Raw Vegan Strawberry Pie

No sweetener or sugar added, six ingredients! Cashews, strawberries, coconut oil, cinnamon. dates and almonds! And yes, it rocks! You can potentially make this treat in less than 10 mins. Have your cashews and almonds soaking to ensure a quick and simple dessert your lovers and friends will looooove!
Pie Crust
1 cup almonds
1 cup dates (soaked for a hour.)

After your almonds have soaked, drain and blend. I use a blender. When finely chopped, drain your dates and add to blender. Blend until mixed thoroughly. Smash the crust into a cake pan firmly. Onto the filling.

Pie Filling
2 cups cashews
3 cups strawberries
1 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoon cinnamon

Soak your cashews, 2 hours is ok but overnight is best. Makes the cashews ready to blend. I use a super cheap blender from….dare I say it…Walmart. Yes, I use to shop at Walmart, I choose to make that change over a year ago. I’m so glad I did…nevertheless, my blender is cheap and it does everything I need it to do.

After your cashews are soaked, drain and put in blender. (I soak them in the blender, makes it super easy.) Blend those babies until they are smooth. You are welcome to add a little water to help this progress. It will not hurt the outcome. I would not add more than a cup though.

When cashews are blended add the coconut oil, strawberries, and cinnamon. Let blend until fully uniform and creamy.

Add to your cake pan, on top of the crust and stick in the freezer for it to settle quickly.

You are done! How easy was that? And your folks are gonna love you for the sweet but healthy treat! Let’s get off the sugar together. 🙂

 

Our cow supply is POISON people! Buy grass-fed beef or make this black bean burger!

Did you know that Memorial Day is the day American’s consume the most beef? It’s a scary thought when you take into account the damaging effects of our beef supply. Monsanto waits for this day, sitting back with a grin, as we all consume one of his frankenfoods…the COW!

Yes, beef has quality nutrients but the way our cows are currently raised, leaves no benefit to our health and actually destroys our well being. Cows are meant to eat grass, not grain. Also, unfortunately, the grain is genetically modified, making the cow even more dangerous.

“When red-meat animals that would naturally eat grass are fed grain, their fatty acid ratios are altered and their good saturated fats are denatured, becoming fats. As a result, they become susceptible to sickness and disease, and require a constant dose of antibiotics. ” (The Solution to the Dangers of Modern Nutrition. Hardick. 2009.)

This is why if we do eat beef, it must be grass-fed! Give your loved ones the nutrients they need instead of meat that will oppose health. It might be more expensive but it is well worth the money. You say you want to change, start here! Go grass-fed or make this delicious black bean burger. This is what I am preparing for tonight. I paired it with some yummy pickles I made a few weeks ago 🙂

Happy Memorial Day folks! The summer is here!

Vegan Black Bean Burger

2 cups black beans

1/2 red onion

1 clove garlic

2 non-gmo corn tortillas

3 Tablespoons coconut flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

3 Tablespoon olive oil

hot water

It’s super hot! So make your beans in a crock pot. Start them three hours before you plan to prepare and cook your burgers. You can throw in the onion and garlic, completely whole, half way through. This will help the flavor and they will be ready to blend. A few minutes before you plan to blend your beans throw in the corn tortillas. You want them to be soft so they blend thoroughly.

When your beans are done transfer all the ingredients in the crock pot into a blender. Blend, adding olive oil as needed, 1 tablespoon at a time. A little bean juice or hot water can help the process also. Just add liquid slowly, by tablespoon. When it becomes consistent add your seasonings. (You can adjust them to your own liking.) Add the coconut flour and stir with a spoon.

Heat a pan, a grill, or a griddle to low-medium heat and use a slight amount of olive oil. Make sure you do not heat the olive oil to highly, it becomes rancid and virtually toxic to our well being. Form your burgers as if it were beef, this recipe should make 5 burgers. You will want it to sit on each side for about 5 mins. It should brown up just like a burger.

Serve on some lettuce with tomato and pickles and you have am extremely healthy burger. My oldest is my biggest critic and she says it tastes like meat! Lol. I will post the pickle recipe too! 🙂

Start making your own Almond milk!

I know my health conscious mothers are going to be so thrilled to learn how easy it is to make almond milk. A lot of organic brands still use carrageenan, an additive linked to cancer, and we all know this is no bueno.

Fight the lack of regulation by making your own. All you need is a bag of almonds and some fluoride free water! It of course is packing nutrients. Unlike dairy milk there is a lower calcium intake so make sure you eat plenty of leafy greens like collards and broccoli to satisfy your recommended daily intake. We eat a lot of chia seeds for calcium, too 🙂

I just made this almond milk in less than 10 minutes. I had been soaking my almonds since Saturday and finally got to create my first batch of milk. It was so simple and I will be transforming half of it into yogurt! I know, great idea! Lol. Look for that post later.

I would also like to add that this recipe cost me about $3.50! YEA!

Let me begin, super quick post for a super-doable recipe. Enhance your families and friends nutrients by making your milk at home. You will also be supporting progress to a more sustainable world.

Almond Milk

2 cups soaked almonds (for at least two days.)

8 cups distilled water (eff fluoride)

1 tablespoon cinnamon

I soaked the three cups of almonds in water for two days. I discarded the water and put the almonds into my blender. Add water (if you have a small blender start with 1 cup almonds/ 4 cups water.) Blend and strain into a large bowl, add the cinnamon and you are done. You can use any sweetener I just prefer something low in calorie and beneficial to my health.

Save the almonds for almond flour, I lay it flat on a cookie sheet and stick it into my oven to dry.) Pour your almond milk into bottles that have been boiled. (Other websites advise this so I thought I would. Lol.)

You are done my friend. Enjoy your milk within a few weeks.

You can use agave, maple syrup, honey or sugar but you are better off with the cinnamon!

 

 

 

 

 

Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market

Although, it was a bit chilly today at the first farmers’ market in Pittsburg, my heart was filled with joy. I learned a lot today since it was not crowded I talked to each tent about the pesticides being used and the fertilizers. I have some research to do but there were only two farmers who said they used pesticides. This is progress!

Talking to some of the PCFMA family I also learned that they are thinking about stopping the farmers’ market. You can imagine, I almost broke down in tears. I also heard that the Brentwood branch is thinking about ending there’s too. WTF people?!? Get out to your farmers’ market and buy some fresh produce. Make it a habit! Grocery stores are so 90’s!

There were crafts for the kids today and even a dj. They played some Michael and you know I got down for a moment. #rockwithyou Lol. Be the change and enjoy the finer things in life…REAL FOOD 🙂 There are always free samples at the fruit tents and good vibes.  You will gain a sense of community as you continue to frequent each tent every week, in your search for organics.

The Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market inspects all farmers! Check out there site: http://pcfma.com/markets.php

I scored quite a variety of produce and almonds for $25. I think it’s a deal but I am in love with food straight from the earth so I am totally biased. Why don’t you get out to your farmers’ market and show support to your local community? Ya’ll don’t wanna hear me cry about the farmers’ market closing so do your part and teach your kids how easy life can be!

White peaches were the hit this week so I grabbed a bunch and plan to make something sweet! Look for it later today 🙂 I also plan to make some pickles and almond milk. I will post those recipes too. The produce shown above will get me to Tuesday, that is when I can hit up the farmers’ market in Concord!

 

Summer goal: Get to know your farmers’ market!

This year, set a goal, to know your farmers’ market and what farmer’s grow organically. It is one of the best things you can do for yourself, no lie! The farmers’ market is where I started my changes a few years ago.

All of our seasonal markets are about to open and I want to push everyone to go check it out! Food stamp recipients: they take ebt! Just hit up the organizations’ booth first and they will hook you up.

I have been going to the PCFMA since I moved out here to Pittsburg and I love it. A good variety, extremely fair prices, and a pop-up truck during the off season. My goodness, I am blessed with such good fortune. You can be too!

You will be surprised at how much money you can save by going directly to the source. Don’t tell Safeway, but we don’t really need them. Lol. Here is the PCFMA website, seriously, click on it, click on your city and plan to head out in the morning!

http://www.pcfma.com/

Like them on facebook too!!

https://www.facebook.com/PCFMA?fref=ts

“The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity…You can do anything you decide to do.” -Amelia Earhart

PBS has some good sites to find farmers’ market’s too. I prefer the Farmer’s Market Online link:

http://www.pbs.org/food/features/farmers-market-listings/

You can also download the Farmstand app. It is incredibly useful 🙂

Did you head out to a farmers’ market? What did you find? I would love to hear feedback 🙂

 

 

Stop feeding your babies Gerber!! Please :)

Don’t know how to make baby food? Just ask my very close friend, Emily. She is a brilliant woman and is gearing up for when little Lucas can enjoy fruits and veggies.

Buying in-season produce, preparing the baby food and then freezing it gives your baby a variety of flavors all year with the maximum amount of nutrients. So start now!

This is the best time of year to get out to your farmers’ market and get to know the growers around you. Isn’t it a nice thought to know exactly where your food is coming from? Especially for baby!! These years are so vital, give them the best nutrients!

And no, please do not buy Gerber’s organic baby food. I checked the ingredient list and gelatin, an animal by-product is on the list.  Also, two preservatives. Here is a really good site I found with a list of all harmful preservatives. Check it out too!

http://www.delish.com/recipes/cooking-recipes/food-additives-ascorbic-acid#slide-1

Here are 5 quick steps to make organic baby food…

Step 1. FIND LOCAL, ORGANIC FRUITS AND VEGGIES!!!

Step 2. Wash and cut the fruit or veggies. (An apple cider vinegar bath is great for produce.) Leave the skin, it holds lots of good fibers 🙂

Step 3. Put into a big pot and cover with water. Let boil until fruit or veggies are soft.

Step 4. Put into a blender and blend until smooth.

Step 5. Store. Freezer or Fridge, depending on when it will be used.

Remember to start new fruits and veggies slowly, just in case your baby has an allergic reaction. You want to know exactly what caused it. I waited a week when I had babies.

 

 

Tandoori Masala Lentils & Curry Rice…Ya Know…Organic!

So, I recently went vegan and I am being diligent in my nutrient consumption. I believe we need all macro-nutrients (carbs, protein, fat ) as well as all our micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals) for a healthy life.

 Not many plants contain complete proteins. Soy and quinoa are actually the only two. So vegans must eat two forms of incomplete proteins to create a complete. It is quite simple to do by pairing legumes or nuts with grains.

This recipe tastes so good. The Spicely seasonings I use are perfectly mixed for a toasty but not too spicy Indian dish in a matter of thirty minutes. (I will list the spices in the seasoning at the bottom.)

A quarter of Spicely sales goes to selected charities for children who have no homes. That is a company I will support. 🙂

Remember buy organic so you benefit from all of the nutrients naturally available in food.

Black Tandoori Lentils 

Lentils are 1 portion lentils to 2 portions water. (Just in case you wanna make more.)

1 cup black lentils (found on sale @ the Harvest House in Concord.)

2 cups water

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon cumin seed

1/2 cup tomato sauce (from a jar, promise me you will never buy a CAN of tomato sauce again!)

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoon Spicely Tandoori Masala seasoning

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Boil your lentils in the water. When the lentils are almost done put the olive oil in a large saucepan. Heat slowly, if olive oil smokes it becomes more harmful to your body then good, so low-medium heat is best with olive oil. Add the cumin seeds and let cook until they start to speak to you. Lol. Slowly add the tomato sauce. (I use Trader Joe’s Organic Marinara in a jar. Tomatoes are really acidic. When packed in a can tomatoes leech harmful chemicals that are present in the actually can.) Add your garlic and seasoning then your lentils. Let incorporate for about 3-5 mins.

Curry Rice 

Same as lentils 1 portion rice to 2 portions water.

2 cups organic brown rice (found in bulk bins @ Winco)

4 cups water

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 garlic clove

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 tablespoons Spicely Organic Curry Powder

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

If you made me Mexican rice, this will be very easy for you. It is the same method just difference seasoning.

Get a large saucepan and add your olive oil. Heating slowly to medium heat, add your garlic, rice and seasonings. Let brown for about five minutes then add your water. I would keep it at a medium heat so I can eat sooner. Lol. Let sit for about 20 mins. I always use a transparent lid for rice so I can see when it is done. You don’t wanna lift the lid. See how easy that was.

I pair these with the same non-gmo corn tortillas I get at Winco. I like to make them into tostadas by layering the lentils, then rice, then veggies. I love spinach, tomato, onion, cucumber, and so on.  On the tostada pictured I also spread some onion hummus I made before the lentils. So good!! I have that recipe posted.

Spicely Tandoori Marsala– Organic Paprika, Coriander, Tumeric, Black Pepper, Fenugreek, Mustard, Cumin, Cayenne, and Ginger

Curry Powder– Organic Coriander, Tumeric, Fenugreek, Cumin, Mustard, Pepper, and Cayenne.

If I were to do it this way I would add each ingredient by the tablespoon into a little bowl, stir, then measure out the tablespoons for recipe.

 To find these spices look online or at Whole Foods.

Raw Organic Birthday Brownies

These are simply perfect. Easy to make and so nutritious!!! A few handfuls of walnuts, a bag of dates and some cacao powder make up a fabulous treat for everyone.

Feeding healthy food to children has to go to be one of my favorite things in the world. Why not take advantage of Farrah’s 7th birthday to share delicious, nutritious food to her class?!? Did I mention it took me 10 minutes to make?

You can look like super mom or dad in no time at all…I’m tellin’ ya!

8 oz bag of pitted dates (soaked)

2 large handfuls of walnuts (sorry, best measurement I can come up with!)

1/2 cup coconut oil (melted)

1/4 cup raw cacao powder

1/2 cup organic oats

1/4 cup shredded coconut

Soak your dates until they are soft, I soak them in my blender. Drain the water and add the walnuts. Blend these two ingredients until smooth, add the coconut oil as they blend. If it needs some extra moisture I add warm water. A little at a time, like 1 tablespoon. After it is all mixed add the cacao powder and oats.

After mixture is combined thoroughly, pour into a baking dish and smooth it out flat. Add whatever is organic and locally grown!! You are doing so much for our world and yourself shopping like this.

I used strawberries. I can get a 1/2 crate right now for $10 at the farmers’ market at the Todos Santos Plaza in Concord. Check out your farmers’ markets, they can be your best friends!

Sprinkle with shredded coconut flakes and you are done! Stick them in the fridge to firm up, cut and serve. So good!

Don’t know where to find cacao powder?! I get mine at Harvest House in Concord. Any other health food store like Whole Foods or Sprouts will most likely carry it too.

If slaughterhouses had glass walls…

A girl in my class did a presentation on factory farming and showed this amazing video. Let’s become aware and save our sick animals by saving ourselves!!!!

Check out the link:

Salmon Salad

In search for my abs, I am cutting my carbs down a bit and pumping up the protein. I’m trying it for a week to see how it goes.

I prepared this simple salmon salad for the week and paired it with spinach and lemon.

I’ve also brought this to the beach for a healthy snack on crackers. Heavenly!

I don’t eat much fish though, because of the oil spills and the pile of garbage the size of Texas in the ocean. I do enjoy it once in awhile though.

When I buy fish, it is never farm raised and I am a proponent of buying local so buy what is closest to you.

I found this salmon at Whole Foods in Walnut Creek.

This salad has everything you need from protein to healthy fats to helpful vitamins and minerals. It tastes fresh and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Salmon Salad

1/2 lb salmon (wild Alaskan)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 cucumber
1 carrot
1/2 red onion
1 lemon
Salt and pepper

Coat your salmon with the olive oil and chopped garlic. Bake your salmon at 350 degrees for about 15 mins. I always flake a little piece off from he side to make sure it is done. Let cool and pull apart into desired chunkiness.

Chop your cucumber and onion, shred your carrot and combine with the salmon. Squirt with all of your lemon juice, add s&p and you are done.

I usually keep a lemon in the container it is being held in. Keeps it fresh and maintains the fishy smell.