BERRY BERRY CLEAN JAM

BERRY BERRY CLEAN JAM 

 I (raw vegan) haven't had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a long while... and for that matter neither has my honey Ryan (not a raw vegan but he eats what I make, which is; raw, high raw, vegan. So... this week I decided whip up something yummy. I wanted to test out a "clean" (NO artificial sweeteners, flavors, preservatives, chemicals, or gmo's) strawberry jam recipe. Oh man! This is a hit! Home run,  in fact... I used Strawberries here but I have since also tried it using a combo of strawberries and blackberries. So use what you like...

Ingredients

6 cups organic berries
3oz. fresh lemon juice
3/4 cup raw organic honey

Instructions

Hull strawberries and cut in each strawberry in half (or quarters if large), place in a large pot. Juice a lemon until you get 3oz. of juice and poor into the pot. Pour the honey into the pot and stir. Heat mixture on high until boiling stirring occasionally.  As soon as the mixture begins to boil, reduce heat to medium low to simmer. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes until the strawberries become soft. Using a potato masher, mash the strawberries so there are no recognizable sections.  If you have an immersion blender, you can use that instead.

 Simmer for another 15-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.  The longer the mixture simmers, the thicker the consistency. Remember, the consistency will not be as thick as jams made with sugar and/or pectin but a super close contender and without the nasty ingredients.

Berry Berry Clean Jam can either be placed in freezer safe jars, or canned using a water bath for 10 minutes.

This was one of the easiest recipes I have ever done, not to mention the yummiest... and can easily be cut in half or less for smaller portions.

Enjoy!

CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING

CHOCOLATE CHIA PUDDING

Yum.
But Chocolate Pudding that is good for you?
Hard to find.  But this chia pudding really fits the bill. I have fond memories of warm pudding (made from a mix – Ugh!) from when I was growing up.  So it’s a comfort food that I love, but I needed to find a recipe that brought comfort to my whole self – not just my taste buds! I am always looking recipes that meet these criteria:

• fast
• budget-friendly
• nutritious
• delicious

Well, here is one that is sure to please on all counts. Partially because you can make it without sugar and partially because it’s main ingredient is – Chia! Chia is an amazing nutritional powerhouse.

What’s so great about chia?

• 4 grams of complete protein
• 4.5 grams of omega 3 oils
• 5.5 grams fiber
• 9% RDA calcium
• 7% RDA iron

Wondering where to buy chia?

Try your local health food store, or online.  Amazon has a nice price and  Nutiva is quite good.
So here is another great way to get good nutrition into you and your family, without taking a lot of work.


Makes 3-4 servings
Ingredients

2 1/2 cups almond milk (or dairy-free alternative. 
1/2 cup chia (white or black)
6 Tbsp cacao powder (or carob) powder
2 scoops (1/16 tsp) stevia powder (or approx. 1/4 cup acceptable sweetener, to taste)
1/8 cup sweetener (agave)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
pinch Himalayan sea salt

Directions

1.  Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor (UPDATE:  if you have a high-powered blender like a Vitamix, you can just process the whole thing in there.  If not, I have a tip.  Grind the chia seeds first and then blend everything together.)

2.  Mix thoroughly until ultra smooth.

3.  Pour mixture into a storage container, preferably glass.

4.  Store in the fridge (if you have any left).

5.  Top with coconut, chopped nuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated), Cacao nibs — you name it!

I am sure you are going to love this.  My family wolfed down all of my kitchen tested versions in a flash this morning.  So I would recommend making a double or triple batch!

THE FLU BUSTER JUICE

THE FLU BUSTER JUICE

I will always remember January as the month when I couldn't get out of bed for over a week straight. That dang flu bug took me down that year and I fell hard. I honestly haven't been that sick in over two years! 

Since I try to rely on natural remedies as opposed to drug store versions, I tried practically every home remedy I could get my hands on. The winners included gargling with salt water (to ease a sore throat), a hot bath with eucalyptus oil (to clear out the sinuses) and this Flu Buster Juice (to ease general symptoms/immune support). 

I won’t lie: this juice is intense. This juice is a powerful punch of lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and cayenne pepper to top it off. It’s powerful enough that just two ounces will do the trick.  Bottoms up!

Depending on the desired intensity, you can adjust the ratio of garlic and ginger. And if you can't handle the thought of downing this without a little sweetness, an orange will lighten this combo up and add a Vitamin C boost!

The Flu Buster Juice

Makes about 2 ounces

1 lemon, peeled

1 - 4 garlic cloves

1-inch piece fresh ginger

cayenne pepper

Juice lemon, garlic, and ginger and pour into shot glass (or regular glass). Top with a dash of cayenne pepper and drink.

SPICY GRANOLA LOVE NUGGS ❤

SPICY GRANOLA LOVE NUGGS 

We celebrated this Valentines Day early so I could get this romantic treat out to you in time to share them with your love.I call them Love Nuggs because I cut them down into little bite size nuggets.

Ingredients

Granola

1 1/2 cups organic rolled oats
1 cup chopped nuts (I used almonds & Brazil nuts, they're Ryan's favorite)
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1/4 cup raw cacao nibs
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup coconut flake (reserve some to sprinkle on top)
1/2 cup organic peanut butter
3/4 cup raw organic honey (reserve 2 Tbsp to drizzle on top)

Cacao frosting (for drizzle)

1/4 cup cacao powder
1/8 or less (dash) cayenne pepper
2-3 Tbsp raw organic agave
1 Tbsp coconut oil
optional - Himalayan sea salt (pinch)


Instructions

Preheat oven to 350•

Place all granola ingredients in a large bowl and mix until all ingredients are incorporated evenly.

Line a 8"x8" or 9"x9"baking pan with parchment paper. Press granola mixture into the lined pan and press it all in place evenly.

Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Now, at this point the granola will still be a little warm, this is when I like to cut them so they don't just crumble apart.

Carefully remove the parchment paper from the baking pan and set aside. Cut into bite size or granola bar size but do not separate.

Cacao Frosting

In a small glass bowl mix cacao powder, agave, and coconut oil until you get a frosting like texture.

Melt the cacao frosting and drizzle over granola. I do not use a microwave so I did this by putting the frosting into small glass measuring bowl then adding that bowl to a small pot filled with shallow water on on med/high heat and stirring constantly until I got the drizzle consistency that I wanted. 

Melt and drizzle the reserve honey over the granola. I used the same melting method as I did with the frosting.

Sprinkle coconut flakes over the granola, chill or freeze for 30 min and enjoy

Ryan kinda made me jump the gun a little bit on this batch, he watched me the entire time and couldn't resist the moment that I took them out of the pan. He kept asking, are they done yet, are they done yet?? I felt bad for him... So, I gave in and cut him a couple of big bars but they kinda fell apart on me.  That's OK though... He asked foe a spoon a happily dug in. A moan after the first bite and I knew that my Live Nuggs where a hit!

NATURAL PINK LEMONADE

NATURAL PINK LEMONADE

This recipe makes 2 12oz drinks and can easily be doubled and tripled for larger amounts.
 
Directions

1 bag of cranberries, 1, 6 ounce container pomegranate seeds, 1 orange peeled, 2 granny smith apples, 1 whole lemon with peel on. 


Instructions

Put all ingredients in the juicer, in the order I listed, when finished pour in 1/2 cup filtered water and 1 scoop of pure stevia sweetener, mix well, pour into glass over ice and ENJOY!

BASIL / GREEN APPLE SMOOTHIE

BASIL / GREEN APPLE SMOOTHIE 

This yummy smoothie is iron rich, packed with vitamin A and K, high in fiber, heart healthy, contains minerals, lowers cholesterol, and supports weight-loss.
Ingredients
 
2 Green apples (peeled, cored)
3 Limes (peeled)
6-8 Basil leaves (fresh)
1 Banana (frozen) 
Sea salt (pinch)
1/2 Liquid (almond milk, coconut water, water)
Handful of ice
Sweetener optional (agave, stevia, raw honey)

Directions

Blend all ingredients together until smooth 

LEAN GREEN JUICE

LEAN GREEN JUICE

6 kale leaves
2 cups spinach
1 cucumber w/ peel
4 celery stalks
4 apples
1 (1-inch) piece of ginger

Please ONLY use organic ingredients

CRAN-ROSEMARY JUICE

CRAN-ROSEMARY JUICE

This is a beautiful drink that I came up with during the holidays but you can enjoy it anytime =) Cranberry/Rosemary

Ingredients
 
2 cups water
3 fresh sprigs rosemary (more for garnish, if desired)
1 pound fresh cranberries (makes about 1 cup of juice)
4 apples (makes about 2 cups of juice)
Ice

Instructions
 
Add water to a covered saucepan or small pot and bring to a boil. Add the rosemary, and lower heat to a simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let steep, covered, for one hour. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Juice the cranberries and apples. Mix with the chilled rosemary water. Agave (optional) Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve over ice.

CUCUMBER LEMON JUICE

I wanted to create a juice that was delicious, hydrating and good for cramping and muscle aches. After some tasty experimenting, I came up with this delicious and nutritious combination. 

I started with cucumber as a base, as it is hydrating, alkalizing, and anti-inflammatory. Apples add sweetness, while delivering phytonutrients that can act as antioxidants. Next I added ginger, which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, has been known to ease cramping, muscle aches and nausea while cleansing your body and boosting your immune system. Finally, I added lemon. Lemon juice brings in that yummy zing taste and is high in vitamin C. The high potassium content of lemons is very effective in removal of the toxic substances found in kidneys and its disinfectant properties help cure infections in the urinary system. The citric acid in lemon is an excellent fat burner, and highly alkaline!


Ingredients
 
1 cucumber (organic, not peeled)
4-6 granny smith apples (organic, washed, not peeled)
1 inch piece of ginger (peeled)
2 lemons (organic, washed, not peeled)
1/2 scoop stevia or 1 Tbs agave sweetener (optional)


Instructions
 
Juice all ingredients in the order listed and enjoy =)

SOUR APPLE JUICE

Ingredients

Parsley (half a bunch)
Cilantro (half a bunch)
Spinach (handful)
1/2 Lemon
3 Organic granny smith apples

Instructions

Juice in the order I've listed

ENJOY!

THREE BEAN CHILI - FAMILY STYLE

THREE BEAN CHILI - FAMILY STYLE

Having people over for Super Bowl Sunday? How about serving up this super bowl of chili to impress the crowd =)

 Ingredients

2tablespoons organic olive oil
1 large white onion, Chopped
2 green bell peppers
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon cumin seed toasted and ground 
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
2 tablespoons paprika
1½ cups tomato paste 
3 cups cooked pinto beans or two 15 ounce cans, rinsed and drained
2 cups black beans or one 15 ounce can, rinsed and drained
2 cups Kidney beans or one 15 ounce can, rinsed and drained
12 tomatoes (diced) or two 28 ounce cans diced tomatoes
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Additions 

A couple of handfuls of brown rice can be added for some extra heartiness but keep in mind that it also adds to the cooking time. Brown rice takes 50 - 60 minutes to cook through, so be patient.

Instructions

Sauté the onion and bell pepper in a large pot over medium heat for 8 minutes together with olive oil. Add the garlic, ground cumin, ancho chile powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook 1 minute.

Note

Salt each layer of ingredients to get a wonderful depth in flavor. i.e. salt the onions and bell peppers as you saute them and salt the chopped tomatoes once they go in as well.

Add the tomato paste, pinto beans, black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, sea salt and black pepper to taste, and 4 cups vegetable broth/water. Cook 20 to 25 minutes.

Always use organic ingredients and read labels to be sure that the contents are preservative, additive, chemical, and GMO free.

Some great brands to look for:

Organic caned beans, BPA free can lining, GMO project verified, NO additives, preservatives, or chemicals

Organic caned tomatoes,  NO additives, preservatives, or chemicals

  
 

LOADED AVOCADO & SPICY LEMON DERSSING

 

LOADED AVOCADO & SPICY LEMON DRESSING

This makes a great little snack, but is also substantial enough to be lunch. 

Ingredients

SPICY LEMON DRESSING 

Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove minced
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon adobo seasoning (adobo seasoning can be made: onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, Mexican oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper)
dash of garlic powder
dash of cayenne
1/8 teaspoon salt to taste 


Instructions 
 
Mix all ingredients with a fork in a bowl.

Simply cut an avocado in half and pour a tablespoon of dressing in the cavity of the seed of each half. Drizzle lemon dressing on the entire avocado and around the plate, TOP with cilantro or scallions, cheese, chilie flakes, paprika, and black pepper. I used all organic spices, Himalayan sea salt, and Almond cheddar cheese. ENJOY!

CARROT APPLE LEMON & GINGER JUICE

CARROT APPLE LEMON & GINGER JUICE

7 Carrots
2 Apples
1 Lemon
1 Thumb-size Piece of Ginger Root

This is a highly energizing / circulation-boosting beverage that gets all the juices flowing. This combination increases physical energy, lessens joint stiffness and arthritic pain, enhances the skin / glow, and boosts the mood.

Don't have a juicer yet? Shop Juicers

RAW ZUCCHINI CASHEW SALAD ROLLS

RAW ZUCCHINI CASHEW SALAD ROLLS

Ingredients 

Salad Filling 

3 medium organic zucchini, shaved thinly lengthways

½ organic carrots (julienne or grated)½ organic red bell pepper (julienne or finely sliced)1 organic cucumber (julienne or finely sliced)¼ cup organic cilantro leaves¼ cup organic mint leaves, roughly chopped

Cashew Sour Cream

1 cup raw organic cashews, soaked a few hours or overnight 

¼ teaspoon sea salt½ tablespoon organic lemon juice (or cider vinegar)¼-½ cup filtered water

Guacamole

 
1 ripe organic avocado2 tablespoons organic white onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic minced ½tsp lemon juice, to tasteHimalayan sea salt, to taste

Instructions

 
Salad filling

In a large bowl, gently toss the salad to combine.

 

Cashew Sour Cream 

Drain the cashews, place nuts in a food processor add remaining ingredients then puree until smooth. Refrigerate until needed.



 

To Assemble…To make one roll… on a clean bench or chopping board lay approx. 8 zucchini strips lengthways and close together, spread a spoon of each sour cream, guacamole and top with a small handful of salad and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Cut in half and eat right away!

GARDEN & HERB CHEESE DIP

GARDEN & HERB "CHEESE" DIP

 

OMG. My whole family was reveling in its cheesy goodness. If you want to impress non vegans with vegan food make this spread.
 

This recipe does require some advanced planning, as the nuts need to be soaked for a few hours or overnight. In short - soaking raw nuts makes the enzymes in them more active, thus making them more digestible.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups soaked cashews
2 tsp light rice miso
3/4 tsp sea salt
2 1/2 tsp lemon juice
3 tbsp water
2 Tbsp. of each: chopped red pepper, parsley, green onion, and carrots

Instructions

Process cashews until smooth paste forms, add in all other ingredients (except for red pepper, parsley
and green onion). Process until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Let sit in a warm place for 12-24 hours so the miso can ferment the cheese. 

Then mix in veggies/herbs. Serve with flax crackers or cut up vegetables.

Okay... So what did you think?