Easy Guacamole

 

 I really really REALLY love avocados! They are so creamy and perfect! One of my most favorite things to make with avocados is fresh guacamole. It is fairly easy, especially if you have just made some fresh salsa. 

Easy Guacamole

1 avocado

1-2 pinches Himalayan salt

pinch onion powder

2-3 spoonfuls fresh salsa (in a pinch use canned salsa)

Peel avocado and remove pit. Mash with a fork until creamy. Add seasonings and salsa and mix. Perfect on taco salad, raw tacos and with organic corn chips. As you can see, my measurements on this are not exact, I go a lot by taste!

RAW Chocolate Mousse Tarts

After I made the raw tacos last week, I decided to concoct a raw chocolate mousse. (Remember my sister was visiting and she adores chocolate!) It turned out fabulous...I even topped it with some fresh chocolate mint from my garden. Heaven!

Chocolate Mousse Tarts

(crust)

1 cup almonds (soaked for added nutrition)

3 T raw agave

Process ingredients in a food processor until they start to form a ball. Line a muffin tin and place 1 T scoop in each tin and press down. Makes 12 tarts. Place in freezer to form.

(filling)

2 ripe avocados, peeled

1/2 cup dates

2 T coconut oil

2 T raw cacao

2 T water

3 T raw agave

pinch Himalayan salt

pinch cinnamon (optional)

Place all ingredients in Vitamix and blend well until smooth consistency. Set in fridge/freezer until cold. Put  spoonfuls on tart crust and top with desired garnishes. Serve cold.

(garnish)

fresh raspberries

fresh mint

RAW Tacos

These are SO GOOD!!  I absolutely LOVE Mexican food and I have been wanting to experiment with making some raw tacos for quite some time. My sister was here from St. George last week. Since I knew she would appreciate eating raw food, it was just the motivation I needed to make these. There are many layers to the taco, but you can change it up however you would like. You can also make up everything ahead of time for convenience and then place in fridge. Enjoy!

RAW Tacos

(Taco Filling)

1 cup walnuts

1 t cumin

1/2 t chipotle chili powder

1/2 t dried oregano

1/2 T EVOO

1/2 T Bragg liquid aminos

1/4 t Himalayan salt

1/8 t garlic powder

Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until desired consistency.

(Taco Elements)

greens for "shell" (butter lettuce, collards, cabbage, etc) 

baby carrots, chopped 

yellow bell pepper, chopped 

cilantro, chopped

avocado, sliced

Fresh Salsa

Cheezy Queso

Create the raw taco of your dreams by adding desired ingredients. The sky is the limit!

Apple Blueberry Green Smoothie

 Sometimes putting certain colors of fruit in green smoothies helps my children eat them. Case in point, my son does not really love drinking green smoothies if they look too green...I have found that putting blueberries in his green smoothie makes it a more purple/gray/dark green color and then he gobbles it right up. Hence the creation of the apple blueberry green smoothie! (My son LOVES apples and he usually wants to try whatever I make if it has apples in it.)

 Apple Blueberry Green Smoothie

1 cup water

2-3 cups spinach

2 cups frozen blueberries

1 apple

1 frozen banana

1 T raw agave (optional)

Place all ingredients in Vitamix and blend well. Remember to add ice if you are using fresh blueberries/bananas instead of frozen. And of course serve it with a special smoothie straw! Makes approximately one quart. 

"Just Like My Dad's" Salsa

 

My Dad makes amazing salsa. It is addicting!! I finally have come up with my own version of his specialty!  One thing to note about salsa is that it will always taste just a little different depending on how sweet, spicy, and fresh your ingredients are...and everyone likes theirs just a little different. So this is a basic recipe you can add more or less spice to depending on taste!

One more thing....I learned from my parents growing up that when you are cooking with tomatoes, you need to add some sweetener for the best taste. My mom always added brown sugar to her spaghetti sauce and my dad always adds sugar to his salsa! I of course use a natural sweetener, but it is definitely my secret ingredient in this salsa!!

"Just Like My Dad's" Salsa

1 yellow onion

2 t minced garlic

1-2 jalapenos, seeds removed

10 Roma tomatoes, cut in half

juice of 1/2 lime

3/4 t Himalayan salt

1/4 t cumin

1-2 T raw honey (my secret ingredient-pure maple syrup is also good)

1/2 cup chopped cilantro (another must for great salsa!)

Take onion, garlic and jalapeno and process in food processor until desired consistency. Pour into bowl. Add tomatoes to food processor and process until desired consistency. I like mine fairly chunky. Add lime, seasonings and honey and mix well. Add cilantro and stir until combined. Taste salsa and add more salt/spice/sweet if needed. Serve immediately for best results.

Green Smoothies Popsicles

 We love making green smoothie popsicles! I first got my son to even taste a green smoothie by making it into a popsicle!! I adore these ice pop molds. They are bpa free, they have a sturdy base to stand them in, they have drip guards, they are dishwasher safe, they are the perfect size, and they are easy to use.

Green Smoothies Popsicles 

Once you have a good ice pop mold, making green smoothie popsicles is easy. First make your favorite green smoothie recipe. We just made the Pineapple Berry Green Smoothie into popsicles here. You will need approximately 1/2 cup of smoothie for each popsicle. Place the lids on and freeze until solid. Once they are frozen you can even take them off the base and they store neatly. Enjoy!

Pineapple Berry Green Smoothie

 This is the perfect green smoothie for someone who wants to start drinking green smoothies and is also great for children. When you first start adding green smoothies to your lifestyle, I think it is best if you start with spinach as your greens (it is more mild) and use more fruit than greens. I would start with 40% greens and 60% fruit and then gradually add more greens until you have at least 50% greens! I think using sweeter fruit like pineapple is also a great idea. This is my children's favorite green smoothie currently. And you can always add more greens as your taste buds change which makes it a good recipe for anyone! I also give my children special wide smoothie straws that we only use for green smoothies, which they love!!  (I found these colored ones at Bed Bath and Beyond.) Enjoy!

  

Pineapple Berry Green Smoothie

1 can pineapple (100% juice)

2 cups water

4-6 cups spinach (newbys start with 4)

1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries

1 1/2 cups blueberries

1 frozen banana

Place the pineapple, water and greens in your blender. Blend lightly. Add berries and banana and mix well in Vitamix. Add ice if not using frozen fruit to attain the consistency you want.

Coconut Almond Cookies with Lemon Cheesecake Frosting

These cookies are adapted from a recipe I saw in the book Rawmazing Desserts. I changed a lot of the techniques and process of the recipe to make it easier and more raw friendly.  Here is my version! 

Coconut Almond Cookies with Lemon Cheesecake Frosting

(Cookies) 

1 cup raw almonds, soaked for 4 hours

1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup pure maple syrup*

1/4 cup agave

Process soaked almonds in a food processor. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Scoop cookie dough with a 1 T stainless steel scoop onto nonstick dehydrator sheets. Flatten dough into a cookie shape. Dehydrate at 105 degrees for approximately 12 hours, turning half way.  

(Frosting)

1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours

1/4 cup agave

1/2 cup lemon juice

zest of 2 lemons

1/3 cup coconut oil

1/2 t pure vanilla extract

1 T nutritional yeast

pinch of Himalayan salt

Combine all ingredients in a Vitamix and blend until smooth. Place frosting in fridge to get cold and firm. Place a spoonful on cookie before serving and top with fresh raspberry if desired.

*maple syrup is not raw but sometimes used in raw food preparations.

Sweet & Tangy Winter Salad

This salad is packed with produce that is in season during the winter months, it is full of flavor and it keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Sweet & Tangy Winter Salad

1 1/2 cups green cabbage, chopped

1 1/2 cups broccoli, chopped

1 1/2 cups cauliflower, chopped

1 1/2 cups carrots, chopped

1/2 cup raw cashews

1 apple, chopped (honeycrisp or pink lady preferred)

1/2 cup citrus dill vinaigrette

Mix all ingredients and serve! 

"Cheezy" Queso Dip

My husband and I both LOVE a good queso! This version has no dairy and tastes just like our favorite restaurant version! I adapted this recipe from one at simplehealthytasty. It is such a versatile dip- perfect as a queso dip with organic corn chips. (I also like to add fresh cilantro and tomatoes on top!) It is also delicious on taco salad, burritos, nachos, veggie sandwiches and to dip raw veggies in!

 "Cheezy" Queso Dip

1/2 cup nutritional yeast

1 1/2 cups raw cashews

1 yellow or red bell pepper, seeds removed

juice from one lemon

1 t minced garlic

3/4 t Himalayan salt

1/4 t cumin

1/4 t chili powder
1/4 t dried oregano

1/2 cup water

Mix everything in a Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy.

Citrus Dill Vinaigrette

Citrus Dill Vinaigrette

1 avocado

1/2 c EVOO

zest & juice of 2 lemons

zest and juice of 2 oranges

1/4 c unpasteurized apple cider vinegar

1/4 c fresh dill

2 T raw honey 

1 T spicy mustard

1 t minced garlic

Mix all ingredients in Vitamix until mixed well. Makes approximately 2 cups. This is so sweet and tangy- the perfect combo for a salad dressing! Watch for a yummy winter salad I made with this dressing! 

Creamy Almond Milk Green Smoothie

This is my children's current favorite green smoothie. It is perfect for children or someone who is just starting to make green smoothies because it has almond milk instead of water and dates for added sweetness. It is creamy and delicious!!

Creamy Almond Milk Green Smoothie

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk

3 cups (tightly packed) spinach

1 frozen banana

10 frozen strawberries 

1/4 cup dates

Add everything to Vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy. Makes one quart.

Chocolate Super Foods Green Smoothie

I have been concocting the perfect "chocolate" green smoothie for awhile.  I wanted it to be chock full of super foods, as well as have that delicious chocolate taste. It is packed with SUPER FOODS (foods that are extremely healthy and contain an abundance and variety of vitamins, minerals, and other health boosting elements) and is perfect for February, the month of chocolate...but without the sugar, dairy and unhealthy fat commonly associated with chocolate! Here are the SUPER FOODS in my chocolate green smoothie!

Kale-abundant in phytochemicals, substances associated with the prevention of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension; helps oxidize cholesterol; boosts DNA repair in cells; contains 45 different flavonoids which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. (Costco sells a huge 1.5 lb bag of organic baby kale and this is what I use!)

Flaxseed-some call it the most powerful plant food on the planet; linked to decreasing depression and anxiety; promotes cardiovascular health; 70 times higher in the cancer-preventing compound lignans (chemical compounds that act as antioxidants) than any other food; full of heart healthy omega-3 essential fatty acids; packed with soluble and insoluble fiber; aids in reducing inflammation problems (including asthma, allergies, and arthritis.) Using sprouted ground flaxseed makes it easier to digest, double the fiber, full of live enzymes, and higher in vitamin and mineral content.

Raw Cacao-contains more antioxidant flavonoids than any other food; promotes cardiovascular health; protects from environmental and metabolic toxins; raises neurotransmitters in our brains to create a more positive mood; full of essential minerals.

Raw Maca-stress fighting adaptogen used to increase energy, endurance and stamina; nourishes and supports the endocrine system; enhances libido, stimulates fertility, and regulates hormone; reduces chronic fatigue; provides an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.

Raw Almonds-packed with heart-healthy fats and fiber; aids in lowering bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol; full of vitamin E and oils that may reduce the signs of aging; plays a role in weight loss without hunger; decreases risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.

Chocolate Power Foods Green Smoothie

1 1/2 cups water

3-4 cups (tightly packed) organic baby kale

1 T sprouted ground flax seed

2 T raw cacao powder
1/2 T raw maca powder
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup dates
2 frozen bananas

1 cup ice (optional for thicker smoothie)

Place everything in Vitamix and blend until smooth. You can soak your almonds overnight for even more nutritional value.

Variations: use half spinach and half kale and 5 strawberries in place of one of the bananas.

Raw Collard "No Bean" Burritos

 

 I went to a Raw Food Bar in Salt Lake with my friend...Omar's Rawtopia. It was utterly fabulous and everything we tried was delicious and fresh. The first thing that caught my eye on his menu was his "Bean Burrito" which is a Mexican inspired dish. The "beans" were made with Tahini and sunflower seeds and the "sour cream" was made from Macadamia nuts, both wrapped in a burrito made of collard greens. The dish was just divine and of course I immediately came home and was inspired to create something similar. 

Raw Collard "No Bean" Burritos

Collard Greens
Sunflower Seed Beans
Nut Sour Cream
Sprouts
Carrots
Avocados
Grape Tomatoes

Wrap everything in a collard green burrito style, or serve as an open faced wrap.

Sunflower Seed "Beans" 

2 cups sunflower seeds (soaked for 3-4 hours if desired)

3/4 c Tahini

1 T paprika

1 T Chile powder

1 T cumin

1/2 T dried oregano

3 garlic cloves

1/4 t Himalayan salt

2 T lemon juice

1 1/2 cups water

Blend everything in Vitamix until smooth and creamy.

Nut "Sour Cream"

1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup cashews
1 cup water
1/4 c lemon juice
1 T nutritional yeast
1 t Himalayan salt
Blend everything in Vitamix until smooth and creamy.

Raw Brownies with Raw Chocolate Frosting

 I have been exploring the "raw" world of cuisine! It has been fun to read all the many things that can be made raw! Never thought I would be making a raw brownie recipe, but yes it is delicious, rich, decadent and amazingly RAW!!  This recipe is adapted from The Rawtarian. 

Raw Brownies

1 cup raw walnuts

1/3 cup raw cacao powder

1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/4 t Himalayan salt

1 T raw agave

1 cup dates

Place the walnuts in a food processor and process until they are finely ground.  Add the cacao, coconut, and salt and pulse to combine. Add the agave and dates and slowly pulse until the mixture is combined well. Press mixture into a glass 8x8 pan. 

Raw Chocolate Frosting

1 cup dates

3/4 cup water

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup raw cacao powder

1/8 t cinnamon

pinch salt

Place all ingredients in Vitamix. Blend WELL until super smooth. Scoop mixture out of blender with a spatula and spread onto the brownie mixture. Cover and place in the freezer for about an hour.  This makes it easier to cut. Remove from freezer, cut and serve!

RAW Apple Tartlets

This tart recipe is adapted from one of Matt Amsden's in his book RAWvolution. He does an amazing job with desserts! I took his large apple tart recipe and adapted it to make small bitesized tarts.  Next time I will definitely be using small ramekins to put them in, but the paper muffin liners worked good enough.

Raw Apple Tartlets
(crust)
2 cups raw almonds
1/3 cup raw agave
(filling)
2 large, crisp apples
2 T raw agave
2 T sprouted ground flax (I use Sprout Revolution brand)
1 T lemon juice
1/2 t cinnamon
pinch nutmeg
pinch allspice
1/4 cup raisins
To make the crust, finely ground the almonds in a food processor. Add agave and pulse until it combines well. Press mixture into ramekins or paper muffin liners.

For filling, core and chop apples. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Scoop mixture into the crust and serve. I made approximately 20 tarts in the muffin tins.

Mindy's Green Lemonade

I will drink this juice for breakfast quite often.  It gives me tons of energy and is very filling. I also drink this whenever I do a juice fast. This recipe was inspired by the green juice from Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. I have found that if you put half a lemon with any "greens" you are juicing that it is sublime! 

Mindy's Green Lemonade

1/2 head Romaine lettuce

3 stalks kale 

3 celery spears

handful parsley

1 cucumber

1 lemon (or 1/2 lemon and 1/2 lime)

1" cube ginger

1 Granny Smith apple (2 if you want it more sweet)

Juice all the veggies and fruit in a juicer and drink up. It is as simple as that. You have a green drink that is packed full of nutrition! 

Peach Kiwi Tartlets

 I adore fresh peaches! A lady in my neighborhood let us pick some fresh peaches from her tree so of course I had to make a fresh peach dessert! This turned out utterly amazing!!  This recipe was inspired by Matt Amsden's peach pie in his book RAWvolution. The almond crust is simply to-die-for and tastes like almond candy to me! I added some of our favorite Whipped "Coconut" Cream on top for the children to enjoy!

Peach Kiwi Tartlets

(crust)

1 cups raw almonds

2 1/2 T raw agave

(filling)

2 peaches, chopped

2 kiwis, peeled and chopped

1 T raw agave

1 T lemon juice

pinch nutmeg

pinch cinnamon

To make the crust, finely ground the almonds in a food processor. Add agave and pulse until it combines well. Press mixture into ramekins or paper muffin liners. 

Add all ingredients for filling and mix well. Scoop onto crust and serve. For added decadence, top with whipped coconut cream. (Link to the recipe above.) Makes 12 tarts.

Raw Cheesy Kale Chips

I adore kale and love the these RAW kale chips with cashew "cheese".  I have adapted the recipe from one of Green Smoothie Girl. It is the perfect healthy snack in my opinion...GREEN, crisp and salty! 

Raw Cheesy Kale Chips

2 bunches kale 

1/3 cup raw cashews

1/4 cup EVOO

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

2 T fresh lemon juice

3 T water

2 green onions

2 garlic cloves

1/2 t Himalayan salt

1/2 t chili powder

1/2 t sweet paprika

1/4 t turmeric

1/4 t black pepper

Wash and dry kale leaves and tear into small pieces. Mix all other ingredients in a Vitamix and blend until smooth.  I "painted" the mixture onto the kale with a pastry brush.  I prefer a little less "cheese" and more kale on the chips! But you can add however much you like! Place kale in a food dehydrator set at or below 115 degrees and dehydrate for 4-6 hours or until crispy.

 

Before and after the kale has been dehydrated!

Zucchini Almond Hummus Wrap

 

My friend and I went to this amazing Raw Food Bar in Utah Omar's Rawtopia! It was seriously AMAZING! We shared the "Bean Burrito / Falafel" and "Tabouli / Hummus" Combos. The food was so fresh and utterly fabulous! I came home with a determination to create some similar dishes in my own kitchen! I started with this hummus! I was inspired that Omar's is made of sprouted almonds and I was also inspired by a recipe of Matt Amsden's that is zucchini based.  I "played" in the kitchen and ended up with this zucchini almond hummus! You can serve the raw hummus in cabbage or romaine leaves. I have added different combinations of veggies and sprouts depending on what I have in my fridge! My husband and I LOVE these and have even taken them on a picnic! I keep the leftover spread in my fridge for a quick lunch!

Zucchini Almond Hummus Wrap

4 small zucchini, ends removed and cut into big chunks

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (approx 4 lemons)

1/4 cup EVOO

3/4 c raw tahini

3-4 cloves fresh garlic (depending on your spice comfort)

1 t salt

1/2 T cumin

1/2 t ground coriander (optional for additional spice)

1 cup almonds (soaked for 8 hours for added nutrients if desired)

Mix everything in a vitamix until smooth. Serve in cabbage or romaine leaves, garnished with desired combination of sprouts, grape tomatoes, avocado, bell peppers, carrots, etc.