giving me the sugar spike and crash. I am so excited to try this really yummy looking recipe on Angelic Monkey's blog.

Raw Cranberry Sauce (recipe from Angelic Monkey blog)

Raw Cranberry Sauce

Raw Cranberry Sauce (recipe from Angelic Monkey blog)
ingredients
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 apple peeled
1 orange (zest first then peel, cut, quarter)
pinch of cinnamon
5 dates, pitted

directions
1. Combine everything in food processor
2. Pulse in food processor if you like it chunky or blend  in blender if you like it smooth

Click here for more health thanksgiving recipes!

Raw Apple Pie

Lisa's Raw Apple Pie

ingredients

crust

1 cup pecans

1 cup walnuts

16 dates (remove pits)

filling

5 apples (variety is best)

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

2 tsp juice of lemon

directions

1. Mix crust ingredients in food processor, roll crust in ball, flatten in pie dish

2. Mix filling ingredients in food processor, pour on top of crust (if you want to slice apples instead to make it pretty instead of mixing in food processor you can, but I like them all chopped up). Do a taste test and add more of any of the filling ingredients to taste.

3. Line pie dish with pecan pieces around circumference of pie (optional but enhances the crust like feeling on the edges).

Click here for more delicious healthy thanksgiving recipes!

Falling In Love...With Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

I love helping people find healthy alternatives for sweets and candies. When I was about 5 or 6 years old, my grandmother owned a candy shop and I decided to be her little helper for the day. For my break, she took me to her friends restaurant upstairs from her shop where I helped her bake chocolate chip cookies for her customers. She let me eat as much of the raw cookie dough as I wanted and I think from then on, I fell in love. In love with the raw cookie dough that was.

So now, over 20 years later, my cookie dough craving still sneaks up on me from time to time. With a bunch of food sensitivities and not being a big fan of those sugar ups and downs, the raw cookie dough I grew up on wasn't an option. So here's to all of us health conscious, food sensitive, cookie dough cravers out there that want a nutritious cookie dough snack without having to sacrifice ANY flavor! Raw cookie dough that is actually nutritious AND delicious??? 


Some of these simple ingredients are oats, cocoa nibs, and cashews. Here's the full recipe!

The Truth About Coconut Oil : How To Use It In Desserts

No I am not talking about the coconut that is found in a Mounds Candy Bar. I am talking about Certified Organic, RAW, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil baby! This stuff has to be my new favorite. Coconut oil comes from the oil extracted from fresh coconut meat. It has gotten such a bad wrap over the years. Reason being, because everyone is concerned about the saturated fat that it contains. BUT, the saturated fat in raw, extra virgin coconut oil is NOT THE SAME as the saturated fat found in hydrogenated oils. Hydrogenation occurs when oil is heated at very high temperatures and the fats in oil turn into  trans fats. This is why you want to make sure that when you are buying coconut oil, you are buying the one that is is labeled, Raw, Extra Virgin, Cold Pressed, Organic if possible, Coconut oil, so that you can take advantage of every single health promoting effect it contains. Look who else might start really enjoying it!


Try this DELICIOUS Chocolate Walnut Truffle Recipe!

What can it do for me?
Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid which is known for being antiviral, anti microbial, and anti fungal. It is easily digested and gives us quick sustained energy unlike sugar or many processed foods. Contrary to popular belief, coconut oil actually increases our metabolic rate, burns off more fat, and leads to weight loss. It's incredible for the skin, lips, and hair and absorbs quickly so you are not all oily.

How do I use it?
Replace it for any butter or oil as a spread. Start adding it to your smoothies, raw foods, dehydrated food recipes, infant and baby food, ice cream and baking and sauteing. It has one of the highest smoke points over any other oil.

4 Legged Friend With Shiny Hair, Strong Nails, Healthy Skin...Who and What am I talking about?

Most mornings I struggle to open up the dark container with the pretty colorful label filled with my favorite coconut oil because I always seem to screw the cap on too tight. I am not forcing the lid open for me either, well maybe I have a taste, but it's for my soulmate, best friend, loving, cutie Sharlena. Sharlena is my 5 year old dog that has a great build, a beautiful shiny coat, strong nails for climbing trees (her breed is known to climb trees but she doesn't know how), and moisturized skin. I scoop about a tbsp into her bowl after she finishes her dog food and by the time I finish washing the spoon I used to scoop it in her bowl, I turn around and she has gobbled it all up! She LOVES IT!!!

Sometimes, I just sit there and watch her gobble it up giggling the entire time. I don' t know why I get such a kick out of the fact that I give my dog coconut oil, and she loves it. It's just funny to see how our dogs like superfoods like we do. My dog is very picky. She won't eat everything. She doesn't like sweets, and really likes the healthy stuff. From treating her body well, and listening to her senses, look at how big her smile is! She is so energetic, loves taking long car rides, and feels great that she is shining from the inside out... This might also have to do with the Green Superfoods I have been giving her. More Raw Superfoods for your 4 legged friends!

Chocolate Walnut Truffles

Chocolate Walnut Truffles
I came across this recipe yesterday and these looked delicious! I put my own twist on it. Instead of the agave nectar I added dates to keep this recipe as whole as possible. I didn't heat the coconut oil to keep it raw and more nutritious and you can try using different dried fruits in place of the dates. This is a great snack on the go and an easy start to encorporating coconut oil!

ingredients

1/4 cup extra virgin coconut oil

1 cup raw walnuts

1/4 cup cocoa powder

3 medjool dates
dash of sea salt

directions

1. Process walnuts in food processor until finely ground, set aside

2. Mix coconut oil, cocoa powder, and dates in food processor

2. Add ground walnuts and process everything.

4. Spoon small portions and roll into balls. Roll balls in cocoa powder

5. Store in fridge or freezer

Raw Basil Pesto

So my husband just got his food sensitivities test back. I am going to have to start getting really creative with our dinners. I started tonight and transformed Ani Phyo's Pesto recipe into my own so that my husband can eat it. It turned out so good!!! I thought getting rid of the garlic in a pesto recipe would have killed it but it SAVED it!!! I didn't use as many nuts and I'm glad I didn't because my stomach can't handle it. You can use this in sushi, as a spread for flax crackers, or added to pasta's, grains, or raw grains if you are on a raw food diet!

Raw Basil Pesto
ingredients
2 cups basil leaves
1/2 cup salted pistachios
1 small lime, juiced
1/4 cup olive oil

directions
1. Grind pistachios in food processor, set aside
2. Pulse basil leaves down to small pieces in food processor
3. Add pistachios, lime juice, and olive oil in the food processor and mix everything all together
4. YUMMY!!

variation
add to pastas, flax crackers, or sushi

Sesame Cinnamon Oatmeal

I had these this morning and they were so satisfying! Not too sweet and not too much cinnamon. They were just right and kept me satiated until lunch. Enjoy it!

ingredients
1 cup oat groats
2 large turkish figs
1/2 tbsp cinnamon
2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sesame seeds

directions
1. Soak oat groats overnight and rinse
2. Add groats, figs, cinnamon, and water to food processor and process until creamy
3. Top with sesame seeds for an added crunch!

Raw Banana Pancakes

ingredients

1 cup ground flax seed
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 banana
sea salt
cinnamon

directions
1. mix all ingredients in blender on low
2. form into little patties and eat!

variation
add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or drizzle apple butter on top

Chickpea Miso Soup

This Soup is so easy to make. It takes about 15 before spoon filled goodness enters your mouth and the warm sensations of a first bite of hot soup runs down your throat and into your tummy ; ) I found this recipe on the side of the chickpea miso container by this company. Being a little chef in my own kitchen, I now know how flavorful leeks are in soups, Oh My Goodness, Wow! Definitely will be using more leeks in soups to come!

Chickpea Miso Soup
2 leeks, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 cup chickpeas
4-5 tbsp chickpea miso (or miso of choice)
4 cups water

directions
1. Bring leeks and carrots to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes
2. Add chickpeas and cook an additional 5 minutes
3. Mix a little of the water with miso paste until it becomes a liquid
4. Add miso to soup and turn off heat
5. Serve and enjoy!

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls
Recipe inspired by www.loveveggiesandyoga.com
ingredients
2/3 cup cashews

1/3 cup oats

4 medjool dates

1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup cocoa nibs
2 tbsp water
Here is where to buy my favorite Cocoa Nibs!

directions

1. Blend oats and cashews into a flour

2. Add dates, vanilla, and water, then blend into dough

3. Stir in cocoa nibs

4. Wet your hands and roll into ball

5. Store in fridge or freezer for an easy to grab snack!

variations

add chopped walnuts or enjoy cookies with a tall glass of my Raw nut milk

Raw Chocolate Pudding

ingredients
1 avocado
1 banana
2 tbsp carob powder

directions

1. blend until smooth
2. store in fridge for 2-3 days, or in popsicle

variation

mix with strawberries, granola, or hemp seeds

Banana Nut Muffins (Gluten/Dairy/Egg Free)

These muffins are delicious!! I found these on this website and decided to play around with the recipe. I like to keep the sugar content in my recipes to a minimum or use whole foods to sweeten it up as much as I can. You can bake these or dehydrate them if you want to keep this a raw recipe. Whatever works for you. I kept these in my refrigerator in a closed container for a week and they stayed nice and fresh! Yummy Yummy!

Banana Nut Muffins (Gluten/Diary/Egg Free)

1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup flax meal (ground flax seeds)
1 banana
1/3 cup hazelnut meal (ground hazelnuts)
4 dates
2 tbsp agave
1 tsp cinnamon

directions
1. Blend cashews and flax
2. Add remaining ingredients and blend
3. Pour into muffin tins
4. Bake 350 degrees for 20 - 25 min (or dehydrate overnight to keep it a raw recipe)

What do you want?

With the jewish new year just passing, praying to god for forgiveness from my sins this past weekend, and many others in my passing suggesting this exercise, I made an "I Want" list. I also made a "How Can I Serve" list to go along with it. I think it is extremely helpful to write your deepest dreams and desires down on paper so that you are more clear with the path and direction you are about to travel on for the coming year. Check mine out and then try it for yourself!

what do I want:

- take steps to become a spiritual teacher

- find calm and quiet inside of myself

- feel comfort and trust in silence

- have faith and strength to feel the presence of the unknown

- find comfort in my own spirit

- de-layer my shields of protection and walk bare through the light of space

- begin writing a book on life as a spiritual being in a material world

- create a safe environment for cleaning past wounds and moving on with life in a lighter more spacious way

- clean up the clutter in my life so that I can be more fluid and spacious

- walk through life like a whale swims through the sea

- feel fully satisfied with day to day 

- follow my heart so that I no longer have the urge to run from present tasks

- explore my spiritual power and use it fearlessly

- see god inside of everything that crosses my path

- connect with the god within myself so that I can connect to the god within others and easily forgive

- find community that connects me to me

- find authentic relationships that feel easy and fun

- self express through art

- feed my body with healthy amounts of nutritious foods that can support and energize me

- find movement that feels comfortable and safe for my body

- give myself a push out into the world in moments of unhealthy isolation

- stay with the feelings of discomfort and fear when making the choice not to stuff my feelings down with food

- love my body and mind NOW

- act from a loving, peaceful, and nurturing place

- use my words to honor my hearts message

- become one with inpatient energy in order to calm the waters and settle my anxiety

- forgive myself

- accept what is

- acknowledge my presence and existence and make space in this universe for me

- listen to others

- transform fear into nurture, trust, and love

how can I serve?

- be the strength that others might not have so that it gives them the strength to feel deeply

- help others return home to their hearts

- help others de-layer the exterior shell of pain and suffering and find peace and comfort in the core of their spirit

- inspire large crowds/public speaking

- take people on a journey into their hearts truth

- help others create a safe environment for cleaning past wounds and moving on with life in a lighter more spacious way

- help others connect to their god energy that exists inside their hearts

- guide others to finding comforting spirituality that satisfies their every moment

- help others find comfort in life and death

- author a book that inspires many

- volunteer

Goji Grape Rice Zinger

ingredients

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

sliced grapes

goji berries

squeeze of lemon juice

directions

1. mix all together in bowl

2. ZING!

how do I cook brown rice?

1 cup brown rice, 2 cup water, bring to boil, simmer covered for 50 min, let sit covered for 5, uncover, fluff, serve.

Ruby Red Tomato & Pepper Salad

ingredients

1 large tomato

2 red peppers

1 green pepper

1/2 lemon juiced

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp olive oil

sea salt to taste

directions

1. cut tomato into wedges, then cut wedges in half

2. cut pepper into slices, then cut slices in half

3. add remaining ingredients and stir

4. chill in fridge (optional)

5. serve!

Crunchy Cheezy Brown Rice (Dairy/Soy Free)

ingredients

1 cup brown rice cooked

1/2 cup sprouted raw buckwheat

1 tbsp sunflower seeds

1 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp nutritional brewers yeast

1/8 tsp sea salt

directions

1. add all ingredients in bowl and stir together

2. eat!

how do I cook brown rice?
1 cup brown rice, 2 cup water, bring to boil, simmer covered for 50 min, let sit covered for 5, uncover, fluff, serve.

Chocolate Smoothie Energizer

ingredients

1 banana
1/4 cup soaked pecans
1 tbsp raw cacoa nibs
1 tsp maca powder (optional)
1 cup water
2 ice cubes

directions

1. blend everything in blender
2. top with some cocoa nibs
3. outrageous!!

Where Will You Be?

Where do you think you will be a year from now? What if I told you that this exercise will give you a look into your future and life in the coming year? I went to a spiritual gathering this past weekend and was given a little exercise. I want to pass it on to those ready to see their future and what will transform in these coming months.

1. Take out piece of paper, pen (maybe a few sheets)

2. Write a letter to yourself as if it is already a year from now. 

3. You will write to yourself about where you are, where you have come from, what you are doing, what you are proud of, what you are grateful for, what surprises you, what goals you have accomplished, what are your goals for the following year.

4. You will hide this letter in a drawer for the next year of your life.

5. Mark your calendar a year from now for a reminder of where your letter is located and read it to yourself on that day.

6. Have you been accurate on what has happened over the year? Does anything surprise you? Was there something in your letter that you said would happen but hasn't yet?

Stay tuned for how my letter turns out and how I was able to read into my future! xoxo

Top 12 Foods To Eat Organic

When organic prices are high and we are on a budget, how about narrowing your organic shopping list to just 12 items? This is a list of the current produce with the highest level of pesticides. 

1. Peaches

2. Apples

3. Sweet Bell Peppers

4. Celery

5. Nectarines

6. Strawberries

7. Cherries

8. Lettuce

9. Grapes

10. Pears

11. Spinach

12. Potatoes

The Plentiful Pistachio

Pistachios are loaded with protein, fiber, and iron, have a long shelf life, and are great for some easy energy on the go! Here are some nutritional facts that might leave you going back for another handful.

Potassium Chloride

Great for balancing your blood chemistry especially for those who drink a lot of caffeine. May even reduce irregular heartbeat, kidney problems, fatigue, and weakness.

Phosphorus

Pistachios are high in phosphorus, which helps us bream down proteins in amino acids necessary for hormone production. Great for our bodies making us of Vitamin B. If your phosphorus is low, it could cause glucose intolerance and lead to diabetes, so eat up and protect yourself!

Magnesium

Need some help stabilizing your sugar highs and lows? Magnesium is great for that by helping us regulate our blood sugar levels. Can also promote normal blood pressure!

Calcium

Pistachios provide almost half as much of calcium as cow's milk. Most of us have a dairy sensitivity we may not even know about and pistachios can be a great dairy alternative.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is great for improving eyesight and fighting viral infections. A small amount is found in pistachios. Swee potatoes and carrots have a higher Vitamin A content, but when you are tired of those orange and yellow fruits and veggies, go for the pistachios instead!

8 Creative Ways To Use Oatmeal

1. Treat Acne. Cook, cool until warm, apply to area, let sit for a minute, rinse.

2. Absorb Odor. Leave an open container of oatmeal in the fridge.
3. Soothe Skin. Relieves sunburn, poison ivy, and heals skin.
4. Soothe Dogs Itchy Skin. Mix half oatmeal, half warm water in bowl and mix until starchy texture is formed. Fill a sock with mixture. Rub in circular motion to affected area for 10 minutes. Clean with water and washcloth when finished. Repeat until itchiness decreases.
5. Bath Time. Soak for 20 minutes in warm bath and add: 1 cup coconut milk. 2 cups uncooked oatmeal. 1 tbsp honey.
6. Exfoliate. 2 heaping tsp oatmeal. 1 tsp baking soda. Combine, and mix enough water to make a paste. Rub on skin gently and rinse.
7. Clay for Kids. 1 cup rolled oats. 2/3 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup water. Non toxic food coloring (optional). Add coloring to water first. Add remaining ingredients and knead together. Add more flour if necessary until smooth and not too sticky. Make your art piece. Let sit overnight to harden.
8. Workout Boost. Instead of energy drinks and bars, try some oatmeal before your workout to increase energy and endurance.

Inspired by www.thedailygreen.com