Browsing Tag

raw

Orange Cacao Goji Balls

November 28, 2012
orange-cacao-goji-balls

You probably eat a lot of raw foods already: fruit, salads, smoothies – but here is a recipe for a raw food snack that will hopefully inspire you to include more raw foods in your diet – it’s simple!

One of the bases for this snack comes from dates. They are filled with nourishing carbohydrates, fiber and naturally occurring sugars, which are quickly assimilated in the body. This makes them an excellent alternative for those wanting to cut back on simple-sugar desserts and confections. They are also an excellent source of potassium. In addition, dates are an excellent source of B-complex vitamins for energy and magnesium to metabolize that energy.

Goji berries are small, red, dried berries that are super-charged with antioxidants. This amazing little superfruit also contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Their powerful antioxidant properties and polysaccharides help to boost the immune system.

I have already tooted this horn (here), but to sum up – raw cacao is one of the best sources of magnesium found in nature, in addition to containing high amounts calcium, zinc, iron, copper, sulfur and potassium.

This snack also contain nuts and seeds, which are excellent sources of healthy fats to satisfy hunger in a hurry, and vegetarian protein for non-meat eaters like me. You can mix and match the nuts and seeds to suit your dietary, nutritional and flavor preferences.

cacao-goji-balls

Orange Cacao Goji Balls

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup sunflower seeds
  • 1/2 cup almonds
  • 1/2 cup Medjool dates, pitted
  • 3 Tbsp. goji berries
  • 2 tsp. liquid sweetener of choice (I used maple syrup)
  • 1 tsp. raw cacao powder
  • pinch of sea salt
  • zest from one orange

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, add sunflower seeds and almonds. Process to a slightly fine consistency.
  2. Add dates and goji berries to food processor with nuts and seeds. Add your sweetener of choice, raw cacao powder, sea salt and orange zest. Process until well combined.
  3. Roll into balls and refrigerate until ready to serve.
2 Comments

My Job

November 17, 2012
my-job

When you move to Ireland from small town USA, the culture shock is great. The weather, the cultural diversity, the dominance of the entertainment industry and the abundance of revealing clothes is all quite astonishing. What’s more, if you want to know anything about food and are curious by nature, every day in Cork can be an opportunity to move outside of your culinary comfort zone. Though this may be rather difficult when you are vegan in a country full of meat eaters, there are some rather great options here.

Let me introduce you to my favorite local eatery, Very Healthy Food. I love it so much, in fact, I got a job here! Going to work has been especially exciting and fulfilling since I began working here. The surroundings are inspiring. Everywhere I look there’s something (or someone) I want to know more about – ingredients, techniques, style, craft, food stories and big personalities abound.

 

very-healthy-food-raw-salad

miso-soup-board-very-healthy-food

I can still recall my first Raw Food Buffet at Very Healthy Food last winter. I had been invited to attend the first ever buffet by the Cork Vegans meetup group. The dinner consisted of a three course meal in which we were served a supergreen smoothie,  a huge falafel salad with assorted sprouts and veggies, and ended the meal on a sweet note with a raw brownie. Ever since the first bite I’ve been hooked.

Since opening doors in June 2011, Very Healthy Food has garnered a dedicated following. Not only do customers drive across town for a raw pizza with sun-dried tomato sauce and cashew cheese or a slice of raw chocolate cake, they return day after day for savory and sweet favorites with determined gusto.

I’m thrilled to be part of this lovely community of health freaks. If you’re in the area, be sure to pop in and say ‘hello’!

very-healthy-food-raw-cake

(Photos courtesy of Cork News and Very Healthy Food)

7 Comments

Raw Vegan Chocolates

October 31, 2012
raw-vegan-chocolates

Whether you plan to frolic or not on Halloween, it’s still fun to enjoy a few sweets. As for us, we’ll be having a Halloween film-fest party. The holiday wouldn’t be complete without an evening of horror films, food and drink. That’s just what I’m in the mood for after the strenuous event earlier in the week.

This year I made my own Halloween treats – Raw Vegan Chocolates.  The secret to good candy at home is to start with a spread of high quality, delicious ingredients and use your creativity to dream up some creative confections. You’ll feel like the vegan version of Willy Wonka.

This chocolate is the real deal. It melts in the mouth, it’s rich and satisfying, and has a deep, dark aroma that can only be described as divine. Surprisingly, it only contains three basic ingredients, and is gluten-free, sugar-free, vegan and raw. Enjoy them with your friends and loved ones.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Raw Vegan Chocolates

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup raw cacao butter
  • 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
  • 4 Tbsp. sweetener of choice – agave nectar, palm sugar, xylitol, stevia, etc.
  • 1/2 vanilla pod or a tsp. of vanilla essence (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a double boiler (or a glass bowl over water) over low-medium heat, melt the cacao butter slowly until completely smooth. Add the cacao powder, sweetener, vanilla and stir to thoroughly combine. Remove from heat.
  2. Pour into molds or paper casings.
  3. Place in the fridge or freezer to firm up. Store chocolate in a cool, dry place away from direct light.

You can also add cacao nibs, goji berries, coconut, almonds, hazelnuts, orange zest or whatever your imagination desires!

 

3 Comments

Açaí Smoothie

October 25, 2012
acai-smoothie

Personally I need routine and especially a morning one. It helps me to feel grounded and stable – two things that are vital to my overall wellness. There is something quite special about creating space in the morning for you to experience just for yourself. Lacing up my sneakers and hitting the pavement first thing in the morning is (nearly) the daily norm for me. After completing my morning training session I feel alert and ready for the day. With the Dublin Marathon only four days away, I’m tapering on the training while loading up on tons of nutrients.

Want to know my secret weapon? Meet my latest obsession, the Açaí Smoothie! Açaí (pronounced “Ah-Sigh-EE”) is a Brazilian superfruit berry that grows on palm trees in Central and South America. It tastes like a mix between bitter chocolate and blueberries and it has the highest content of antioxidants in any fruit.

Often touted as a “superfood” by marketers, these berries have high levels of antioxidants that protect cells, reduce the effects of aging and may decrease the risk of some diseases (including heart disease and cancer). But beyond their antioxidant benefits, I enjoy açaí berries because of their rich and almost chocolatey flavor. The berries have a unique but delicious taste – and, they make for a great breakfast, dessert or post-workout snack.

superfood-acai-smoothie

Açaí Smoothie

Vegan, Raw & Gluten-free
Makes 1 large smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp. Açaí powder
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk, water or juice (I used water)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 apple, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup frozen berries (I used raspberries)
  • sprinkle of hemp seeds (optional)

Directions:

  1. Combine all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
6 Comments