real food tulsa

Vote NOW - Final Round in the Best of Raw Awards

2012-02-03T11:23:00.004-06:00

Check it out! There are FOUR finalists in more than 40 categories who are going for the GOLD in this year's Best of Raw Awards. Honoring and Celebrating the People, Places, Products and Media of the Raw Foods Movement

VOTE NOW at http://bestofrawfoods.com

Final Round ends February 13 at Midnight. Awards will be announced at the Best of Raw Awards Gala in SF February 19.

Raw Food Rehab is in the running for Best Online Community (under the Media Category) and we'd love to have your! You'll also likely recognize a lot of other familiar names while voting - so make your voice heard in this year's vote!

WHOOP WHOOP!!!

Very Special Prize Opportunity from Russell James

2012-01-15T20:52:00.003-06:00

If you're a member at my virtual holistic retreat, Raw Food Rehab, then you likely know about our monthly roll calls. In case you don't know about them - the reason we do roll call is to get an idea of who is still plugged in and roaming the halls at the RFR Mansion! As I do most months, I offer a prize drawing for all of the members who are kind enough to come log in, show their support & offer their name and where they are from. This month is no different and we've got an very exciting offering this month!!

As some of you may know, I had the pleasure of working with Russell James - The Raw Chef on his newly released home study course - "How To Be Your Own Raw Food Chef..& Still Have Time To Eat!"

Russell's awesome, newly completed 10 week study course is now available to order in both hard copy (10 DVDs and recipe/educational binder), as well as an online downloadable course. And he has very generously offered to donate an online version of the course to one lucky member of the Raw Food Rehab community!

Additionally, when you sign up at his website for his mailing list you'll find that he is also extending the special launch price until this Wednesday, and he's offering a way for 2 more lucky winners to get their hands on the full program on DVD and online.

When you post under his garlic bread video, in the comments section, you'll be filling in the blanks of this sentence:

"The Raw Chef 10 week home study course is the perfect course to help me ________________ and _________________."

If by chance you've already purchased this course - you're not excluded - you should enter, and if you're chosen, Russell will issue you a full refund.

So - for your chance to win an online version only, simply leave your name and where you are from in the comments HERE - only comments left at Raw Food Rehab will be eligible so please don't leave your info here in the blog comments. And for the additional chances to win - please go visit Russell's website now!

I will draw a winner in a video next Monday (January 23rd). Good luck everyone!!

Small Town Raw - BIG CITY TASTE

2012-01-13T12:13:00.007-06:00

I'm so excited to be announcing the release of Paul Risse's very first eBook

Small Town Raw - Big City Taste!

It is a beautiful 70 page book with 30 simple & delicious recipes. The photography is absolutely gorgeous. I know this book will be a marvelous addition to anyone's raw food library.

I have to share that I've been eating the recipes almost exclusively this past week as I've been editing the book, and I feel truly amazing, clear and bright!

To purchase Paul's book click on the title and you'll be taken directly to PaulRisse.com to purchase.

Small Town Raw - Big City Taste

I also wanted to share with you my first exposure to Paul Risse - if you haven't seen this You Tube video of when the RawBrah's met him last March - then you must watch it:

And here is just a little teaser photo from Small Town Raw for you so you can see the quality:

Here is some of the very early feedback from a few people who have just ordered:

"I just bought it. the recipes look incredible and the pictures are stunning! I've uploaded it to my Kindle am reading it cover to cover. I think my favorite part so far is his sharing his story and thoughts on things. " - Jamie Hupfer

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"Just bought your book Paul, it is very professionally done and i look forward to reading it cover to cover. Well done and good luck!" - Jacqui Horne

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"Everything looks very clean, crisp and beautiful! Where did Pauls hair go? LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!!!" - Ayn Julo

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"I love Paul's book - very doable recipes, Traca's photography looks great, and obviously there's going to be some ladies swooning over those photos of PR." - Russell James

Rawpalooza: 2012 Raw Food World Summit

2012-01-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

I want to invite you to be part of Steve Prussack's (RAW VEGAN RADIO) exciting free event -

Rawpalooza: 2012 Raw Food World Summit

You have to check out the line up that's planned. I have been keeping this under wraps, but as of this morning, the event has been announced by Steve and all the amazing speakers have been revealed!

Rawpalooza: 2012 Raw Food World Summit

The event starts on January 23rd, so go ahead and check it out. And help us spread the word. You can leave a comment at the bottom of Steve's website which will be shared on your Facebook page. Let's spread the word of healthy conscious living to our family, friends, and loved ones:

Click here to check it all out!!

20 Tips for a Positive 2012

2012-01-11T10:18:00.004-06:00

Here we are, 11 days into 2012 and I thought that this list of 20 ways to help you create the best year ever is in order! This list was created originally by Jon Gordon, but I've given it a Penni twist : )

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a "Thank You Walk." It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

3. Formulate your personal food plan, keeping your kitchen well stocked with only what's on your program, always staying mindful about the reasons you are making these better choices.

4. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

5. Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think optimistically about where you are going.

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Don't chase success. Instead decide to make a difference and success will find you.

8. Get more sleep. You can't replace sleep with a double latte.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there's no substitute for hard work.

13. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. Remember that complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone arounds you feels sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2011. I happen to know of a few good ones. :)

16. Don't seek happiness. Instead decide to live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you. Please see Susan Bradebury's book study on The Seed in the Common Area at Raw Food Rehab!

17. Focus on "Get to" vs "Have to." Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.
Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

Raw For The Holidays 3rd Edition

2011-10-23T08:17:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the 2009 holiday season, the first edition of Raw For the Holidays, a collection of festive and delicious recipes & photos, was released. Written by me and members of our original Raw Food Rehab community, the ebook was created with love as a survive guide for raw food enthusiasts who needed help making it through the holidays.

Although the book was quite fabulous after last year's expansion, I decided that this year's collection should be revised yet once again to make it even more comprehensive and appealing!

Thanks to the tireless work of my amazing editor, Raw For The Holidays 3rd Edition, has been totally re-organized with a new table of contents that includes user-friendly categories, new menu suggestions, easier instructions and a glossary of terms and techniques. This year we are offering over 30 new recipes (over 130 recipes in all) and70 full color photographs. Here is a list of just some of the celebratory occasions we cover in Raw For The Holidays:

An Autumn Fireside Dinner

All Hallow's Eve Events (Kid-Friendly & Adult Menus)

Football Chili Party

Date Night Dinner

Thanksgiving

Shabbat Dinner

Hanukkah Brunch

Holiday Open House

Christmas Eve Meal

Christmas Dinner

New Year's Eve Hors d'oeuvres Party

New Year's Brunch

New Year's Raw Resolution Cleanse

Rescue Me from the Holidays - a Restorative Day Menu

Not only will the purchase of this digital book be a tremendous support and help to you in all of your holiday and celebratory meal planning, but it is also a much appreciated way in which to support the operational costs of this website and to assist us in raising funds so that we can continue to expand our offerings back into this amazing community.

It would also be great if you would like to help us promote this raw holiday survival guide online through your blogs, on Facebook and through direct email to friends who you think might enjoy this collection of recipes. This collaborative effort was only possible because of the power of community. I am so proud and very eager to get in the kitchen and start un-cooking for the holidays! Raw For The Holidays is available now for just $20 through PayPal. Once I receive notification of your payment, I send the ebook directly to your Inbox. You will normally receive the book in a very short amount of time, however, please allow up to 10 hours for delivery (if an order comes through after I go to bed, I will send it first thing when I wake up!) I know this incredible collection of recipes and beautiful photos will be a treasure to you as you continue on your path towards optimum health this holiday season!

Thrive Foods by Brendan Brazier - A Book You Should Read

2011-09-06T20:24:00.004-05:00

In case you haven’t heard about Brendan Brazier, he is a professional Ironman triathlete and the best-selling author of diet and fitness bibles Thrive and Thrive Fitness. He is also the formulator of Vega, an award-winning line of superfood health and sports nutritional products. I also have features on Brendan in both theFitness Room and the Culinary Center at Raw Food Rehab.

I am so stoked about his newly released book, Thrive Foods! One of the things I found most impressive while reading is the detail regarding his research and high focus on nutrient-dense, plant-based foods. After having worked with some of the best minds in the nutrition world, as well as some of the leading environmental advocates, Brendan has developed an appreciation of the two different perspectives, which have rarely converged to my knowledge. In Thrive Foods, you'll be guided through the “Nutrient-to-Resource Ratio,” a new concept that shows how sustainable food choices can help reduce our environmental impact.

And being the food lover that I am, I was blown away by the 200 earth-friendly and easy to make recipes. They are not all exclusively raw, although many are, and you'll be impressed with the delicious plant-based, nutrient dense offering from some of today's top sustainable celebrity chefs. Recipe contributors include some names you might recognize, like - Julie Morris, Matthew Kenney, Chad Sarno (owner of London's upscale raw restaurant Saf) and vegan chef Tal Ronnen (the cef who prepared meals for Oprah's 21-day vegan cleanse). There are also many recipes from Brendan's favorite restaurants, like Beets Living Foods Cafe in Austin, Blossoming Lotus in Portland,Karyn's in Chicago and Pure Food & Wine in New York.

Thrive Foods makes it feasible and possible for anyone to start eating healthier and reducing their carbon footprint. And I think it is especially helpful in families like mine who eat a blended diet of both raw and cooked foods. I am always looking for delicious ways to prepare enticing foods for my husband, but my main goal is to keep him healthy. I can already tell you that this book will be one of my regular go-to resources!

Also - I am going to be giving away a couple of copies of Thrive next week during ourSeptember Roll Call - so be sure to watch for that next Thursday. And check out all the other cool stuff Brendan's got going for you:

Enter Brendan's Thrive at the Emmy’s Facebook contest for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles and meet Brendan at the Alive! Green Expo Lounge

Click Here for those details!

Visit Brendan’s Facebook fan page and receive a free PDF download of the intro and of 3 recipes, click here.

Read the book and write a review for a chance to get an exclusive 3-piece sample kit for our Vega Sport Nutritional System.

Visit the Vega Facebook Fan Page Here.

If you are on Twitter - follow Brendan & Vega here.

Also visit the Vega webisite by clicking here.

Liquids Only with Dara Dubinet

2011-08-12T07:25:00.003-05:00

For the past several weeks, my dear friend Dara Dubinet has been filming her very first DVD. If you don't know Dara, you need to get acquainted: Celebrity raw food chef, feng shui aficionado, specialist in the art of living a beautiful life and poster child for the raw food diet! Subscribe to her informative and lively You Tube channel and follow Dara on Facebook and at Raw Food Rehab.

In Dara's beautifully produced and very soon to be released DVD - LIQUIDS ONLY, she explains the benefits of a liquid-only diet and gives you a hands-on lesson in making four of her favorite, healthy and delicious liquid recipes. Check out the gorgeous trailer:

You can pre-order and DVD & it will ship late next week!

BUY IT HERE!

Ready to Get Juicy?

2011-08-11T11:57:00.004-05:00

In the above video, I am sharing with you details and available resources for aw Food Rehab's upcoming Living on Liquids 30 Day Program. We'll be kicking off the juicy fun next Wednesday, August 17th and it will continue through Thursday, September 15th.

Now is a wonderful time to come join us for RFR's current 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative - RAW RESULTS. By joining us in The Vault now, not only will you have access to all of the digital materials, support videos filmed by Dara Dubinet & I, the weekly focus pdf's, an awesome book study w/ Susan Bradbury and incredible community support, but you'll also be able to plug into the Living on Liquids Community Forum. This will be THE place to discuss all things juicy and to get your individual questions answered. This forum will be moderated by Dara, Debi Farley, Susan Bradbury and I. We also have a number of other members who have a wealth of juice feasting experience who will be able to share from their experiences as well.

Join the RAW RESULTS Vault NOW - Click Here

The following list offers additional resources and topics of interest that may also be helpful for you:

My ebook - Real Juice Daily

JuiceFeasting.com

Dave's 3rd Annual International Day of Juice Feasting

Check out Raw food Rehab's Tool Shed & our Liquid Lounge

Hoping you'll join us as we Get the Glow by Getting our Juice On!!

Beat the Heat (on the News!!)

2011-08-01T18:44:00.001-05:00

This morning I was invited to appear on my local CBS affiliate KOTV - The News on 6 for their morning show - Six in the Morning. Click here to view the clip. We are currently in the midst of the hottest summer on record, so in an effort to beat the heat, they asked me to share some "no-cook" recipes featuring local ingredients. As you can imagine - that was right up my alley and here is what I made:

Peaches & Crème Smoothie

Simple and delicious, this recipe is at its best when

fresh local peaches are in season. If using fresh

peaches, simply add crushed ice to your blender.

1 small bag frozen organic peaches

1 young Thai coconut, meat & water

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons raw honey

Put all ingredients into a blender and

combine until smooth and creamy.

Fresh Corn & Tomato Salad

3 ears fresh corn, kernels cut from the cob

2 Roma tomatoes, diced

1 small red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup diced red onion

1–2 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

1 lime, juiced

1/2 lemon, juiced

Drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Butter lettuce leaves

Combine all ingredients and serve on butter lettuce leaves.

Raw Zucchini Pasta with Fresh Marinara

2 cups chopped tomatoes

1 small Vidalia onion

1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked; reserve liquid

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic (or more if desired)

3 dates, soaked and pitted

1 sprig fresh basil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

2 zucchini or yellow squash

Pitted black olives

Put all ingredients in a food processor or blender, except zucchini

and olives. Blend until marinara mixture reaches the

desired consistency. Add the reserved liquid from the sun dried

tomatoes as needed to blend.

Use a spiral slicer, julienne peeler or vegetable

peeler to create zucchini noodles. Combine noodles

with marinara sauce and top with olives for a tasty

Italian dinner.

Support Your Local Farmer's Market Today

2011-06-01T07:20:00.001-05:00

Farmers markets are an important part of our communities and help farms thrive. You can help spread the word!

If you find your local farmers market to be a great source of fresh, organic and locally grown foods, make sure to vote in America’s Favorite Farmers Markets contest and let the world know why you love your local market.

Farmers markets are an asset to our communities and deserve our support. You can help your favorite farmers market gain the recognition it deserves and ensure that it and others like it continue to thrive. Voting Starts today at noon Eastern Time!

America's farmers markets are great places to get fresh and healthy food that's grown close to home by our local farmers and ranchers. They also support local farms and ranches and make our communities better places to live.

It's pretty simple: if we don't have farms, we're not going to have food. All of us count on America's farms and ranches to provide fresh, healthy and local food—but our farms and ranches are rapidly disappearing.

Did you know that we don’t produce enough fresh fruits and vegetables for everyone to eat a balanced and nutritious diet? In fact, it is estimated that we need another 13 million acres of farmland growing fruits and vegetables in this country just for Americans to meet the minimum daily requirement of fruits and vegetables set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Thank you for supporting your local farmers market and for making a difference in the future of our food! Spread the Word!

Average Joe on the Raw

2011-05-28T08:07:00.003-05:00

One of the projects that has been keeping me joyously busy lately is:

AVERAGE JOE ON THE RAW is the inspirational story of my friend Seth's journey into the depths of his true self. Here is the synopsis in Seth's words:

"At 30 years old, I looked in the mirror and saw complacency. I saw a man settling into normalcy, settling into being average. At first glance, my initial thought was to just accept it. “it’s just part of the process, just part of aging and life. Get over it.”

So, at a crossroads in my life, I could just fall in line with the rest of the people on the assembly line of commonplace. Just waiting in line to see which disease will be handed to me, and which medications modern medicine will enslave me to………Or…….

I could take the path less traveled. I could make a push at my limitless potential. I could try to reset my intelligently designed body to heal itself! That is crazy enough, it just might work! So, this film is my 60 day journey into finding my limitless me. What kind of an effect can eating raw, clean foods and working out consistently have on my mental, physical, medical, emotional, spiritual, and relational life? We will see as I am an AVERAGE JOE ON THE RAW!"

As co-producer of this film, I can promise you that you are going to be in for a tremendous treat with this fascinating, entertaining and inspiring documentary. The cast of characters who will be appearing in the film will blow you away. I believe this film will have far reaching impact way beyond the niche of the raw, vegan world. It is going to be a wonderful tool for you to use to help inspire, educate and interest friends and family about their health and their future. I want to encourage you to visit the film's website, view the trailer and sign up for their newsletter so you can have insider access to some really sweet bonuses like:

Additional behind the scenes footage not viewable anywhere else
Awesome recipes from Russell James, me, Dara Dubinet, and many more
Updates on the progress of the film
Amazing workout vids from Paul Risse (can't wait for you to meet Paul - AMAZING)
Challenges and contests for great coupons from really great companies to help you on your raw journey
and so much more

Also, make sure you pre-order your copy of Average Joe on the Raw now and save 33% off the list price of 24.99! If you are a blogger or have a website - please sign up for the affiliate program so you can profitably help support spreading the word!

I'm so excited about this project and am looking forward to sharing more details with you in the days and weeks ahead!

Real Food & More Wisdom

2011-05-17T15:10:00.003-05:00

Although we talk an awful lot about food, specifically raw food, here at Raw Food Rehab, I am also very passionate about helping you to find real food for your heart and soul. My friend, Brian Johnson of Philosopher's Notes, dishes up some of the best, most digestible fare which will help you to become a better you in less time than you can imagine.

For years I've been a seeker of truth, wisdom and personal development, but I really appreciate when I can get the highlights and bullet points first and then, when I have more time, I can go deeper. That is exactly what Brian has put together with his Philosopher's Notes - he's taken 200 of the top personal growth books… ever - and condensed them down into mini-CliffsNotes™ style summaries that offer you more wisdom in a lot less time.

From nutrition and love to positive psychology, old school and modern classics, Philopsopher's Notes enables you to tap into the wisdom that matters and that can help to radically transform your life.

When you sign up with PN, you'll get high-quality MP3's which allow you to get your wisdom on no matter what you’re doing. Whether you’re driving, walking/running, walking the dog, mowing the lawn, riding your bike, preparing a meal, cleaning the house or simply relaxing, each 20-minute makes personal growth more convenient than ever. The technology that went into Brian's MP3s is unbeatable, and well, just plain cool. When uploaded to an iPod or iPhone you’ll be able to see the cover and a synopsis of each note with just a finger click.

You'll also get a 6 page pdf file of the most transformational Big Ideas from each of the books. Beautiful to look at and powerful to use, these mini-CliffsNotes™ of personal growth will inspire and empower you to live your deepest truths. I have printed mine and have them in a binder so that the wisdom is available anytime in a user-friendly tool that works well for me.

Another cool thing is the totally free resource is Philosopher's Notes TV on You Tube. Brian has put together little 10 minute clips of him sharing some of the Big Ideas from many of the books on video. You can subscribe through iTunes and download them as podcast to your computer or iPod/iPhone. Just another raw to rock the wisdom in a way that might work well for you. Here is one of my very favorite video clips from Jack Canfield's awesome book The Success Principles - I hope you'll listen to it in its entirety because the part where he shares about 99% vs 100% has really transformed how I am successfully transforming a couple of areas in my life in which I had been struggling :

I can honestly tell you that this resource has be truly transformational for me over the past year, but more specifically in the last month, because I finally got Brian's MP3's loaded into my cell phone. So I have Brian Johnson talking in my ear everyday now. I am finding that as I listen to and begin to apply all of these ideas diligently, patiently, persistently, and playfully - my life is daily becoming more of what I want it to be and I find that I am feeling more and more empowered to BE THE CHANGE in this world.

I can't encourage you enough to go check out what has been created over at Philosopher's Notes and I hope that while you're there you'll check out all of the other super cool things Brian and his goddess Alexandra have created to help support you along your journey towards the most abundant, vibrant life ever!

The Marvelous Mimi Kirk

2011-05-16T18:09:00.002-05:00

Click here to read more about Mimi and to sign in for your chance to win a copy of her beautifully done new book - LIVE RAW!

Foodie Friday Goes Thai

2011-05-13T18:55:00.006-05:00

Spicy Thai Coconut Wraps with Pickled Carrots by Esther F. Gorden (aka Esther Francis)
From Go FRESH May-June Recipe Supplement, page 31

Serves 2 – 3

Butter lettuce
Lime wedges
1 cup chopped mushrooms (Cremini, Shiitake, white button, or a mix)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon tamari (nama shoyu or coconut aminos)
½ cup chopped jicama
Pinch (generous) sea salt

In a small bowl, combine mushrooms, lime juice and tamari. In another bowl, combine jicama and salt. Marinate both for ½ hour. Gently squeeze the jicama in a paper towel to remove moisture, then place on a non-stick dehydrator sheet.
Drain off excess marinade from mushrooms and place on same non-stick sheet. Dehydrate at 115 degrees F for ½ - 1 hour.

In a medium bowl combine:
1 teaspoon grated ginger root
1 tablespoon lime juice
Zest of 1 small lime
1 shallot, chopped
2-3 teaspoons tamari (nama shoyu or coconut aminos)
2 teaspoons raw agave nectar or coconut nectar
1/3 cup dry shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ cup coarsely chopped cashews (I forgot to add these - but they were still delicious!)
½ cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
½ -1 green chili (jalapeño or Serrano), very finely minced

When the jicama and mushrooms have finished dehydrating, add to the above mix. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust salt, sweet and heat. Let rest for ½ - 1 hour to develop maximum flavor. Fill Butter lettuce leaves with about 2-3 tablespoons of the filling and top with Pickled Carrots. Garnish with lime wedges.

For the pickled carrots:
1 large carrot, scrubbed and cut into matchsticks (julienne)
2 tablespoons rice vinegar or coconut vinegar
1 tablespoon raw agave or coconut nectar
1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro
Pinch (generous) crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Using a mandoline or sharp knife, cut carrot into fine strips. Transfer to a non-metallic bowl and add rest of ingredients. Stir. Let rest at room temperature for ½ - 1 hour.
Thai Basil Smart Cocktail
2 1/2 ounces coconut water (fresh or from the bottle/can)
1 1/2 ounces Fresh Basil-Lemongrass Syrup, recipe follows
1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 juicy lime)
Very thin slice lime or spear of a fresh lemongrass frond, for garnish
Kombucha or Sparkling water, optional

Fill a cocktail shaker or small pitcher with ice. Add the coconut water, basil-lemongrass syrup, and lime juice. Cover and shake vigorously, or stir, until combined and chilled, about 30 seconds. (In general, by the time the shaker mists up the drink is ready.) Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and top with kombucha or sparkling water if you prefer a fizzy drink. Garnish with lime on the rim or a lemongrass spear in the drink. Serve.

Basil-Lemongrass Syrup
2 stalks fresh lemongrass, smashed
1 small handful fresh basil
2 cups water
1/2 cup coconut nectar or raw agave nectar

Place the lemongrass, basil and water in a covered glass container in the sun all day or for at least 4 hours until the water has become fully infused with flavor. Strain and stir in the sweetener of choice to create the syrup. If you are in a hurry and are not 100% raw, you can do this on the stove by bringing the lemongrass, basil and water to boil on the stove. Reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture, cool, then add the sweetener. Cover and refrigerate for up to a week.

Thai Basil Ice Cream
3 young Thai coconuts, meat & water extracted and separated
1 handful fresh basil (I used the basil from the infusion)
1/3 cup basil-lemongrass syrup (add more sweetener if you desire a sweeter ice cream)
1 lime, juiced and zested
small pinch Himalayan sea salt, optional

Add all the meat and 1/3 cup of the coconut water with the basil, basil-lemongrass syrup, lime juice, zest and sea salt to a blender. Process ingredients until smooth and creamy, adding additional coconut water only as needed to blend. Pour the liquid mixture into an ice cream freezer, processing as per manufacturers instructions.

If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the ice cream base into ice cube trays and freeze. Place the frozen cubes into a food processor and blend until smooth or push the cubes through a homogenizing juicer that has been fitted with a blank plate.

And reminding you that it is not too late to join Raw Food Rehab's current Total Health & Wellness Initiative - Go FRESH. To learn more about the objectives of our Initiatives, click here.

To join us for Go FRESH in The Vault, click here.

To purchase the Go FRESH digital materials only, click here.

Easter Weekend Special!!

2011-04-23T07:23:00.003-05:00

I have been receiving emails from a number of people who read my blog or who are members at Raw Food Rehab that they would like to complete their library to include the entire collection of all of the digital materials that have been published during RFR's past 3 Health & Wellness Initiatives. I've decided that this weekend is a perfect time to offer an Easter/Spring special price on these books! This is the first time I've ever offered a special price, so you have 48 hours to order! (sale ends this Sunday, April 26th at midnight PST).

Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star was the first digital series, written for last summer's 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative. There is within each one of us a vibrant inner persona, which is the true essence of who we really are! This collection is filled with education, inspiration, encouragement and tips to assist YOU as you bring out your own INNER RAWK STAR!

The amazing recipes found within this set of ebooks are geared towards lighter, warmer weather eating, so this book series is especially helpful during the spring, summer and for those who are living in warmer climates. (List Price $33)

Click Here to order Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star for the limited time special price of $25

The Falling Into Raw Digital Collection was written specifically for last autumn's 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative. This particular collection is geared towards the autumn and holiday, so within the pages you'll find much support for your journey with raw food education, nearly 80 new seasonally inspired recipes, shopping lists, beautiful and enticing color photographs and additional support material. A great deal of love and effort went into the creation of this digital collection, so we trust that this will be a source of tangible support for you on your healthy journey. (List Price $33)

Click Here to order Falling Into Raw for the limited time special price of $25

The Resolve to Evolve Digital Collection is our third grouping of eBooks which was specifically written for the 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative that began on January 1st of 2011. This collection offers education on the raw food lifestyle, goal setting, vision creation, winter eating strategies, and a 3 part comprehensive recipe collection which includes plant based, raw food along with some healthy cooked vegan offerings for those individuals who are transitioning into raw or who find maintaining a 100% raw food diet too challenging during the cold winter months. There are added recipes/photo supplements for each month - January, February & March, so it is the largest collection of the 3. (List Price $33)

Click Here to order Resolve to Evolve for the limited time special price of $25

To order all 3 Digital Collections for $75

CLICK HERE

How Are YOU Going FRESH?

2011-04-09T11:36:00.004-05:00

As some of you already know, I'm on the board of my local farmer's market. I am very passionate about organic, sustainable, bio-dynamic & LOCAL Food! I feel so very blessed to have a market like the Cherry Street Farmer's Market in my home city and today was opening day! I know this ain't Portland, Seattle, LA or NYC - but I have to say - we've got it goin' on in Tulsa, OK! To check out what's happening in the local food scene in your area, go to www.localharvest.net

I was also surprised and delighted to run into one of the members from Raw Food Rehab at the market today. Isabel Pepper and her handsome son recognized me from the website and introduced themselves. Please go friend request Isabel at RFR and linger over her fabulous raw food photography, much of which you'll recognize from the main feature at RFR - Week One Go FRESH slide show. It was such a wonderful surprise to meet one of my awesome peeps and her family in real life!

Next I'm off to the Brookside Herb Fair to see if I can score on some basil plants and nasturtiums. I started a nice little edible garden in my front yard just last spring, and last year's rosemary, thyme, wild strawberries, garlic chives, lemon verbena, sage and MINT are already showing impressive signs of new growth! I really had no idea they would make it through the winter : ) So I am really happy and looking forward to getting my hands dirty in the garden later this afternoon.

Tomorrow I will be going to a Tulsa Driller's baseball game w/ my hubby. We have this amazing new baseball stadium for our home team and Gordon has been itching to go get his baseball fix on. I think it will be great fun.

So I would love to hear what you are up to this weekend. Tell me what you are doing to Go FRESH in your neck o' the woods in the comments below!

Come Go FRESH with Me!

2011-03-20T16:30:00.004-05:00

I am delighted to roll out the details of Raw Food Rehab's upcoming 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative - Go FRESH. This 11 program will kick off on Friday, April 1st and end on Thursday June 16th.

To commit to joining Go FRESH, you will need to become a member of the new Vault (currently under construction), which is where members participate in the Initiatives. As always, The Vault will be a fully private room in the RFR mansion that is dedicated to a more intense focus on getting down to the business of the diet & lifestyle principles that are embraced during the 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiatives. The additional details are:

~ Anyone who agrees to the Rules of Vault Participation and pays the $33 sign up fee can join the Vault at anytime during the Initiative. We will welcome new members to the Vault throughout the duration of the 11 weeks.

~ Members of the Vault can expect a special video message each week, digital copies of specially prepared material for the Go FRESH Initiative, (which offer support, inspiration, recipes, beautiful color photographs, journal pages, etc.), an opportunity to win fun & exciting giveaways, and additional features throughout the Initiative.

~ Members of The Vault are no longer required to post before photos, measurements or their weight weekly during the Initiative, but they are required to abide by our House & Vault Rules of Participation to remain a member in good standing during the 11 Weeks.

~ An additional & optional aspect of joining the Initiative is to participate in The Weight Room. Those who choose to join the Weight Room are required to post a fully clothed before photo, add their beginning measurements & weight and are required to log in for a weekly weigh in for support and accountability. This particular portion of our Initiative has proven to be very powerful in supporting members who are focusing on weight loss and weight maintenance.

The number of members I can accommodate in the Weight Room is limited and no new members will be added after April 1st, so time is of the essence if you are interested in joining us.

To sign up and secure your place in Go FRESH - The Vault and/or The Weight Room- you will need to send a payment of $33 to the link below. Once I receive your payment, your place in our Initiative is totally secure. You will will receive a confirmation email from me once your payment has been made.

To join the Vault for Go FRESH, Click Here.

To join both the Vault & The Weight Room, Click Here.

If you are interested in learning about our Darlene Knight Scholarship, please click here for all the details. Scholarship requests will only be accepted for those who want to go the distance, making the full commitment to both the Vault & Weight Room. The last day to submit a request for Go FRESH is March 25th.

Foodie Friday - Easy Pesto Wraps

2011-03-11T06:11:00.004-06:00

Earlier this week I received a special delivery from Crown Publishing: The Raw Truth - Recipes and Resources for the Living Foods Lifestyle by Jeremy A. Safron. It is a lovely book and I've added a review for you in the Raw Food Rehab Library.

Since I have been so busy with travel and writing the past couple of weeks, I have really been keeping my food preparations very simple.....well, boring actually. This book has brought some new inspirations and I was delighted to find so many easy to prepare recipes. I thought it would be good if I made one of them for you today. I hope you enjoy it!

Pesto Wraps

For the wraps:

3 large zucchini, peeled

pinch of sun-dried sea salt

juice of 1/2 lemon

2 tomatoes, sliced

chopped green and purple basil, for garnish

For the Presto Pesto:

2 cups chopped walnuts

2 cups loosely packed green & purple basil leaves

3 cloves garlic

1 heaping tablespoon red miso

Using a vegetable peeler or mandoline, cut thin wide strips lengthwise down the zucchini. Place the strips in a bowl, cover with water, add the sea salt and lemon juice, and soak for 2 hours, or until they taste clean (not starchy). Drain, rinse and drain again.(Penni Note: I just cut the zucchini and skipped everything else - they didn't taste starchy to me).

To prepare the pesto, plavce the walnuts, basil leaves and garlic in a homogenizer juicer or a food processor to create an oily paste. Transfer the paste to a bowl and stir in the miso.(Penni Note: I added some baby spinach leaves because I didn't have quite enough basil and my I added the juice of one small lemon - also my pesto did not seem oily).

To prepare each wrap, lay a zucchini strip flat on your work surface. Drop a teaspoon of pesto in the center of the zucchini strip. Press a tomato slice into the pesto. Fold or roll up the zucchini strip and secure with a toothpick. Serve the wraps on a serving plate with the chopped basil garnish.

Again, to check out Jeremy Safron's newly released book, The Raw Truth, click here.

And to check out the entire Foodie Friday Collection, click here.

Welcoming March - Just a Little Late : )

2011-03-02T16:35:00.004-06:00

I wanted to offer an update for you as to what's been going on with me most recently. As many of you may know who are members at Raw Food Rehab, I've been traveling back and forth to Oklahoma City a couple of days a week, working on a special project. This week, I was there for the past couple of days - on Monday - working and yesterday - I was staying over to attend the lecture and dinner with Philip McCluskey at 105degrees.

Monday's work went beautifully (and yes, I promise that I'll fill you in on the details of what I've been up to very soon), but around midnight I awoke in my hotel room with the chills and began to feel extremely ill. For those of you who have ever had a nasty stomach bug, you can imagine the scene without me offering a play-by-play. So to make an ugly story short, I was unable to attend the sold-out Philip McCluskey event at 105degrees. I was beyond disappointed, as there were a good number of Real Food Tulsa readers and Raw Food Rehab members who traveled in for the lecture/dinner. I had been looking so forward to getting to meet and spend time with the crew, but alas, the unforgiving intestinal bug won.

Fortunately, I was able to drive myself home today and although still pretty weak, I can tell I'm on the mend. So even though it's March 2nd already, I'm happy to be starting a new month in which I hope to pack plenty of excitement! This Friday, after a month off, thanks to the marvelous Michelle K of it's a High Raw Life, I'll be back in the Foodie Friday kitchen making a recipe from the Resolve to Evolve March Recipe Supplement, so you will want to be sure to tune in for that.

I also want to share that we're gearing up for our next 11 Week Initiative at RFR over the next couple of weeks.

GO FRESH - 11 Weeks of Rejuvenation & Renewal with Raw Foods will begin on April 1st! I am really looking forward to sharing some exciting details with you about this Initiative very soon. Be sure to keep your eyes on the Main Forum at RFR, as this is always where I post breaking and headline news! You can read more about what the 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiatives are about Here and I also want to encourage you to learn about RFR's Darlene Knight Scholarship Fund.

I sincerely hope this post finds you well and that March is off to a fantastic start. I'd really love to hear from you in the comments below - tell us how things are in YOUR world!

Philip McCluskey in Oklahoma

2011-02-17T13:40:00.005-06:00

After speaking at the 105degrees Restaurant and Academy's Grand Opening, Philip McCluskey is coming back to share his transformational story with the Raw Food lifestyle, with tips on how he lost over 200 lbs in 2 years, and said "Yes" to Life!!!

Be inspired, get practical tips, unleash your inner sexy you and transform your life! Whether you are struggling with your weight, happiness, or overall joy in life, this is the event for you.

When:
Mar 1st 2011 (6pm - 7:30pm, dinner right after)

Where:
105degrees
5820 North Classen Blvd
Oklahoma City, OK 73118

*Enjoy a gourmet 3 course raw meal: appetizer, entree, and delicious dessert!

Investment in your health: $40 lecture / $60 lecture + dinner

For more information or to register, please call: 405-842-1050

More about Philip:
Philip McCluskey is a raw food expert who motivates hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to become healthier, happier, and fitter by trading in their standard diet for a raw food lifestyle. Philip’s journey began in 2006, when, at a morbidly obese 400 pounds, he discovered raw food and shed 215 pounds, gaining vibrant health, energy, and a renewed passion for living.

His story has inspired countless others who have seen him on CBS’s The Doctors, have heard him speak at events like the Raw Spirit Festival, or have followed his journey on YouTube and on his website, LovingRaw.com. He is also the author of three published books, including Raw Food Fast Food.

The Best of Raw Awards 2010

2011-02-03T17:41:00.007-06:00

The highlight of my snowbound week, thus far, has been last night's 3rd Annual Best of Raw Awards! The event was held in Santa Monica, CA at Matt Amsden's Rawvolution and the entire 3 hour event streamed live along with a very lively chat room full of viewers from around the globe who all turned out to cheer for their favored person, place or thing. It was an action packed night of great fun!

I'm still a little stunned, but delighted at the honor & recognition of Raw Food Rehab winning The Best Raw Community Site. Of all the categories, this was the one I most hoped we'd place in, but I did not expect to win. I'm genuinely thrilled because it's not MY award but an entire commuinity award, which makes it all the more wonderful and special! When I asked Susan, who assists me with running the site, what her thoughts were on RFR's win she said, "This is not about us (she & I). It's TEAM work that makes the DREAM work!" Well said, my friend, well said.

I've been so giddy all day and decided we needed to have a celebratory giveaway! Click here to go sign up to win a copy of Philip McCluskey & Heather Pace's brand new release, Raw Food Carob Desserts! I'll be drawing for the winner this coming Monday, February 7th!

If you missed The Best of Raw Awards, below I've listed some of the winners and the runner ups. Please Click Here to view the full list of the top finalists and the winners in each of the 40 categories for 2010!

Raw Vegan Friendly Restaurant
Winner - Cafe Gratitude
#2 Au Lac
#3 SunPower Natural Cafe
#4 Pure Food and Wine-New York
#5 Euphoria Loves RAWvolution—Santa Monica, CA
#6 Juliano's Planet Raw—Santa Monica, CA

Best Blog
Winner: Raw Reform - Angela Stokes
#2 Matt Monarch - Raw Success
#3 Penni Shelton
#4 Raw on $10 a Day (or Less!)
#5 Rawmazing
#6 Sunny Raw Kitchen

Best Show or Vlog:
Winner: Dan Mcdonald the Liferegenerator's Show
#2 The Raw Food World TV Show
#3 Renegade Health
#4 Penni Shelton's Show
#5 Chef Tina Jo's Show
#6 BeLive's Youtube Channel ChefBeLiveLight

Best Radio Show:
Winner: Raw Food World Radio Show
#2 Raw Vegan Radio
#3 Paul Nison's Show
#4 Coach Cher Till
#5 SuperFood Education Seminars with Bethanne Wanamaker and Dr. Jameth Sheridam
#6 Rhio's Show

Best Raw Community Site:
** Winner - Raw Food Rehab **
#2 30 Bananas A Day
#3 Give It To Me Raw
#4 Raw Divas
#5 We Like It Raw
#6 Raw Sangha

Best Book 2010
Winner: Ani Phyo Raw Food Essentials
#2 Green for Life: The Updated Classic on Green Smoothie Nutrition by Victoria Boutenko
#3 Becoming Raw by Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina
#4 Raw Food Cleanse: Restore Health and Lose Weight..by Penni Shelton
#5 Orgasm of the Taste Buds by Chef BeLive
#6 Rawmazing Desserts by Susan Powers

Best Raw Film
Winner - Food Matters
#2 Raw Food Cure For Diabetes, Gabriel Cousens
#3 Simply Raw
#4 May I Be Frank
#5 The Beautiful Truth
#6 Raw For Life

Best Male Raw Athlete
Winner -Brendan Brazier
#2 Tim Van Orden
#3 Real Raw Matt
#4 Harley Jhonston aka Durianrider
#5 Dr. Douglas N. Graham
#6 Stefan Hiene

Best Female Raw Athlete
Winner - Rainbeau Mars
#2 Freelee Love
#3 Koya Webb
#4 Tonya Kay
#5 Danielle Charboneau
#6 Diane Haworth

Sexiest Raw Woman
Winner - Ani Phyo
#2 Angela Stokes-Monarch
#3 Freelea Love
#4 Annmarie Gianni
#5 Oshun Kelley
#6 Sarma Melngallis

Sexiest Raw Man
Winner - Dan McDonald
#2 David Wolfe
#3 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#4 Storm Talifero
#5 Woody Harrelson
#6 Jason Mraz

Funniest Raw Woman
Winner - Angela Stokes-Monarch
#2 Shazzie
#3 Penni Shelton
#4 Freelea
#5 Nomi Shannon
#6 Oshun Kelley

Funniest Raw Man
Winner - Dan Mcdonald
#2 Matt Monarch
#3 David Wolfe
#4 Kevin Gianni
#5 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#6 Harley Jphnstone (durianrider)

Simple Raw Chef
Winner - Dan McDonald aka LifeRegenerator
#2 Ani Phyo
#3 Solla Eiriksdottir
#4 Angela Stokes-Monarch
#5 Elaina Love
#6 Chef Tina Jo

Gourmet Raw Chef
Winner - Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#2 Lou Corona
#3 Solla Eiriksdottir
#4 Nomi Shannon
#5 Russell James
#6 Alissa Cohen

Best Raw Vegan Educator
Winner - Dan McDonald
#2 David Wolfe
#3 Brian James Lucas aka Chef BeLive
#4 Angela Stokes Monarch
#5 Nomi Shannon
#6 Dr. Gabriel Cousens

Gearing Up for 28 Days of Total Reset

2011-01-24T21:50:00.004-06:00

In today's video I'm announcing Raw Food Rehab's 2nd annual 28 Day Total Reset Cleanse during the month of February. This particular cleanse is outlined in my book, Raw Food Cleanse. If you are interested in kicking things up a notch in your raw food journey, this would be a great and effective way to do it.

This is the official shout out to let you know that I'm rallying the troops and have added a February Cleanse Posse Sign Up HERE. I would like to get an idea of how many of you would like to commit to this.

To start - I suggest that you formulate a game plan for reducing your toxic load, which will help you take your raw food cleanse to a deeper level. I you haven't already, I'd like to recommend that you determine your personal state of affairs by answering the Life Cleanse Questionnaire, which you will find in my book. This set of questions is a simple tool to help you get honest with yourself about where you are today and what areas of your life need more of your attention.
In the questionnaire, we explore what is happening in your world in these important areas:

Diet
Physical
Environmental
Emotional
Spiritual
Lifestyle

If you are new to the concept of cleansing or new to raw foods, I recommend that you start off with the 3 Day Energy Boost Cleanse. Starting here will give you a wonderful opportunity to learn how your body will react to this process of freeing up energy for detox. If you don't have a juicer or blender, simply making the commitment to eat a 100% raw food diet might be the best way for you to start.

Beyond that I recommend the 7 Day Rejuvenation Cleanse which is a wonderful protocol that can be followed consecutively for 28 days. This particular cleanse is ideal for anyone at any stage of the journey:

Upon Arising: 32 oz. pure water w/ fresh lemon or lime juice
Before Noon: 32 oz. of fresh juice or green smoothie &/or fresh seasonal fruit
Midday: Big, colorful salad w/ a delicious dressing &/or raw blended soup or a cleansing raw food entree
Snack: Allowed but only if you are truly hungry. This can be fruit, cut veggies w/ pate or dip, fresh juice or smoothie, herbal tea, elixir or a smart cocktail.
Evening: same as the midday meal.

There are over 100 recipes in my book and you can also find some great recipes for Detox & Cleansing in my Raw Food Rehab Kitchen.

The actual 28 Day Total Reset Cleanse is designed for an individual who has a good amount of weight to release and/or for those with a background of compromised diet, unhealthy lifestyle and environmental exposures. This particular cleanse will be ideal for those who have been doing this for awhile or who are really serious about taking charge of their health once & for all. The 28 day protocol starts off with 10 -14 days of liquids - think juice feast.... (juices, smoothies or blended soups/salads). The remaining days look a lot like the 7 Day Cleanse.

I highly recommend that you read Raw Food Cleanse, as it will be your faithful companion in the month of February and beyond. This book will help you elevate and align your thinking to that which promotes vibrant health and it will support you in your long term commitment to living your best life now. It also offers over 100 delicious recipes to insure your success.

If this resonates with you and you're ready to go for it - come sign into the February Cleanse Posse Sign In Thread and you can begin to get yourself organized, as our February 1st start date is next Tuesday! If you have additional questions regarding this cleanse, please ask them in the comment section below! I also want to encourage you to share this link on Twitter & Facebook - you never know how your suggestion to try raw food for a month may impact your family, friends and acquaintances!

The Raw Truth

2011-01-19T07:51:00.007-06:00

Press Release:

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Why are Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, and other chic individuals joining the “Raw Revolution” in what is believed to be the hottest trend in health circles? New York Times best selling author Jordan Rubin outlines benefits of the raw lifestyle and how to transform health with the power of living nutrients in his first book in three years, The Raw Truth. Available January 15 exclusively at health food retailers nationwide, the free book giveaway of more than 700,000 copies is one of the largest in the Natural Products Industry. A downloadable version of the book is also available by Clicking Here.

“We want to get this book into the hands of our loyal consumers who are interested in improving their health and learning more about the raw lifestyle,” said Rubin, CEO of Garden of Life. “The book is important because it provides comprehensive detail on the benefits experienced through this emerging health trend as well as common sense approaches to making the change to a simple, more wholesome diet of foods that are uncooked, untreated and unadulterated.”

The Raw Truth includes Rubin’s inspirational health transformation story of how he recovered from Crohn’s disease. Sixteen educational chapters are devoted to raw food pioneers and health legends such as Ann Wigmore, Andy Szalay, Elie Metchnikoff, Edward Howell and many others who bravely paved the way for the raw movement despite opposition and skepticism.

In addition to raw pioneers, the book profiles some of the most popular raw trendsetters, cookbook authors, chefs and restaurant owners in the country who are inspiring others to experiment with raw foods. Sarma Melngailis, Alissa Cohen, Angela Stokes-Monarch, Penni Shelton and other celebrated raw advocates share their tips, recipes, and even beauty tips on how to “get the glow” by going raw.

Rubin said The Raw Truth offers targeted nutrition plans for specific ages, gender and health conditions as well as a recipe section with suggestions for how to eat, snack and prepare delicious meals for the entire family. He added that an extensive resource guide lists many health food stores and companies that specialize in raw foods and body care products and consumers can also take advantage of valuable coupons for Garden of Life’s new RAW Digestion line, RAW Probiotics, RAW Enzymes and RAW Fiber.

“Whether you’re thinking about becoming a raw food vegan, a raw food omnivore, or just committing to eating raw foods in greater quantities to improve your diet, The Raw Truth has information on why and how you can support your health by doing it,” Rubin said.

Setting Your Tone for a Successful 2011

2011-01-06T12:25:00.002-06:00

20 TIPS FOR A POSITIVE 2011 !

by Jon Gordon (with a Penni touch : )

1. STAY POSITIVE. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can know that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is_______________________.

3. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a “thank you walk.” It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

4. Instead of being disappointed about where you are think optimistically about where you are going.

5. Formulate your personal food plan, keeping your kitchen well stocked with only what's on your program, always staying mindful about the reasons you are making these better choices.

6. Remember that adversity is not a dead-end but a detour to a better outcome.

7. Focus on learning, loving, growing and serving.

8. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

10. Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.

11. Live with the 3 E's. Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.

12. Remember there’s no substitute for hard work.

13. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: “What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?” Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. Complaining is like vomiting. Afterwards you feel better but everyone around you feels sick.

15. Read more books than you did in 2010. We happen to know of a few good ones. :)

16. Get more sleep. You can’t replace sleep with a cup of coffee or a candy bar.

17. Focus on “Get to” vs “Have to.” Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.

Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

If these tips resonate with you, why not join me for a special tele-conference with Jon Gordon next week (it's free)? I have been so motivated by Jon's wisdom and inspiration and I think his Road to Success 2011 Event will be really motivational and help you, especially if you are in leadership or business. Click here for more details.

Join Me on Mt Hood in March 2011!

2010-12-15T14:24:00.003-06:00

I am very excited to be announcing EXPLORE RAW VITALITY - March 18th & 19th (outside of Portland, OR on Mt. Hood)

Join me, Dave the Raw Food Trucker, Tresa Yung, Thomas & Gabrielle Chavez and many other leading experts, chefs and guides within the raw food movement as we welcome Spring and explore the world of Raw Vitality.

Attend this event and you will:

learn about resources for true wellness, longevity, and a healthier way of life

meet the lifestyle experts, healers, doctors, and chefs who can make it work for you

rejuvenate and heal

explore your own true nature, naturally

learn to live in grace

Event Package Includes:

3 unforgettably delicious raw gourmet meals prepared by some of the country's best live food chefs

keynote presentations on Friday night: Dave the Raw Food Trucker and Tresa B.E. Grace

Living the Compass of Grace workshop with Thomas and Gabrielle Chavez

an interactive discussion with Penni Shelton, author of Raw Food Cleanse

special activities including yoga and a live juice bar

scheduled food demos, mini talks through the event

health and wellness experts available Friday and Saturday with resources and advice

access to holistic treatments including acupuncture, reflexology, reiki, sound healing, and naturopathic consultations

a special group rate for your stay at The Resort at The Mountain of only $89/per double room per night

For all other details, and a 25% early bird booking discount, visit http://www.explorerawvitality.com!

Do You Feel Lucky?

2010-12-14T17:05:00.004-06:00

I didn't want any of my beloved blog readership to miss out on the Big Mega Giveaway Extravaganza that's taking place this week over at Raw Food Rehab! Come log in and put your name in the hat!

Foodie Friday - Festive Holiday Drinks

2010-12-10T20:42:00.002-06:00

This episode of Foodie Friday features festive & healthy Christmas "cocktail" recipes that will help you feel like kicking up your heels and decking the halls this holiday season (and without a hangover)!

No holiday party is truly complete without a selection of delicious drinks. Holiday libations can and should be fun and festive, but they don't HAVE to contain wine, champagne or spirits. The great thing about choosing to be conscious with your holiday drinking means that no one has to worry about who will be driving home from the party!

Holiday Fruit Punch

(from Raw For The Holidays - pg 59 )

8 oranges

6 apples

1 lemon

1 cup fresh cranberries

1/4 cup - 1 cup coconut nectar (or other sweetener of choice), to taste

1/4+ teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon 5 spice powder

1 large bottle of chilled sparkling mineral water

additional slices of citrus, fresh mint & frozen cranberries for garnish

Either juice or blend & strain the apples, oranges, lemon & cranberries. Pour the juice into the blender, adding the spices and whirl until well combined. Pour the punch into a large pitcher or small punch bowl and add sparkling water. You are looking for a ratio of about 2/3 punch to 1/3 sparkling water. Finish by adding sliced fruit, fresh mint & a few cranberries to serve.

Raspberry Pomegranate Spritzer

2 cups kombucha, coconut kefir or sparkling water

2/3 cup frozen raspberries

2 sprigs fresh mint

3 ounces fresh or bottled pomegranate juice

ice

Combine all ingredients in a small pitcher and pour over ice filled glasses to serve.

Holiday Nog

(raw & eggless)

1 cup soaked almonds (4 - 8 hrs)

1 young coconut (substitute 2 ripe bananas if you don't have a coconut)

5 soft, pitted medjool dates

2 tablespoons coconut nectar (optional)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 -2 heaping tablespoon cashew butter (optional - will make it creamier & add richness of flavor)

1 scant teaspoon rum extract (optional)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

additional water to blend (2 cups if you are using the coconut, 3 cups w/ bananas)

Blend all ingredients and strain. Serve chilled or warm and top with freshly grated nutmeg & a cinnamon stick for a beautiful presentation.

Christmas Cran-tini

3 ounces of fresh pressed or organic bottled cranberry juice

3 ounces fresh orange juice

a few drops of Stevia hazelnut extract

a final splash of kombucha (or organic vodka if you're really on the edge)

Combine the first three ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. strain into a glass and top with kombucha, garnishing with an orange slice & a couple of frozen cranberries.

In addition to these fun drinks, be sure to check out all of the festive goodness in our holiday themed ebook, Raw For The Holidays! In it you'll find drink recipes for:

2 more delicious raw nog variations

Minty Chocolate Cocoa

Chocolatini

Poinsetta

Holi-tini

Toot You Horn Smart Cocktail

and so much more....

If you're looking for party appetizers, both Raw For The Holidays & Falling Into Raw have ou covered! Just a few suggestions:

Cheddar Stuffed Celery w/ Cranberries

Truffle Caper Tapenade

Pecan or Pumpkin Seed Cheese Stuffed Dates

Cucumber Cashew Canapés

Stuffed Mushrooms

BBQ "Meat"balls

Party Kabobs w/ Persimmon Habanero Dipping Sauce

Staying Raw & Sane at the Holidays!

2010-12-08T15:00:00.006-06:00

On Thursday, December 9th, I will be joining Blog Talk Radio host, Cher Till for a fantastic internet program on Staying Raw & Sane at the Holidays! During this hour long program, Cher and I are dishing up some great holiday tips for staying raw, keeping it green, reducing stress and sharing recipe ideas. We cover a gamut of topics from dealing with the demands and stresses of the season to how to be prepared and stay on course with your healthy eating goals throughout 2010 and beyond. Please join us for some fun, helpful tips and tricks that will help make your season more Merry & Bright! Click here to learn more details and to find the time the show will be available in your area.

Healthy Shots with Cher is an award winning internet program that brings you the movers, shakers and leaders in raw, vegan and vegetarian lifestyles, as well as Masters in the study of Meditation. Master Life Coach Cher Till is your host and weekly she brings you her expert tools and those of her special guests. This will be a one hour show, with fun and information that will guide you to a balance of physical and mental joy. To learn more about Coach Cher Till go to rawqyourhealth.com

The Living Christmas Tree

2010-12-03T16:11:00.002-06:00

Here we are at the beginning of December, which is the biggest celebratory month of the entire year! In today's episode of Foodie Friday, I am sharing with you one of my most favorite and impressive holiday party appetizers, The Living Christmas Tree, which is a perfect centerpiece and healthy conversation starter for any festive occasion. Putting this tree together is also a fun way to get kids involved in helping with your party preparations!

To put together your Living Christmas Tree (page 63 of Raw For The Holidays), you'll need:

One Styrofoam Cone (they come in several sizes, so choose a larger size if you have a larger number of guests) and Toothpicks:

Holiday Themed Mini-Cookie Cutters, if desired:

Lots of Leafy Greens to cover the cone:

Use toothpicks to secure your leafy greens to the cone to create the Christmas Tree Base layer:

Clean, cut and prepare a variety of veggies with which to decorate your tree:

Decorate the Living Christmas Tree as you would a real holiday tree, using toothpicks to secure the veggies in place:

Use the Living Tree as a table decoration or centerpiece at your holiday event:

You can serve a variety of dips as an accompaniment to this veggie tree. I made a variation of the Cashew Cheddar Spread from Falling Into Raw (page 32):

For the Cheddar Spread:
1 cup raw cashews, soaked one hour & drained
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded
1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon cashew or tahini butter
1 generous tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon raw honey
1 scant teaspoon sea salt
water, only as needed to blend

In a food processor or blender combine all ingredients until completely smooth.

I also suggest these dips to serve alongside the tree:

Pumpkin Seed Cheese Dip (Falling Into Raw - page 34)

Chipotle Hummus (Falling Into Raw - page 34)

Smokey Guacamole (Falling Into Raw - page 31)

And be sure to check out the other offerings in our Dips & Nut Pate section in the Raw Food Rehab Kitchen! There is a Live Ranch dip & an amazing walnut pate in that section that are DELISH!

I've Got Sunshine......

2010-12-01T08:40:00.002-06:00

Today I took a little road trip to Oklahoma City to meet up with my good friend Sunshine Boatright (raw food autism champion) at 105degrees. Sunshine and her family were passing through on their move cross-country from Atlanta, Georgia to their soon to be new home in Southern California.

It had been just over 2 years since I had seen Sunshine, so I was thrilled to get to hang out with her for a couple of hours, catching up over the most amazing raw & living food lunch! Check out these shots of our feast:

In the order of there appearance:

Shots of Wheatgrass (not shown)
Antiox-C (Orange, Lime, Goji Berries, Black Cherries & Raspberries)
Fork Crushed Avocado w/ Mint, Radish, Lemon, Sea Salt & Corn Chips
House Aged Tree Nut Cheeses w/ Seasonal Fruits & Raw Honey
Arugula Salad w/ Shaved Pear, Sweet Onions, L8 Harvest Vinaigrette&, Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
Heirloom Tomato Lasagna w/ Macadamia Ricotta, Spinach, Pesto & Sun Dried Tomato Marinara
Mediterranean Hummus Wrap in Swiss Chard w/ Zucchini, Kalamata Olives & Sweet Red Pepper (with a side of Kale Chips)
Tiramisu
Gianduja Tasting (a celebration of hazelnuts & chocolate)

The final photo of the raw lasagna was a dish that one of the students at the Academy had put together - doesn't it all look amazing? If you ever have the opportunity to be in Oklahoma City, be sure to visit 105degrees!

The Festival of Lights

2010-11-27T09:47:00.006-06:00

Looking for raw food ideas to incorporate into your Chanukkah dinner? Raw chefs Deborah Blank, Kirby Cuke & Raw For the Holidays offer a full menu of delicious gluten & dairy free living food recipes for your celebration which include:

Apple Cakes

Honey Creme Sauce
Spiced Carrots
Applesauce
Sweet Potato Latkes
Sour Cream
Brisket
Jelly Donuts
Chanukah Harry Choc Dipped Macaroons

Raw For The Holidays is a collection of over 100 holiday themed, healthy raw food recipes & 65 full color photos. This work is an expanded collaboration from over 30 contributors, including yours truly. Order your digital copy now, through Paypal for only $15.

The Big Thanksgiving Episode

2010-11-20T12:10:00.002-06:00

Thanks for checking out today's Big Thanksgiving Episode! I had such fun putting today's recipes together and filming the details for my weekly raw food segment on Raw Food Rehab. Unfortunately when I went to plug my Flip camera into the USB port of my computer, the plug in snapped off and my video camera is broken beyond repair. I hope you will at least enjoy the photographs and recipes I've put together. I'm wishing you and your family a beautiful, blissful and healthy holiday!

Cinnamon Apple & Rosemary Sweet Potato Chips w/ Maple Vanilla Cream

(inspired by Vegetarian Times - Oct 2010)

For the cinnamon apple chips:

2 medium apples, cored & sliced into 1/4 inch thick rings

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

for rosemary sweet potato chips:

1 large sweet potato

2 tablespoons good quality olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon crushed dried rosemary

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Cut sweet potato into paper thin slices with a mandoline or knife. Place slices in a bowl and gently rub in the olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary & salt.

Lay slices on mesh dehydrator trays without overlapping. Dry for about 6 hours, shifting until chips are fully crisp.

Maple Vanilla Cream

If you don't have a high speed blender, you can grind the cashews in a coffee grinder then place the powder into your blender to combine with the other ingredients until smooth.

1/2 cup cashews, soaked & drained

1 - 2 teaspoons maple syrup or coconut nectar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Blend all ingredients on high speed until smooth & creamy, adding a bit of water if necessary to combine.

Sweet Cinnamon Pecans
(courtesy of Kerry Matson/Raw For The Holidays pg 73)

2 tablespoon coconut oil

2 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon agave (or other sweetener of choice)
1/8 teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt
4 cups pecans
1/2 cup dried coconut flakes

Mix together warmed/liquefied coconut oil, agave, vanilla and cinnamon. Pour over pecans and stir to cover nuts well. Pour 1/2 of pecans onto a dehydrator sheet (no Teflex sheet). To the remaining pecans, add a 1/2 cup of dried coconut flakes. Stir well & pour onto another dehydrator sheet.

Dehydrate at 105* for 15-20 hours, or until dry & crispy.

Cranberry Pomegranate Chutney
(from Raw For The Holidays pg 90)

2 cups dried cranberries, roughly chopped
½ cup red apple, cored and chopped
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
¼ cup agave nectar (or raw honey)
1 orange, zested & supremed
1 cup pomegranate seeds

Add cranberries, apple, ginger and agave nectar to a food processor and pulse together until well combined. Add the orange segments, pulsing only until blended in coarsely. Transfer to a medium bowl and add the orange zest and pomegranate seeds, mixing thoroughly. This will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days.

Savory Mushroom Nut Loaf
(Modified from Raw For The Holidays pg 94)

1 cup raw pecans
1 cup raw walnuts

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup mushrooms
½ cup celery
½ cup sweet yellow onion
1 1/2 teaspoons dried sage or poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1-2 cloves garlic
1 cup carrot pulp
1 stalk celery, finely diced

In a food processor, grind nuts to a coarse meal. Place in a mixing bowl. To the processor bowl, qdd mushrooms, celery, onion, sage, salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic, and continue processing until everything is finely ground. Transfer this into the bowl with the nuts and stir in carrot pulp and diced celery. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix and combine everything together. Form into a loaf, cake or patties. Dehydrate 4-6 hours, (less time if you are making smaller cakes) until a crust has formed on top and it's nicely warmed.

Pumpkin Spice Bread or Muffins

2 cups fresh or moist carrot pulp

2/3 cup dried sweet almond pulp (left over pulp from making nut milk)

3/4 cup ground golden flax seeds

1/3 cup chopped raisins or cranberries

1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

2 tablespoons coconut nectar or maple syrup

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

2 teaspoons good quality olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl until fully incorporated. Either form the mixture into a loaf shape or press into a plastic wrap lined mini-muffin pan to form shapes. Dehydrate at 105 degrees until dried to your personal liking. The outer crust should be nice and formed, but the interior should still be soft and moist. Note: If you are making a pumpkin loaf, drying time will be much longer.

There are over 100 celebratory recipes and 65 color photos in Raw Food Rehab's Raw For The Holidays ebook. Click here to learn the details.

Big Raw Chili Night

2010-11-06T13:51:00.003-05:00

Corn Fritters (from Raw For The Holidays)

3 cups fresh (or frozen & thawed) corn kernels

2/3 cup leek (other variety of yellow or white onion is fine)

1/2 cup dried almond pulp or almond flour

1/3 cup golden flax seeds, ground

drizzle of cold pressed olive oil

drizzle of coconut nectar or maple syrup

pinch of sea salt & fresh cracked pepper

Note - I added a heaping 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder & a seeded jalapeño

Blend all ingredients except 1/3cup of corn in a food processor until well combined and smooth. Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, drop the batter on to lined dehydrator trays and press into the shape of corn fritters. Dry at 115 degrees for 2 hours and flip over, removing the non-stick backing, and place the fritters onto the mesh trays to continue drying until the desired consistency is reached (anywhere from 2 - 4 more hours).

Penni's Rawkin' Raw Chili

for the chili:

4 cups fresh tomatoes,diced

16 oz. white or baby bello mushrooms, chopped

2+cups fresh or frozen corn kernels

2 red bell peppers, seeded & diced

2/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, soaked

1 carrot, grated

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced

1 shallot or small sweet onion, chopped (I substituted 1 teaspoon onion powder)

2 cloves fresh garlic (I used 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder)

2 tablespoon coconut nectar (honey or agave would be fine)

1 - 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon smoked sea salt (regular is fine)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon cacao powder

1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder

generous pinch freshly cracked pepper

for the toppings:

chopped cilantro

red onion, diced,

kalamata olives, chopped

avocado, chopped or sliced

living sour cream

Blend together all of the ingredients, except 2 cups chopped tomato, 2 cups chopped mushroom, cup corn, 1/2 of the red bell pepper, 1/2 the jalapeño and 1/2 the cilantro. Once you have lended the base, add the smooth mixture to a large bowl and add in the remaining chopped ingredients, stirring until well combined. Top the chili with any of the listed ingredients. Serve & Enjoy!

To check out my last post on chili - Raw vs. Cooked Chili Night

What Would Angela Stokes Do (WWASD)?

2010-11-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I shared 2 things that have been a big help to me that I learned from David Wolfe. Today I share another little trick I use that has helped me along my raw food journey. This was prompted by a discussion thread that went up right after Halloween in the Vault. In this thread a member, who normally doesn't struggle with sugar cravings, was suddenly perplexed over a couple of sugar related binges she had allowed herself to go on.

Here are tidbits of this member's dilemma:

"I am not really one for sweets usually, but I can tell I have a sugar addiction that needs to be kicked! I took a trip to Montana recently for a reunion and had some beer and wine... then a bit more at home. This past weekend I totally overate at my mom's house for dinner- mostly veggies but also some wine and desserts. Now I have raided some Halloween candy and need help! Ugh!......I feel like I am sabotaging my weight loss goals for some reason. I have about 15 pounds to lose, but I have been in this for weeks now and have not lost anything due to my constant "treating myself" to drinks or dessert or cooked meals. What should I do to kick it once and for all? Tips? Suggestions? Moral support? It feels like when I tell myself I can't have something, that is ALL I WANT! :-P "

Among many of the great responses, here is mine:

"Here is a little game I have played with myself when I find myself slipping into some of the behaviors you speak of.....I pretend that I am Angela Stokes (hopefully you know who she is). Perhaps this is the actress in me, but I literally wake up in the morning and mentally role play. What would Angela Stokes do? I choose to "become Angela" when Penni's brat acts out.

Angela Stokes would NOT eat a candy bar or drink half a bottle of wine. Angela would not be caught in the kitchen noshing on wavy Lays. Angela Stokes goes into the kitchen and blends up a green juice or green smoothie. She lovingly takes the time to move her body and be playful during her day, even if that means some other things don't get done. Angela makes a big, beautiful salad or prepares a quick easy energy soup for lunch/dinner. Angela snacks on kale chips and a piece of fresh fruit. She stays calm and detached when lots of stress and action are happening all around her. Angela knows how to check out and check in to her "happy place."

So WWASD? What would Angela Stokes do? This works to get me back in the game!"

In the video I mention the article that Gwyneth Paltrow shared on her website, Goop, today. Here is the link to the Overcoming Sugar Addiction by Frank Lipman MD. The link to the We Like It Raw podcast I mention in which Dhrumil interviews Dr. Alejandro Junger, partner of Frank Lipman MD, is here.

We would love to hear comments from you today. Anything from role playing to how you've overcome your cravings/addiction to sugar is welcome!

Loving Ourselves & Establishing Real Boundaries

2010-11-02T09:18:00.006-05:00

Learning to set specific boundaries has been a very big part of my own evolution and growth along my personal journey towards optimum health and wholeness. Because I have always desired to be a kind, loving and accepting person, I have often found that life and others have often tried to trample, take advantage or abuse my loving intentions and acts of generosity.

It's been a painful and hard road for me (and for those who I have loved) because for the majority of my life I did not understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries for myself and for others. I know that many of us have struggled with this very issue, so even though this post deviates from my usual musings of food, I believe this topic has relevance in many areas of our lives. When we are clear about our needs and set those needs as a priority, we are not being mean, selfish or inconsiderate. It is only when we learn to love ourselves enough to nourish our own spirit and bodies that we are able to be truly generous with our love and compassion for others.

To respect and honor your authentic self, you must set personal boundaries. Your boundaries help define who you are and what you will and will not tolerate in your life. Learning to set boundaries often feels uncomfortable at first, but the process becomes more natural to you as you move into living and honoring your genuine self. You set boundaries with your professional peers, friends and family, emotional boundaries in virtually all aspects of your life, and spiritual boundaries as you embark on your life journey.

Know your personal choice, and when to say yes or no. This is the essence of setting emotional boundaries. For example, if someone demands your time or energy and you do not wish to participate, say "no" and if you choose, explain why. Causing a major confrontation isn't always necessary.

Watch for warning signals that trigger the need for boundaries. Various situations require you to set emotional boundaries. You usually receive warning signals. You may distance yourself from someone who is abrasive. You may prefer not to spend your energy on someone who does not live up to his word. If you notice someone is undermining you or putting you down, you may emotionally need to move completely away from the individual. Don't allow others to take advantage of you, treat you with disregard, or demean you. If you maintain healthy emotional balance, you are taking a giant step on the path to your power. You gain great strength in your emotions and mental health each time you stand up for yourself and protect your emotional well-being.

Decide how to set the boundary. If someone crosses your emotional boundaries, you may choose to address the issue outright and work toward a mutual understanding and solution. Or you may decide to quietly set your boundary through limiting your time with that person or being involved in a particular situation. You might also find removing yourself from a toxic environment is necessary. Take time to define your boundaries and seek a solution that allows you to maintain self-respect and live authentically.

Make healthy boundaries a part of your life. Your spiritual boundaries help define your soul's growth. As you pursue your spiritual journey, you will know your truth in your heart. Love, kindness, generosity, and healthy support for your fellow travelers become part of your life as you experience your inner power, joy and peace. Setting boundaries in your spiritual life includes making time to pray and meditate, getting involved with causes that are dear to your heart, cultivating your divine relationship with God or your Divine Source, and living fully in your truth.

Written with the help of: How to Set Personal Boundaries

Foodie Friday - The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 2

2010-10-29T22:05:00.002-05:00

The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 2

Pumpkin Cacao Balls

Inspired by Frank Giglio & Annmarie Gianni)

ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds

2 cups pumpkin, shredded and soaked overnight, drained
1/2 c pecans

1/2 cup soft dates, pitted

1/2 cup dried apricots, quartered

drizzling of maple syrup
3 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

generous pinch sea salt

cacao nibs to coat

First, grind pumpkin seeds & pecans in food processor to fine pieces. Remove and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the pumpkin and all other ingredients and process into small, fine pieces. Add the nuts back into the mix and process a ball stats to form.

Using a teaspoon, collect a bit of the pumpkin mixture and form into balls. Roll in cacao nibs if desired. The balls should either be dehydrated (about 4 - 6 hours) or refrigerate them until they are firm.

Pumpkin Macaroons

ingredients:

1 cup shredded coconut, blended into a fine powder or flour

1/2 cup ground pecans

1/2 cup pumpkin flour (dehydrated pumpkin shreds that have been ground into powder)

1/2 cup maple syrup

2 teaspoons coconut oil (or butter)

1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch sea salt

In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients. Use a small cookie dough scoop or your hands and form the macaroons. I recommend dehydrating these for 3 - 4 hours which will make them firm on the outside but still soft and light on the inside. You can also enjoy them as is without dehydration.

I also suggest Harvest Moon Granola (Raw For The Holidays pg 21), beautifully bagged to use as party favors!

Powered Up Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake

ingredients:

2 cups shredded pumpkin, soaked overnight & drained
1 large frozen banana
1 heaping teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 heaping tablespoon raw nut butter of your choice
2 soaked dates
2 tablespoons raw protein powder
crushed ice, if desired
Top with shredded coconut & freshly grated nutmeg

Blend the first 7 ingredients (add water as needed) in a blender until smooth & creamy. Top coconut & nutmeg to serve.

Pumpkin Soup

ingredients:
2 cups shredded pumpkin, soaked overnight & drained
1 cup fresh apple juice
1/2 cup caramelized onions
1 clove garlic
generous pinch garam masala (or cumin)
pinch of ginger
pinch of sea salt
fresh thyme & more caramelized onions to garnish

Blend all ingredients in a blender until well combined and creamy. Serve with Boho Flax Crackers.

ingredients:
3 cups yellow onions, sliced very thin
1⁄4 cup cold pressed extra virgin olive oil
1⁄4 cup coconut aminos
1/3 cup date paste
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

In a blender or food processor, combine the oil, coconut aminos, date paste and lemon juice until creamy. Combine the thinly sliced onions with the liquid glaze until well coated. Dehydrate on lined dehydrator trays at 115°F for up to 3 hours.

Boho Flax Crackers

(inspired by Charlie Trotter & Roxanne Klein)

2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
2/3 cup flax seeds (golden)
2 - 3 cup water
2 tablespoons coconut aminos
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garam masala
1/2 teaspoon onion powder or flakes
1 clove minced garlic

Add the flax seeds to the water, allowing to soak at least 4 hours. In a food processor, combine the soaked seeds, coconut aminos, maple syrup, chili powder, garam marsala, onion powder and garlic.....process until smooth and well combined. Stir in the pumpkin seeds by hand until fully incorporated.

Using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread the mixture onto a lined dehydrator trays and set the dehydrator at 115 degrees, drying for about 4 hours or until the cracker batter is firm enough to flip over and peel the liner off. Cut into desired shapes; returning the crackers to mesh dehydrator trays and continue to dry until crisp.....about another 8 - 12 hours.

Raw For The Holidays Is Here!

2010-10-27T15:53:00.003-05:00

Last year Raw Food Rehab released Raw For The Holidays, a collection of festive and delicious recipes created by the Original Cast of Raw Food Rehab. The book was already fabulous, but I decided that the collection should be expanded and revised to make it even more comprehensive and appealing! This year's newly edited and expanded edition has over 100 recipes and 65 color photographs. Here is a list of occasions we cover in Raw For The Holidays:

The Perfect Autumn Day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snack/Dessert) - 8 recipes

Football Watch Party - 9 recipes

All Hallow's Eve - 9 recipes

Thanksgiving (Breakfast, Dinner & Dessert) - 18 recipes

Enchanted Winter Evening for 2 (or more) - 6 recipes

Hanukkah Dinner - 8 recipes

Holiday Sweets & Party Treats - 10 recipes

Christmas Eve - 9 recipes

Christmas Brunch - 11 recipes

Christmas Dinner - 10 recipes

New Year's Eve - 6 recipes

New Year's Day - 7 recipes

I am confident that Raw For The Holidays will be a tremendous support and help to you in all of your holiday and celebratory meal planning. I am so proud and very eager to get in the kitchen and start un-cooking for the holidays! I will also be making some of the recipes that don't have photos on upcoming Foodie Friday episodes!

Raw For The Holidays is available now for just $15 through PayPal. Once I receive notification of your payment, I send the ebook directly to your Inbox. You will normally receive the book in a very short amount of time, however, please allow up to 10 hours for delivery (if an order comes through after I go to bed, I will send it first thing when I wake up!) I know this incredible collection of recipes and beautiful photos will be a treasure to you as you continue on your path towards optimum health this holiday season!

Foodie Friday - The Great Pumpkin Episode Part 1

2010-10-22T18:34:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Cookies with Caramel Icing (Will appear in the newly edited & expanded Raw For the Holidays - available next Friday)

for the cookies:
1 cup almond pulp
1/3 cup ground golden flax seeds
1 heaping cup shredded pumpkin (soaked in water overnight & drained)
2/3 cup date paste
zest of 2 oranges
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
generous pinch sea salt

for the caramel icing: (Falling Into Raw pg 47)
1/4 cup cashews (soaked & drained)
1/4 cup simple nut milk (Falling Into Raw pg 9)
2 tablespoons dark honey or dark agave nectar
2 tablespoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons date paste
1 heaping teaspoon coconut oil

In a food processor, combine all the ingredients for the cookies and process until you have a well blended, thick batter. Spread the batter onto a lined dehydrator tray using the back of a spoon or an offset spatula. Place in a 115 degree dehydrator for a couple of hours until the cookie dough is firm enough to flip onto a cutting surface. Peel the teflex dehydrator sheet carefully away from the dough and cut into desired shapes. Place the cookies onto a mesh dehydrator tray and continue to dry until your cookies are firm but still pliable.

In a blender, combine the icing ingredients and process until totally smooth and creamy. Transfer this mixture to a small bowl, cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to ice the cookies.

Chocolate Brownie Fudge Cookies (Falling Into Raw pg 48)

1 cup medjool dates, pitted

1 1/4 cups almond butter (or other nut butter)

1 cup raw cacao powder (substitute carob if desired)

1/3 cup raw honey

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pulse the dates in a food processor until well shopped. Add the almond butter, cacao or carob powder, honey and vanilla extract, processing until smooth. Place this mixture on a teflex dehydrator sheet and cover with a second sheet. You can use parchment paper or heavy duty plastic wrap as well. Using a rolling pin, flatten the dough as though you were rolling out cookie dough, leaving the dough about 1/4 - 1/2 inch thick. Peel away the top sheet and cut the brownie into desire shapes. These can be decorated as shown in the video/slideshow or they can easily be enjoyed as is. Store uneaten cookies in the refrigerator.

Creamy Pumpkin Pie with Gingersnap Crust and Vanilla Whipped Cream

(will appear in Raw For the Holidays)

for the crust:

1 cup cashews

1 cup pecans

5 dates, pitted

1-2 tablespoons molasses (optional)

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 teaspoon ginger

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cloves

generous pinch sea salt

for the pie filling:

5 cups shredded pumpkin (soaked overnight & drained)

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup raw agave nectar

1/2 cup coconut butter

1/2 cup young coconut meat (can substitute soaked cashews or macadamia nuts)

1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 table spoon pysllium husk

for the vanilla whipped cream:

1 cup cashews, soaked 4 + hours & drained

1/2 cup young coconut meat

1/4 cup raw agave nectar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

To make the crust: In a food processor combine the nuts until crumbly. Add the remaining ingredients, processing until well combined and ball forms on the side of your processor. Press this crust dough into the bottom of a spring form type pan, or in a pie plate lined with plastic wrap. This crust can be refrigerated or dehydrated in preparation for the filling. If your crust seems oily or too damp, use napkins or paper towels to soak up the excess.

To make the filling: Add all the filling ingredients into a blender and combine until fully combined and creamy. Pour this mixture into the prepared pie crust and put into the freezer or refrigerator until firm.

To make the whipped cream: Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and process until totally smooth and creamy. Store the cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Deliciously Hydrated

2010-10-21T17:37:00.001-05:00

I was hoping to bring you a video today, but I finally gave up after the 10th thwarted take. My goal for today was to express to you the importance and benefits of staying hydrated.....and I'm not just talking about drinking water. During our last 11 Week Initiative at Raw Food Rehab, we talked about all of the elements of hydration, so I would like to share those links with you, in case you missed them:

Get Hydrated!

Hydrating with Herbal Teas

Rawk Star Hydration (Foodie Friday)

In addition to drinking plenty of good quality water, staying hydrated with freshly pressed organic fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas, and the water of young thai coconuts are just as beneficial to your health. Whenever I talk about hydration, I have to include chia seeds into the the discussion because they are so amazing. If you haven't read about the impressive nutritional profiles of Thai coconuts or chia seeds, here are two very informative articles for you to absorb:

Chia Seeds - Miracle Food of the Aztecs

Young Thai Coconuts

I wanted to share with you a few of my favorite recipes for hydration.....I hope you'll try these and enjoy!

Chia Chai Smoothie (Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star - pg 11)

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1 chai tea bag, steeped in 1 cup water (cooled)

1/2 + cup sweet vanilla almond milk

1 frozen banana

pinch of cinnamon

pinch of ground ginger

1/2 cup crushed ice

Make the chai tea and allow it to come to room temperature. ut the chia seeds int the tea, allowing them to soak up the tea....usually 15 - 20 minutes....forming a chia chai gel. Easily done at night, this gel will keep well in the refrigerator until your ready to use it. Add the chia chai gel, almond milk, banana, spices and crushed ice to a blender and process until you have a frothy, creamy shake.

Goji Gingerade (Falling Into Raw - page 9)

1/3 cup organic goji berries

32 oz. pure water

1/4 cup raw honey, agave nectar or other sweetener of your choice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 lemons, juiced

1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

Soak the goji berries in the water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Strain the water into a blender and add the other ingredients, blending only until well combined. You can keep the soaked goji berries in a covered container in your refrigerator to use in smoothies or another recipe. Use them within 24 hours.

Chia Coconut Custard Shake (Raw Food Cleanse - page 56)

1 thai coconut, meat & water

1 tablespoon chia seeds

1/2 cup crushed ice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons raw honey or agave nectar

a generous pinch each of cinnamon & freshly grated nutmeg

Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and combine until smooth and creamy.

Chia Breakfast Pudding (Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star - page 13)

1/4 chia seeds

3/4 cup sweet vanilla almond or hemp milk

scant pinch of sea salt

raw honey, agave nectar and/or fresh berries can be added if desired

In a bowl, combine the chia seeds, almond milk and sea slat. This mixture needs to be stirred every 5 to 10 minutes. Within 20 minutes you will have a breakfast pudding that wil remoind you of tapioca, as the chia seeds plump and fill with milk. This breakfast will totally encourage your inner rawk star to shine throughout the day!

Holy Eureka - I FOUND IT!

2010-10-20T17:24:00.007-05:00

After 2 years of asking around and researching, I finally found a natural source for spring water in my area! My friend, JS Ohlander of FindaSpring.com, gave me a heads up that he'd heard about a spring in Broken Arrow, OK, which is just over 30 minutes from my house. So, today I loaded up my water jugs and took a little road trip east to see what I could find. Here's a clip:

The health benefits of spring water have been widely known for centuries. People who understand these benefits or who have experienced health improvements first hand will travel miles to obtain pure, fresh spring water. Natural spring water rises to the land surface naturally. Some health experts feel that this means it is ready to be consumed as opposed to artesian water that is brought to the surface prematurely. Spring water contains antioxidants and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Spring water is alive and when it comes straight from the ground it has nourishing qualities that are not present in purified water. One thing to be cautious of when drinking spring water is that it could contain contaminants and therefore should be tested before consumption.

Many of you may have heard holistic health educators extolling the virtues of drinking natural spring water. David Wolfe and a number of other raw food enthusiasts drink spring water exclusively. Here is a clip from Daniel Vitalis, the creator of Find A Spring.com, telling you a bit more about the site and how you can help by being a spring water detective in your neck of the woods:

I've talked so much about the importance of true hydration at Raw Food Rehab. It is one of the most foundational and necessary elements when you are working on obtaining optimal health or when focusing on achieving your weight loss goals. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of hydration and to find out how much you should be consuming in water each day, click here.

I am curious to know what your experiences are with finding natural spring water near where you live. Do you know of any sources in your area? Have you checked to see if they are listed on the FindaSpring site? I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!

Raw Talk Tuesday - Cher Till's Life Transformation

2010-10-19T07:47:00.002-05:00

Click here to listen to the wav file of today's show (much better sound quality)

Click here for the MP3 file.

Welcome to my very first episode of Raw Talk Tuesday! You are in for big shot of inspiration today as you listen to the 35 minute interview with Dr. Cheryl Till. Many of you may already know of Cher from her Blog Talk Radio Show - Healthy Shots with Cher. Here is a bit of background info on today's special guest:

Dr. Cheryl Till has a very diverse background. She has a Doctorate in the Philosophy of Theology, is an ordained minister, a chef, speaker, trainer, author, coach, and Dr. but, she just likes to be called Cher.

She spent 27 years in the restaurant business, having run multimillion dollar restaurants with over 100 employees in them. Along her journey she sustained an accident at work, which took out both her knees. While recovering, Cher realized working all those long hours in the restaurant business she had lost touch with the core of who she was and why she was put here on this planet.

Three years have gone by since her accident, she has two new knees and a lot of reinventing has taken place. Today Cher teaches people how to accomplish their goals, eat healthier and live a long life. Achieving incredible results from a raw and vegan lifestyle, she has made it her mission to share her love of food with others. Her first e-book, RAWQ YOUR HEALTH with 10 and 10, is only the beginning of her new trademark, and will launch a series of recipe books that are easy, quick and healthy.

Please check out Cher's website here. And then scope out Cher's radio show: HEALTHY SHOTS WITH COACH CHER, which airs on Thursdays from 5-6PM Pacific time on Blog Talk Radio. On her weekly show, Cher interviews guests who are experts in the raw vegan lifestyle, meditation and green living. Her effervescent personality and love of life is contagious everywhere she goes.

The following is an awesome clip that Cher put together to showcase the amazing, mouth watering recipes she shares in her new eBook:

On today's call, Cher is offering a very special exclusive offer to the RFR community (which includes Real Food Tulsa readers). If you order her ebook before this coming Saturday, October 23 by midnight PST, you will get an additional ebook shipped out to your Inbox on November 1st! 30 additional recipes that only require 10 ingredients or less and can be made in 10 minutes! Click here to place your order!

LifeCoach Cher also offers one-on-one and/or group consultations. You can learn all about this by clicking here.

I hope you enjoyed today's very first Raw Talk Tuesday and we'll see you again for another show next Tuesday. Our special guest will be Joan Monarch, mother of Mr. Matt Monarch of the Raw Food World TV Show! You won't want to miss it!

Happy One Year Anniversary, Raw Food Rehab

2010-10-14T17:31:00.005-05:00

This weekend I am celebrating my first full year as the Program Director at the Raw Food Rehab Mansion! We kicked off our first public 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative on October 16th of 2009. When we opened our doors, we had 65 original RFR members who worked with me on research for my book, Raw Food Cleanse. Now, a year later, we have reach a guest list of nearly 6,500! I'd say that's cause for CELEBRATION!

If you haven't checked in at Raw Food Rehab yet, we always leave the light on and have someone at the front desk who will see you to your room! Hope to bump into in the halls soon!

Are You Ready to Fall Into Raw?

2010-09-30T20:45:00.009-05:00

This Saturday, October 2nd, I'll be kicking off Raw Food Rehab's final 11 Week Total Health & Wellness Initiative for 2010! You can read the guidelines of what our Initiatives objectives are by clicking here. Hundreds of members of Raw Food Rehab will be participating in our 11 Week Initiative - Falling Into Raw and there will be much support happening all over the website and I encourage you to come join us!

This Initiative will run from Saturday, October 2nd through Friday, December 17th.

If you would like additional support, education, recipes, shopping list and journal pages, I want to encourage you to order the Falling Into Raw digital material. For the last month I've been putting a great deal of effort into putting this information together, as I trust that this collection will be a source of tangible support for you during the coming 11 week as we move into the holiday season.

In this set you will receive 3 digital books:
Falling Into Raw - Finding Simplicity & Balance in the Season (the main book)

Falling Into Raw - In The Kitchen (a collection of nearly 80 seasonally inspired raw food recipes)

and Falling Into Raw - The Photos (over 40 beautiful digtial photographs of many of the finished recipes)

Additionally, there are 2 other documents:
The Falling Into Raw Market & Pantry List (a shopping guide) & 11 Week Initiative Journal Pages

For only $33 dollars you will receive all of this material in your email Inbox. It can be ordered via Paypal by clicking here.

I also, hope you'll let me know if you are planning on joining us on this healthy journey!

If you would like to actively participating in the Initiative, I want to make a few suggestions:

Take a Before Photo of Yourself - If you have weight to lose, taking a full length before photo will be both a reality check and a way for you to track your progress visually.

Take Your Beginning Measurements - As we have learned with members in the Vault, when you change your diet to one that is full of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, you often begin to see very real improvements in your body measurements. The SAD diet is very acidic and causes inflammation and water retention, so even if you don't lose a tremendous amount of weight, you may lose your bloated condition!

Plan to Hold Yourself Accountable Weekly - For some of you, this may mean that you weigh yourself once each week to see how you are doing. If you don't weigh yourself, make a note of how your clothes are fitting throughout the 11 Weeks. Journaling is another way to track your progress, and keeping a food journal is a proven tool for success for many people who have struggled with mindless eating in the past.

Stay Plugged Into Support - We have found that when members allow themselves to become isolated and "out-of-the-loop" it is much easier to slip back into old unhealthy lifestyle practices and ways of eating. NEVER allow guilt, shame or feelings of defeat to keep you away from RFR. We understand that these changes do not happen over night for most people and that we are ALL a work in progress.

Come sign in at Raw Food Rehab and let me know HERE if you're planning to participate in our Falling Into Raw Initiative! I'd also love to know some of your thoughts, goals or plans for your upcoming 11 Weeks. I hope to hear from!

Raw Mom - Cooked Dad....Can You Relate?

2010-09-17T07:12:00.003-05:00

You Cry When He Fries...

He Shouts When You Sprout...

Sign Up Today for 10 Days of Support, Inspiration, Recipes and Advice from 40 of the Word’s Leading Experts on Raw Food, Nutrition and
Healthy Living!

Your Family Will Never Feud About Food Again!

This event kicks off on October 10, 2010
(10-10-10!)

Dear Inspired Mamas,

Have you ever noticed that most of the so-called “Raw food gurus” out there are either single, have no children or live on a tropical island?

Okay, I get how you can succeed on the raw food diet if you live under a banana tree and have no children begging you to eat all the foods their friends eat!

What about the rest of us
living in the trenches of the “real world?”

What about family dinners with the grandparents...?

What about school lunches and kids who feel their food is “weird?”

What about how difficult it seems to find raw food recipes our kids actually LIKE?

How are we supposed to live this healthy lifestyle without feeling like a FREAK or slaving over the dehydrator at 3:00 in the morning?!

To help answer a few of these questions and bring forth the tools, the support, the inspiration that will help us all lead healthy lives in the face of a deep-fried world, please click here to find out about all the very special guests we’ve invited to this event and to learn the key topics we’ll be featuring.

International Day of Juice Feasting - THIS SUNDAY!

2010-09-10T21:48:00.007-05:00

This Sunday, September 12th from Noon to 4 pm PST, a spectacular event will be taking place all over the world. This will be the second annual event to honor of the tremendous work that Dr. Gabriel Cousens and the staff of the Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center in Patagonia, Arizona have contributed to the world in the research and development of healing through the practice of juice feasting.

This event was created and spearheaded by Dave the Raw Food Trucker last year and hundreds of people joined together for this first annual Day of International Juice Feasting in Seattle, Washington. It was a standing room only affair and you can check the video coverage of that out here. I had a number of my Raw Food Rehab Seattle Posse in attendance and I suspect we'll have even more peeps representing in the house for this year's celebration.

This year's event has expanded and it will include special guest speakers who are considered experts in the protocol of juice feasting: Matt Monarch, Angela Stokes-Monarch and Elaina Love are just a few of the featured speakers. Both Dave & Tresa will be there to introduce other amazing speakers whose stories of healing and rejuvenation are sure to inspire and delight you. If you are in the Seattle area, please check out the details, as this year's event will be held at the Laughing Ladies Cafe in Shoreline, Washington. You can get more information on this by visiting the main website that was created specifically for this event.

If you are not in the Seattle area, no problem! Just like last year, this event will be streaming live on UStream.tv Be sure to get signed up there so you can join in with people from all across the globe for this epic event. Click here to get plugged in. This is an awesome feature for those of us who want to support Dave and this event but aren't able to travel to be there in person.

You may want to take it a step further and host your own house party or get together with friends and celebrate health on this particular day. The idea is to drink low glycemic juices or smoothies for as long as you feel you need to. You may want to commit to joining with many of us for this one day of juice feasting or you may want to plan for a longer period of time, either leading up to this date or starting on the 12th. Juice feasting gives your body a chance to rest, heal, recuperate, and get back on track. You can learn more about juice feasting by checking out the information that's up at RFR's Liquid Lounge.

Hope to "see" you this Sunday!

Sunday Evening Candlelight Vigil For Dave

2010-09-03T20:36:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

I had the opportunity to speak with both Dave and Tresa at length last night on the phone. I want to share that Dave is absolutely blown away by your comments on yesterday's video. The well wishes, prayers and heart-felt love you all are sharing is just what the doctor ordered! He wanted me to be sure to tell you how much all of this means to him and that he will be following everyone's comments here as we move forward.

The best news that has happened today is that Dave has been officially released from the hospital (after 10 days) and now he can begin the next leg of his deep healing journey!

After last night's call, I came away with a couple of thoughts that I want to share with you. I asked what the most pressing needs were at this time and how we as a community can best support his continued healing, and here is what I came up with:

The first thing is that I feel it would be very beneficial to hold a 24 hour corporate prayer/candlelight vigil in honor of Dave. Dave was extremely touched by this idea and would be so honored by our support to him in this way. The plan is that each one of us who feel lead to do so will pause at dusk this coming Sunday evening (September 5th) and pray and/or send our well wises and healing energy to Dave. I also would ask for each one of you to light a candle, for Dave at that time. I show you the candle I will be burning through the night in the above video.

During this time of prayer and sending up of our intentions, we want to ask for our Creator's perfect will to be done in Dave's life. I personally will be praying for a 100% physical recovery. I propose that we also ask for all of Dave's financial needs to be met over the days and months to come. These really are are the 2 most urgent concerns as I see it.

I hope you will take this idea and run with it. Please promote this time of prayerful support on your blogs, on Facebook, on Twitter or on YouTube. Let's come together as a unified community on Dave's behalf.

Also, if you have an thoughts or creative ideas on how we can fund-raise for Dave at this time, please share your ideas in the comment below. I have a couple of good ones that I have rolling around in my head, but I KNOW as a team we can really hit this ball out of the park.

One small thing I am starting with is that I am donating 100% of the proceeds of any sale of my book Real Juice Daily to Dave's Recovery Fund throughout this Labor Day weekend (now throughout Monday night).

So that's all for today's update. If you have any questions or additional thoughts, we would LOVE to hear from you in the comments. Much love to you all!

Dave the Raw Food Trucker

2010-09-02T15:45:00.002-05:00

The following is a public statement regarding the condition of Dave the Raw Food Trucker, written last night by his dear friend, Tresa:

"Hello Everyone,

Today I have some difficult, personal news to share with you. Dave is in the hospital. He has had a stroke, and possibly a heart attack. The encouraging news is that he's progressing well. None-the-less, we'd appreciate any prayers, healing energy and positive thoughts you can send his way at this time.

I suspect that you're probably just as shocked about this event as Dave and I were... So, I really want to explain "why" this occurred. Sadly, we've already encountered wild speculation from people, so, I want to clarify that, contrary to erroneous assumptions, this situation was not caused by the Raw Food Diet nor Juice Feasting; That's simply NOT the case.

I also want you to know that Dave is strong in his resolve to heal fully! And he remains true to his belief in Live Foods. In fact, he politely refused to eat hospital food; I watched as he calmly stated to doctors & staff that he would gladly fast on water before touching ANY food from the hospital that wasn't "live, organic and vegan." He has repeatedly affirmed that he will NOT be changing his raw food diet, nor his juicing habits. The doctors have thus agreed to allow him to have raw foods & juice at the hospital. Luckily we located a natural & raw food retailer near by called "Natures Food Market & Juice Bar." They've been such a BLESSING! I've been picking up fresh juice & food there each day for Dave.

Here's the truth of the matter: Dave has had a heart condition called Atrial Fibrillation for MANY YEARS, which made him a high-risk candidate for stroke! (This has been his situation since before he became Raw, Organic and Vegan!) In fact, the one final prescription medication he's mentioned still taking, was for that very condition.

Also remember, Dave was morbidly obese for over 23 years, which placed a huge strain on his heart. Medical practitioners have told us that it can take 7 years or more to heal the circulatory system, and reverse the plaque build-up in his arteries. To add insult to injury, several situations occurred recently (not related to his diet) which, Dave believes may have also increased his risk.

And, as if all of this wasn't difficult enough, Dave has now discovered that, due to Department of Transportation Regulations, he will NOT be able to return to work for the next 6 months! Additionally, he'll be undergoing physical therapy & rehabilitation. This is a hugely unexpected change of plans, which has Dave feeling some concern.

Many people have already graciously asked if and how they can assist financially. This has prompted me to reach out, on behalf of Dave, to any of you who wish to compassionately contribute to his recovery. This is the first time in Dave's life where he finds himself "in need" of financial help from others, rather than in the position to "help others"... and it's an uncomfortable new position for him, to say the least.

If you feel compelled to help Dave during this financially difficult period, please go to the link below and give your gracious gift. You need not be a Paypal subscriber to use this service, it will work with any credit card. This service will be active for at least the next six months so that you can make one-time, weekly or monthly contributions... and the funds are made available to Dave immediately.

Click on, or copy and paste, this payment link into your browser to make an online gift contribution: http://ning.it/a2wqbE

Or, if you prefer to send a check or money order, make it payable to: Dave Conrardy. Please clearly note "Gift for Dave's Stroke Recovery" on the check, and send it to:

Dave Conrardy/The Raw Food Trucker
P.O. Box 544
Auburn Washington 98071

On a happier note, Dave should be out of the hospital soon, we will host the 2nd Annual International Day of Juice Feasting on September 12th in Seattle as planned! He looks forward to seeing you there LIVE or via the web- cast if you're not local! (info is available at: (www.DayOfJuiceFeasting.com)

I'll keep you up-to-date on Dave's progress, and we'll also be posting a video with details about this entire experience soon. Please keep Dave in your thoughts & prayers. Your generosity of spirit is so greatly appreciated.

Until we speak again, wishing you wellness and blessings,

Tresa (aka: Beauty, Elegance & Grace)

(on behalf of Dave The Raw Food Trucker) "

To watch/listen to Dave's incredible story of transformation, click here. To sign up for Dave's newsletter, go here. Any messages that you would like to be shared with Dave, please feel free to leave in the comments below. I will make sure Dave will receive each well wish and note of love & concern.

A Taste of Italy

2010-08-28T13:33:00.006-05:00

For this week's Foodie Friday I wanted to create a menu around ingredients that I already had on hand either in my raw food pantry, refrigerator or garden. Also since I am still trying to stay with this juice feast, I wanted to create a few recipes that would keep well for my husband to enjoy over this weekend. So I put together a trio of pastas and sauces to choose from and a fairly over the top dessert - raw spumoni ice cream!

Fra Diavolo

This is an Italian-American fusion sauce that is typically served with a pasta that includes seafood. I decided that it would be the perfect compliment to the Sea Spaghetti that Raw Food Rehab member VeganForLife sent me just before my juice feast. I've been curiously staring at that package and couldn't wait any longer.

For the Sauce:

ripe garden tomatoes, chopped
1 small yellow onion, diced
1/4 cup black olives, sliced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
3 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
3 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
pinch of freshly cracked pepper

1 package of Sea Spaghetti, soaked overnight & rinsed several times

For the Noodles:
Begin by covering the sea spaghetti with water in a medium bowl, cover and put into you refrigerator for at least an hour. The instructions on the website say the longer you soak them, the less "sea flavor" remains. I would recommend changing the water a couple of times before the final rinse before serving.

Putting it together:
Whisk together the olive oil and white wine and add all of the chopped ingredients, mixing together until well coated. Pour the ingredients over the spaghetti and serve.

Note from me....my husband found the consistency of the noodles to be kind of slimy, but he said all the flavors seemed to go really well together. I did taste on of the noodles out of curiosity and it does have a distinct sea weed-ish flavor. I think these noodles are a really interesting raw pasta substitution.

White Truffle Cream Sauce with Marinated Mushrooms & Fresh Peas

Taylor, our youngest, LOVES the richness of Fettuccine Alfredo so this sauce was created with her in mind. I had a pinky taste of this sauce and it was absolutely delicious!!

For the Sauce:
1 cup soaked cashews
2 - 3 tablespoon nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoon white miso
2 tablespoons truffle oil
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup cold pressed olive oil
water, as needed to blend

Put all ingredients into a high speed blender and combine until creamy. Add water if needed to reach the desired consistency. I keep the sauce fairly thick, as it will thin once combined with the noodles.

Marinated Mushrooms:
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms (I used shiitake from my local market)
2 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons coconut aminos (you could use nama shoyu or tamari)
2 garlic cloves

Whisk together the marinade and pour over the mushrooms, tossing well to make sure everything is fully coated. Cover the mushroom and allow them to sit for at least an hour to full absorb the flavor.

To Serve:
Open a package of Kelp Noodles and rinse them thoroughly. I have found that these noodles stay well in the refrigerator for days if you allow them to soak in pure water until you're ready to use them. Put some of the noodles into a bowl and scoop some of the White Truffle Sauce over the noodles, stirring well to coat the noodles. Put the sauce covered noodles onto a serving plate and arrange some of the marinated mushroom on top along with a sprinkling of fresh peas.

Creamy Red Sauce with Zucchini Noodles

There used to be an Italian restaurant in Tulsa that my husband and I would go specifically for a pasta dish that had a decadent, rich, cream based red sauce. I put these ingredients together to try to recreate that sauce and my husband said I got pretty close!

For the Red Sauce:

2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped (I coated these with olive oil and dehydrated them for about 3 or 4 hours to bring out a more intense flavor.....like roasting)
1/2 cup cashews, soaked and drained
2 medjool dates
splash of red wine vinegar
pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
8 basil leaves
generous pinch of fresh oregano

Start by blending the cashews, dates, vinegar and some juice from one of the tomatoes in a food processor. Process until you reach a smooth consistency and then add in all the other ingredients, pulsing until well combined. This sauce will keep well in a covered container in your refrigerator for several days. Do not combine with the noodles until you ready to serve.

For the Zucchini Noodles:
2 zucchini squash

Using a spiral slicer, a julienne peeler or standard vegetable peeler, create your noodles.

To Serve:
Put the noodles onto a serving plate and cover with the Creamy Red Sauce. Garnish with additional basil leaves.

Raw Spumoni Ice Cream

Spumoni is a molded Italian ice cream made with layers of different colors and flavors, usually containing candied fruits and nuts. Typically it is a blend of three flavors. Chocolate and pistachio are the typical flavors of the ice cream layers, and the fruit/nut layer often contains cherry bits—causing the traditional red/pink, brown, and green color combination. I suggest making three separate ice creams, skipping the molded part...they are all delicious on their own, but especially wonderful serve together as you see here.

Pistachio Ice Cream
1 1/2 cups raw pistachios, chopped
1/4 cup almonds
1/2 cup agave nectar
a couple of drops of almond extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoon coconut butter
2 cups chilled almond milk

In a food processor, combine 1 cup of pistachios, all the almonds, agave, almond extract, salt and coconut butter to form a thick paste. Put this paste into a blender and add the almond milk, blending until well combined. Pour this mixture into an ice cream freezer and add 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios once the ice cream begins to set up.

Cherry Vanilla Ice Milk
Coconut Milk (the meat and water of one young coconut blended together to make a milk)

1/3 cup agave nectar or 1/2 cup raw honey
1 10 oz bag frozen cherries (chop and save 1/4 cup to add in later)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup almonds, chopped

In a blender, combine the coconut milk, cherries and sweetener of your choice. Pour this into an ice cream freezer to process. You can also pour the mixture into a chilled glass bowl or casserole dish and put into the freezer. Stir the ice milk well every hour or so and add in the chopped cherries and nuts once the mixture has started to firm up. This complete process may take about 6 hours until it is fully ready to serve.

Chocolate Cacao Crunch
1 1/2 cup soaked cashews
1/3 cup medjool dates
1/3 cup agave or honey
3 - 4 tablespoons cacao powder
1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cacao or coconut butter
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup+ cacao nibs

Combine all ingredients, except the cacao nibs, in a blender. Use the same preparations as the other two ice creams....either a ice cream freezer or the glass bowl method. Add in the cacao nibs as the ice cream begins setting up.

Serve this trio of ice creams together in a pretty serving dish for a splendid raw rendition of Spumoni. Add a fresh cherry and or sprig of mint to serve.

Do You REALLY Make a Difference?

2010-08-22T07:56:00.006-05:00

Courtesy of MakeADifferenceMovie.Com

Today's post isn't necessarily related to food, although you could translate it to have meaning in that way. It's geared more toward a spiritual nature and seems appropriate to share this Sunday morning.

I think we all have our days, right? Days where we question ourselves...days where we have been beaten down by the challenges and trials of life and we wonder if we have any real effective value at all. I have days like this, I bet you do too.

Awhile back, I was going through some personal adversity and I happened across a beautiful thought which I’d like to share with anyone who is open to it today:

The next time you're feeling like you've failed, that you're of no use to God or others, or that your life doesn't make a difference, just remember….

Noah was a drunk

Abraham was too old

Isaac was a daydreamer

Jacob was a liar

Leah was ugly

Joseph was abused

Moses had a stuttering problem

Gideon was afraid

Samson had long hair and was a womanizer

Jeremiah and Timothy were too young

David had an affair and was a murderer

Elijah was suicidal

Isaiah preached naked

Jonah ran from God

Naomi was a widow

Job went bankrupt

Peter denied Christ

The Disciples fell asleep while praying

Martha worried about everything

The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once

Zaccheus was too small

Paul was too religious

Timothy had an ulcer..AND

Lazarus was dead!

The bible was full of REAL PEOPLE, full of faults and failures, but the good news is......

God used them all and STILL uses their stories as inspiration for us today!!

How is God wanting to use YOUR story to inspire others around you today?

Foodie Friday - The Brilliance of Basil

2010-08-14T06:52:00.003-05:00

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme - they are all awesome herbs, but in the summertime, Basil is my pick for favorite summer taste sensation. Basil's heady aromatic scent often permeates your herb garden and your grocery bag. Basil is an easy plant to grow, its only major requirements being full sun and consistent water. Its delicious flavor, and overgrown abundance in my garden has made it a superstar ingredient in my summer kitchen this year. Today's I want to share with you a few ideas on how you can enjoy this delicious herb and still keep it raw!

Basil Pesto

Super simple.....basil, garlic, cheesy nutritional yeast and olive oil. I like to use omega-3 rich walnuts instead of pine nuts, but any nut will work and I suggest almonds, pecans, pistachios or pine nuts.

2 cups packed fresh basil leaves, (2-3 bunches)
1/4 cup walnut pieces
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
3 tablespoons cold pressed extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1- 2 large cloves garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Place basil, walnuts, nutritional yeast, oil, water, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse a few times, then process until fairly smooth, or to the desired consistency, scraping down the sides occasionally.

Avocado & Herb Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

Nothing is more simplistic and delicious than a salad that is full of fresh garden herbs. This salad is super easy but aromatic, nutritious and delicious.

For the Salad:

2 - 4 cups Mixed Field Greens

handful of torn basil leaves & other assorted herbs of your choice

1 small avocado, sliced

1 ripe tomato, sliced

1/4 cup sunflower or hemp seeds

Arrange the field greens, herbs, tomato, avocado then seeds on chilled salad plates. Top with fresh basil vinaigrette.

For the Dressing:

1/4 cup fresh basil

1/4 cup champagne (or flavor of your choice)

1 teaspoon dijon mustard

1 clove garlic

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

3/4 cup cold pressed olive oil

Process the first six ingredients in the blender until smooth. With the blender running, gradually add in the oil in a slow steady stream to emulsify. Drizzle this over the salad to serve.

Fresh Basil Marinara

There are two summer ingredients that were made for one another and that's fresh, ripe homegrown tomatoes and basil. The following red sauce is perfect on zucchini pasta, in a raw lasagna, on a dehydrated pizza crust or as a dip for fresh cut veggies.

3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped

2/3 cup sun dried tomatoes, soaked to soften

1/4 sweet onion, chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil

2 - 3 soft dates, pitted

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 clove garlic

1 + tablespoon cold pressed olive oil

Process all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. This will keep well in an airtight container for 5 days in the refrigerator.

The Strawberry Basil Martini

This is not Dad's pre-dinner cocktail. Basil, muddled strawberries, a touch of agave, and chilled sparkling water or kombucha (if you're lucky enough to have some) combine to provide a fresh twist on everyday cocktails.

3-4 large basil leaves
3 large medium-sized strawberries, sliced
1 slice fresh lemon
1/2 teaspoon agave nectar (or to taste)
2 ounces sparkling mineral or spring water

Combine basil, fruit, and agave in tall glass. Muddle lightly to bruise fruit and release essential herbal oils. Add ice cubes and shake to mix. Pour sparkling water over the mixture and stir, straining and serving in a chilled martini glass with a slice of lemon or lime and a sprig of fresh basil.

Real Juice Daily

2010-08-13T11:10:00.005-05:00

I have been passionate about juicing for 25 years. Over the course of the last couple of decades, I've read and studied volumes of material on the topic and each work has made an impact on my understanding and enthusiasm about the topic. The one common denominator between authors and health experts from many differing backgrounds is that they typically agree that juicing is a superior way to get optimum nutrition into one’s body. Fresh juices, blended drinks and the highly charged, mineralized and alkaline water they contain can repair, protect, energize, improve and heal the body. Because there is already so much quality information available regarding the health benefits of juicing, I haven’t spent much time trying to convince you of such in Real Juice Daily.

Real Juice Daily is the complete story of my 3 month juice feast. The nearly 150 pages of information has been taken directly from my journal and is complete with photographs, recipes and daily reflections. I share with you why I decided to undertake such a commitment, how I did it and all of the intimate and juicy details that surrounded my life at that time. I believe this book can be a helpful guide and inspiration to you if you are considering a juice feast or if you just want to add more juice into your daily routine.

Real Juice Daily is now available for purchase through Paypal for $12 and will be sent directly to your inbox once I've received notice of your payment. (Please allow up to 12 hours for delivery, although it should arrive much sooner).

I hope that you will enjoy reading my journey and that you'll join me for more juicy adventures in the days and weeks to come!

Foodie Friday - Hard Rock Juice Cafe

2010-08-06T17:20:00.003-05:00

Okay....I'm composed now. I almost renamed today's Foodie Friday Episode - Hard Luck Juice Cafe because after loosing 3 hours + worth of filming in less than one second by pushing the wrong button on my film cam this afternoon, I felt disheartened to say the least. But on the bright side, in the 14 months of making videos for Raw Food Rehab, that's the first time that has ever happened, so those are pretty good stats, right? I decided there was no sense shedding a tear over it since I still have some great recipes to share today and some pretty good still photos to boot. Everything tasted great and I hope something below will appeal to your palate so you can get inspired to go get your JUICE ON!!

Green Day

1 cucumber

1 green apple
¼ cup parsley
¼ cup mint
2 stalks celery
1 tiny piece of ginger
1 lime, peeled

Push all ingredients through your juicer. This particular combination is wonderful for promoting beautiful, smooth, hydrated skin.

Sunshine of Your Love

2 oranges, peeled and seeded

3 - 4 carrots

1 apple
small knob of ginger
1 lemon, peeled

Push all ingredients through a juicer. The main benefits of this juice include revitalization of the body, good for cold and glowing skin. Beauticians usually prescribe this juice because of its extremely good effects on the skin. But the benefits are not limited to the skin. It has a cleansing and boosting effect to the whole body.

(I realized that I only had one little carrot left from my week of juicing, so this recipes will look more vibrant and taste even richer when the additional carrots are added.)

Wild Thing

1 apple

1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
1 cup watermelon, cubed
1 - 2 handfuls spinach

(add a bit of water to blend if necessary)

Blend together the desired amounts of each ingredient to create a wonderful mouth watering juice which is excellent for purifying your kidney and bladder. It also helps dispelling excess salts from your body. Some people use a tint of salt with this juice but I like to drink it as it is without the salt flavor.

Deep Purple

1 cup blueberries

1 cup frozen cherries
½ cup organic red grapes
½ cup raspberries, fresh or frozen

If you are using frozen fruit, you'll need to add water to blend. Puree all ingredients in a blender until well combined. This high anti-oxidant superjuice is likely to protect you from cancer, Alzheimer ’s disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, allergies, gout etc etc.

(Side Note....I had already drank about all I could by the time I made this brilliant combo, so I poured it into my ice cream freezer and made a sorbet for later tonight!)

The Pink Floyd

8 - 10 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2 - 3 bananas (fresh or frozen)
nut or seed milk to blend

Put all ingredients into a blender and whirl until creamy. Kids love this served as is (a milkshake consistency), while some of you hard core Rawkers may want to add a tablespoon of green powder or Spirulina.

(Side note - I didn't have any nut milk prepared so I used a 1/4 cup hemp seeds and added about a cup of cold filtered water. I think this would also be even more delicious with a date or two and a splash of vanilla extract).

Foodie Friday - Attack of the 5 Gallon Bucket of Tomatoes

2010-07-30T21:35:00.004-05:00

As many of you know, my dad is an amazing organic gardener. He's currently enjoying his 80th year around the sun and he's been a master gardener since before I was born. During the cooler months, he lives with me and my family in Tulsa, but during the summer, he stays at his little fisherman's cottage on Grand Lake in northeast Oklahoma. Besides dropping a pole into the lake whenever word gets out that the sand bass, Mississippi whites or crappie are biting, my dad is the infamous village handyman and he rocks a tight, mean & totally green organic garden. This week he came to the big city to visit yours truly and he was bearing gifts!

So, what do you do when life hands you a 5 gallon bucket of ripe, homegrown organic tomatoes, a few eggplants, some jalapeños and a bouquet of basil? This is what did:

Dirty Summer-Tini

3 - 4 ripe tomatoes, sliced

1 small cucumber, peeled

2 stalks celery

1 jalapeño, seeded

1 lime, peeled

splash of nama shoyu or coconut aminos

a dash of hot sauce

olives

freshly cracked pepper

Push the tomatoes, cucumber, celery, jalapeño and lime through a juicer. Chill or pour into a cocktail shaker containing crushed ice, adding nama shoyu & hot sauce. Shake until well chilled and pour into a chilled martini glass. Add a few olives on a toothpick or skewer and garnish with freshly cracked pepper.

My Dad's Salsa

3 medium tomatoes, diced

1/4 cup red onion, diced

1/4 cup white or yellow onion, diced

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped (use less if you like it more mild)

1 -2 limes, juiced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon raw agave nectar

pinch cumin

pinch chili powder

Smoked sea salt, to taste

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Cover and chill at least 1 hour. Season with additional sea salt if desired and serve with corn chips.

Greek Tomato Salad

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup cold pressed olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

1 tablespoon raw honey

1 tablespoon each, fresh basil & mint

1/4 teaspoon oregano

1 clove garlic

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

pinch of freshly cracked black pepper

Put all the ingredients into a blender and whirl until well emulsified. This dressing will keep in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for over a week.

For the Salad:

3 ripe garden tomatoes, chopped

1 small cucumber, sliced

1/4 cup sliced oil-cured ripe black olives

1/2 small red onion, sliced in rings

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

4 cups romaine or green leaf lettuce, torn

In a bowl combine the tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion and parsley and then drizzle and toss with the dressing. Arrange the torn lettuce evenly on 4 chilled salad plates, and top evenly with the tomato mixture. Feel free to use raw cheese crumbles as a garnish, if desired.

Skewered Tomatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

For the tomatoes:

2 yellow tomatoes

2 red tomatoes

2 green tomatoes

For the dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

fresh basil sprigs, for garnish

Quarter tomatoes, thread onto skewers, alternating colors. Brush with a bit of the dressing and place into a warm dehydrator for 2 - 6 hours, depending on your preference.

Serve the tomato skewers with a bowl of the remaining dressing and garish with fresh basil.

Eggplant Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato Sandwich w/ Thousand Island Dressing

For the Eggplant Bacon:

Several Japanese eggplants, thinly sliced lengthwise

1/4 cup cold pressed olive oil

2 tablespoons umeboshi plum vinegar or apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon raw honey

1 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Mix together the dressing ingredients and marinate the sliced eggplant for at least one hour, making sure it is coated well. Place the marinated eggplant on lined dehydrator trays and reduce for 12 hours at 105 degrees. Turn the strips over and onto unlined mesh dehydrator trays to finish drying for another 8 - 12 hours.

For the Thousand Island Dressing:

2 small oranges, peeled and seeded

1 small red bell pepper, seeded and sliced

1/4 cup cold pressed olive oil

2 tablespoons raw honey

1 tablespoon Nama Shoyu or Coconut Aminos

1/4 cup cashew or almond butter

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice

4 cloves garlic

Put all ingredients into a blender to process. Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator until ready to use.

For the Sandwich:

Essene Bread (Ezekiel or Manna) sliced

leaf lettuce

sliced ripe tomatoes

Eggplant Bacon

Dressing

Build this sandwich to suit your own individual tastes. If you are 100% raw or gluten intolerant, use a gluten free, dehydrated bread/cracker instead of Ezekiel.

Basil Tomato & Watermelon Granita
6 cups fresh watermelon, seeded
2 cups fresh ripe tomatoes
small handful fresh basil
1 lime, juiced
1/4 cup raw agave nectar
pinch sea salt

In a blender, combine the watermelon and tomatoes until well combined, strain. Pour the strained mixture back into the blender and add the basil, lime juice, agave and salt, whirling until combined. Pour the liquid into a chilled 9 x 12 inch glass baking dish and put immediately into the freezer. Using a fork, every hour rake the freezing mixture to create an Italian ice type consistency. This will likely take 6 hours +. Serve in a chilled serving bowl and garnish with a fresh basil sprig.

Someone You Should Know - John Gordon

2010-07-26T09:54:00.005-05:00

I started following John Gordon's blog earlier this year and have found great inspiration in his teachings. Today's message seemed particularly profound and I wanted to share it here with you.

"In Rick Warren’s mega best-seller Purpose Driven Life he famously begins the book with “It’s not about you.” While I understand his intention with this statement I think he should have begun with “It’s about you, however, it’s not just about you.”

Because I believe it is about you. If it weren’t about you, you wouldn’t be here.

You are not an accident.
You are here for a reason.
You have a destiny.
You have a purpose.
You have gifts and talents.
You do things that only you can do in the way you do them.
You and only you can leave your mark on the world.

So it is about you!

However, it’s not just about you. Because if it was just about you, you’d be:

Self-serving
Alone
Narcissistic
Empty
Unfulfilled

It’s about more than you. It’s about knowing you were made for relationships:

To love
To mentor
To learn
To serve
To create
To build
To dream
To work together
To change for the better

It’s about living for more than you.

For a bigger purpose.
For a greater cause.
For a deeper meaning.
For those who will become your legacy.

It’s about you knowing you are part of something much bigger than you.

You live in a universe.
Uni-verse means one-song.
Songs don’t happen by accident.
Songs are created by organizing notes into arrangements and patterns.
And so there is a Creator of the one-song.
You are an expression of the Creator.
You are a note in His symphony.

It’s about you!

It’s about you contributing to the one-song.
It’s about you playing your part to the best of your ability.
It’s about you lifting others up.
Its about you living the purpose God created you for.
It’s about you, the Creator, and the song becoming one.

It’s about you and now what you do is up to you."

You can follow John Gordon on his blog, on Facebook or Twitter.

Foodie Friday - Hong Kong Garden

2010-07-24T13:13:00.001-05:00

As I shared in the above video, today's menu inspiration comes from a Siouxsie & the Banshees song from the that has been rolling around in the back of my head for about a week.

Succulent Seaweed Salad

3/4 ounce dried wakame or arame seaweed (whole or cut)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)
3 tablespoons Nama Shoyu, Wheat Free Tamari or Coconut Aminos
2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon agave nectar
1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 small tart apple (1/4 pound), such as Granny Smith
2 tablespoons scallions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Soak seaweed in warm water to cover, 5 minutes. Drain, then squeeze out excess water. If wakame is uncut, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips.

Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, agave, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Cut apple into 1/4-inch dice and add to dressing with seaweed, scallions, and cilantro, tossing to combine well. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds.

Rainbow Rolls

4 sheets of raw nori

1 small mango, peeled & julienned

1 carrot, shredded

1 red bell pepper, julienned
1/2 cup purple cabbage, shredded

1 avocado, sliced

Handful of sprouts (mung, daikon or sunflower work nicely)

Blue Green Pate

1/2 cup sunflower seeds, soaked & drained

1/2 cup almonds, soaked & drained

1 tablespoon fresh herbs of your choice

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoons Nama Shoyu, wheat free tamari or Coconut Aminos

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger

2 teaspoons spirulina or blue green algae (can substitute kelp or dulse granules)

pinch of sea salt

Spread some of the Blue Green Pate on your raw nori sheet. Add little bits of the roll stuffings of your choice. I started with basil/mint leaves, sprouts, mango, carrots, re bell pepper and avocado.

Here is a raw sushi rolling technique video if you're like me and think you just might screw it up. Regardless of how tight you roll, this entrée will delight and satisfy.

Dipping Sauce

Inspired by Natalia Rose

1/4 cup Nama Shoyu, Wheat Free Tamari

1/4 cup organic maple syrup

1/2 small garlic clove, minced

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon, sesame oil

Put all ingredients into a blender and combine, or whisk together in a bowl until well combined.

Lemongrass Mint Cooler

2 six inch stalks lemongrass, crushed

2 slices fresh ginger

1 cayenne pepper, sliced (any pepper variety with heat will do)

1 sprig fresh mint

4 cups water

1 -2 tablespoons raw honey

chilled sparkling water

1 lime juiced

lime slices and fresh mint for garnish

In a sauce pan, steep the crushed lemongrass, ginger, pepper, mint, water and honey for a couple of hours on the lowest heat setting. Cool.

Strain this mixture into a glass jar and refrigerate.

To serve, pour the lemongrass infusion over ice, adding a bit of fresh lime juice and sparkling water to finish. Garnish with a sprig of free mint and a lime wedge.

And in case you are curious:

Offering Friends Our Sweet Support

2010-07-18T13:53:00.011-05:00

If you have been following stories and personalities within the raw food community for any length of time, you have likely heard of Rawdawg Rory. This well loved friend has just released a brand new ebook, Sweet Support. In it you'll find 25 pages of rawsome goodness, including four off the charts, easy raw dessert recipes with step-by-step pictures, tips and ideas to help get you inspired in your raw food kitchen. I really appreciate that Rory has created this book with such intention and that he is focusing on using whole foods as sweeteners in his recipes.

ALL of the proceeds of this book will go to supporting Amanda's Live My Life Now Trek. In case you don't know, Amanda is Rory's wife and they, along with their daughter, Isabel, and family pooch, Shadow, are currently on a trek across the USA. I did a feature article here at Real Food Tulsa on their hugely inspiring story of adventure back in March. Click here to read those details.

Please click here to order your copy of Sweet Success. Once you've ordered, your new ebook will be emailed to you, usually within 24 hours of purchase. There are other ways to support Rawdawg & Amanda as well, and I encourage you visit Amanda's Live My Life Now blog for all the details.

Celebrity Chef Ani Phyo in Oklahoma

2010-07-17T12:41:00.010-05:00

This past week I had the delightful opportunity to spend a few days at Oklahoma City's 105degrees with celebrity raw food chef, Ani Phyo; restaurant partners, Matthew Kenney and Dara Prentice; Culinary Academy Instructor in residence, Russell James and all the rest of the amazing 105 staff. The first evening was a hands on instructional class which celebrated the release and recipes of Ani's latest un-cook book, Ani's Raw Food Essentials. The following evening was a special Rawkstar dinner event which was inspired by Ani and created by the 105degrees Kitchen. This over-the-top meal offered a stunning look at just how creative living cuisine can be. Please enjoy my collection of the highlights of both events in photos and video:

Welcoming Ani to the 105degrees Culinary Academy:

Ani making her delicious Tomato Chili w/ Nutmeat Topping:

Ani's South-of-the-Border Wraps:

Slideshow of photos:

The very innovative, interesting and creative dinner menu:

And finally the Rawkstar Event and Dinner Review:

Are You Ready to Reveal YOUR Inner Rawk Star?

2010-07-05T10:28:00.006-05:00

Each year, Raw Food Rehab conducts four 11 Week Health Initiatives in which our members focus in and commit to giving special attention to their diets and their lifestyle practices. To read more about the essence of our Initiatives and their guidelines, please click here.

Over the past 4 Initiatives, I've learned many things and have received valuable feedback from the members who have participated in both the Initiatives and in The Vault, which is the higher level of commitment that is offered as an additional place of accountability and support during each Initiative. So today, I wanted to take the opportunity to share these important details with you.

REVEALING YOUR INNER RAWK STAR

This is the title and theme of our next Initiative, which will run from Saturday, July 10th - Friday, September 24th. I believe that within each one of us there is an inner persona, which is the real essence of who we truly are. Many of us just need a little encouragement and real supported focus in order to set that person free! I encourage every member of my Raw Food Rehab community to engage in following our daily posts, videos and accessing all of the wonderful educational and inspiring information available within the RFR website. This morning I put up a sign in thread on which you can chime in to let us know you're on board with making the commitment to yourself during this time. We want to help you tap into your highest potential during this next 11 Weeks.

As with each Initiative, I also offer our Vault Experience to the community and you can read all of the details about what the Vault entails by clicking here. Joining the Vault is only encouraged for those members who are serious about dedicating themselves and their focus to this 11 Week time period. Because I believe the Vault to be the place where real results often are realized, I will be committing to spend more of my time working with the members of the Vault, offering special programs of support, weekly giveaways, making videos and providing support material for those who take the challenge and commit to this experience.

For the first time, RFR is charging a fee for members to participate in the Vault portion of our 11 Week Initiative and I am very much looking forward to working more closely with this group in the weeks ahead. I have just finished putting together a set of digital books which will be a companion to the Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star theme. In these books you will find education, inspiration, over 80 new Rawk Star Recipes, shopping lists, beautiful photographs and journal pages to help you monitor your progress throughout the 11 Weeks.

For $33 dollars you will receive 3 digital books, 2 Word Document files and will be granted access to the higher level of accountability that is offered inside of The Vault - Rawk Star Lockdown. Time is of the essence if you are planning to be part of this, as the cut off to join the Vault and have all of your beginning information uploaded is this Thursday, July 8th at 10 pm EST.

The Revealing Your Inner Rawk Star digital material is also available to anyone for $33 and it can be ordered through Paypal by clicking here. If you will not be participating in The Vault, but would like this material emailed to you directly, please tell me this in a note when you are paying.

I look forward to working with you to help you Reveal YOUR Inner Rawk Star!

7 Years Ago Today.......

2010-07-03T07:45:00.001-05:00

After having been a very independent, single mom for over 8 years, on July the 3rd, 2003, Gabby and I started our new life with Mr. Gordon Shelton.

How Gordon & I met and the way our lives fit together was nothing less than a beautifully crafted divine intervention.

We met in March and married in July.....a whirlwind romance! We decided to celebrate Independence Day weekend by uniting our lives and by recognizing our need to lean on and be dependent on one another.

We chose a red, white and blue theme for the event and our cake was reminiscent of a Dr. Suess meets Uncle Sam hat...LOL! It was an amazing creation!

So today, to celebrate 7 years of our love and marriage, we are heading off to a little overnight getaway at one of our favorite places, The Canebrake.

And I want to encourage you to watch this video that I made back at the end of 2009 on creating your vision. I am living proof that many of our dreams and visions really do come true...... what are yours?

Can You Eat Raw Okra?

2010-06-16T15:27:00.005-05:00

Once again I am taking you with me on my Wednesday morning outing to the farmers market. Today's market was especially buzzing because this week is Local Food Week in Tulsa, Oklahoma. If you live in my area (Green Country) you can read about all of the activities on my last blog post. If you don't live near me, perhaps you may get some ideas for your own community on how to promote and encourage public awareness of local foods and the slow food movement.

Most of the ingredients I picked up at today's market will be star players in my upcoming project so you'll be seeing more of them in the days and weeks ahead. One food I especially wanted to mention today is Okra. I grew up on fried okra, which clearly isn't part of my dietary program now, but none the less, I have fond memories of it.

Did you know that okra is a rich source of beta-carotene, B-Complex vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and sodium? It is an very hydrating food due to its rich electrolyte content and it helps preserve the body's balance of fluids which is necessary for nerve impulse transmission. The pectin in okra is known to lower blood cholesterol levels.

Because okra is very alkaline, it helps to neutralize acids and provides a temporary protect coating for the digestive tract. It has a mild laxative effect as it lubricates the the large intestine. For centuries okra has been used to treat lung inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, sore throat, ulcers and as a remedy in keeping the joints limber. Topically, an okra poultice can be applied to heal burns, soothe poison ivy & psorasis, and okra juice is suggested as a gargle for sore throats. (Who knew??)

I had never eaten raw okra until I changed up my diet. I was actually kind of scared to try it raw. I've found that if you get young, tender okra (no longer than 4 inches long), it is really good. I have sliced it into salads, I have tossed it into a combination of fresh tomatoes, corn and onions w/ a little olive oil, salt & pepper (yum). I have also sliced it, tossed it with olive oil and dredged it in a little mixture of almond & flax meal, salt & pepper and dehydrated it a bit for a "faux" fried okra.

Do you have any additional suggestions for eating raw okra?

I encourage you to go out around where you live and explore your local farmer's markets, farms, CSA's and co-ops. If you're a member of Raw Food Rehab, we'd all love to see photos and even see some videos of your local food outings!! Let us know how you are adding fresh, locally grown foods into your diet.......

real food tulsa

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The Living Christmas Tree

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Raw Mom - Cooked Dad....Can You Relate?

Sign Up Today for 10 Days of Support, Inspiration, Recipes and Advice from 40 of the Word’s Leading Experts on Raw Food, Nutrition andHealthy Living!

Your Family Will Never Feud About Food Again!

This event kicks off on October 10, 2010(10-10-10!)

What about the rest of usliving in the trenches of the “real world?”

How are we supposed to live this healthy lifestyle without feeling like a FREAK or slaving over the dehydrator at 3:00 in the morning?!

International Day of Juice Feasting - THIS SUNDAY!

Sunday Evening Candlelight Vigil For Dave

Dave the Raw Food Trucker

A Taste of Italy

Do You REALLY Make a Difference?

Foodie Friday - The Brilliance of Basil

Real Juice Daily

Foodie Friday - Hard Rock Juice Cafe

Foodie Friday - Attack of the 5 Gallon Bucket of Tomatoes

Someone You Should Know - John Gordon

Foodie Friday - Hong Kong Garden

Offering Friends Our Sweet Support

Celebrity Chef Ani Phyo in Oklahoma

Are You Ready to Reveal YOUR Inner Rawk Star?

7 Years Ago Today.......

Can You Eat Raw Okra?

Sign Up Today for 10 Days of Support, Inspiration, Recipes and Advice from 40 of the Word’s Leading Experts on Raw Food, Nutrition and
Healthy Living!

This event kicks off on October 10, 2010
(10-10-10!)

What about the rest of us
living in the trenches of the “real world?”