Monday, December 31, 2012

KIMCHI WITH ENDIVE AND CARROTS


 

One of my very favorite, favorite recipes from my experience at Matthew Kenney Weekend Intensive was the Kimchi Dumplings.  The flavor is so fabulous my mouth waters every time I think about it.   I am sad that I have not been able to purchase the larger dehydrator I need to make the dumpling skins as of yet, but I wanted to taste that filling again.  So, I decided to make the filling anyways to eat with my favorite veggies.  To start I need to make the kimchi.  I tweaked the recipe slightly to make it my own and it came out tasting very savory.  So easy and simple.

Some people may be afraid to ferment food at home, but it really isn't hard and it's really very simple.  I just love the colors of these combinations of these vegetables.

KIMCHI WITH ENDIVES AND CARROTS

2 cups endive
2 carrots cut into matchsticks
1/2 teaspoon salt

SEASONING PASTE

1/4 green or yellow bell pepper chopped
1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh green onions, finely chopped
1-1/2 teaspoon dried red chilli pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
2 teaspoons agave
1/2 tablespoon salt



Wash the endives leaves thoroughly and tear into small pieces.  Sprinkle 1/2 tablespoon salt onto the leaves and let it sit.  Water wills tart to release from the leave to make a brine.

Create a seasoning paste with the remaining salt, bell pepper, scallions, garlic, ginger, dried chilli flakes, agave and salt.  Using a mortar and pestle or mini prep combine all these ingredients together.  I used a mini prep.  In a large bowl combine the endive and the seasoning paste together and mix by hand making sure all the leaves are covered with the seasoning. It may be a good idea to put on gloves.  Because of the salted seasoning, the leaves will release moisture and this creates the brine.

Transfer the mixture into a glass container (a large mason jar with an airtight lid) and use firm pressure with your hands to push down on the leaves as they stack up inside the jar.  Transfer any and all liquid that accumulated during the mixing process into the jar as well.  It will become the kimchi brine.  The vegetable mixture should be completely covered by the brine.

Leave about two inches of room at the top of the jar before capping it tightly with a lid.  Allow the jar of kimchi to sit at room temperature for two to three days. 

Store outside of the refrigerator, on a shelf, out of the sunlight to ferment.  What I learned from my class at The Matthew Kenney Academy is that kimchi is an example of Anaerobic Fermentation - fermentation in the absence of air - which is why it is important to cover the cabbage with the brine.  This promotes the presence of Lactic Acid Bacteria growth.  The refrigerator would stall the growth of good bacteria and fermentation.

You should "burp" your kimchi after 24 hours to release some of the pressure from fermentation.  After 2-3 days your kimchi is ready to eat.

Kimchi can be stored in the brine but is best drained before use.  The refrigerated kimchi will continue to ferment slowly and over time, becoming more sour and flavorful with each day.  And always use clean utensils when dipping into your kimchi.

Enjoy!



Later on I'll share a recipe using the kimchi that really makes my mouth water!

Join the discussion!


Do you have a favorite kimchi recipe? We would love to hear what it is! Share it in the comments below. Links are welcome.
 
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

STAYING POSITIVE ON A RAW FOOD DIET by Christine Roseberry

 
 

 

STAYING POSITIVE ON A RAW FOOD DIET

 
 
When first starting out on the raw food diet, some may start feeling a little overwhelmed focusing on all the food they can no longer eat.  They start feeling very limited and even deprived.  I have to say that after being on a mostly raw food diet now for almost two years, I can assure you it is definitely not a diet of deprivation.  In fact, this is one diet where you can eat until your heart is content, no calorie counting whatsoever and the variety of food is endless!  So, I just wanted to share a few tips to help you stay focused on the positive of raw foods and not get overwhelmed by negative thinking.
 
First of all don’t think of yourself as being deprived, but think of it as a new adventure that you are embarking on.  One with endless possibilities,  that’s fun and pleasurable.  Start by adding raw foods into your diet.  No one is forcing you to do it to any certain percentage, it is up to you the extent that you want to go raw.  Most  raw foodies  are not 100 hundred percent raw, so don’t feel pressured to be all or nothing, until if and when you are ready to do so.
 
Take time to search for fresh, ripe exotic fruit or fruit that you have never tried before.  You will be amazed at the wide variety there is.  The apple alone has over 7,500 varieties!  Even if you do not have access to a large variety of fruit it is possible to mail order from the internet.  The same goes for vegetables too.  Try all the colors of the rainbow, each has its own nutritional value and we benefit from all of them.
 
Start thinking about how very soon if not immediately you will start feeling amazing!  Get excited about all the things you will be able to accomplish with more energy and feeling better.  From the very first raw food meal I had, I immediately saw improvement in my digestion!
 
Read others testimonials and experiences of going on the raw food diet and how they transitioned initially.  If you haven’t already, start getting acquainted with all the benefits of the raw food diet and lifestyle.  Start perusing the internet for raw food blogs that have recipes or health articles about going raw.  (For more tips, articles and raw food recipes click HERE.
 
Keeping your meals simple with mostly whole, fresh foods is very important.  Trying to create gourmet dishes can be time consuming and overwhelming.  Inspire yourself by investing in a few good raw food recipe books to help you get ideas on different dishes to prepare.  Also, make your food appealing with its presentation.  Live foods make for such gorgeous presentation with all the vibrant colors.  It’s like a work of art.  If it appeals to the eyes that gets your mouth watering.
 
Using these tips you can make the transition into raw foods a pleasurable journey.  Have fun and experiment seeing what works for you and soon you too will be glowing with health!
 
 


Friday, December 28, 2012

VEGAN BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES + VEGAN BLUE CHEESE DRESSING



Ever since my friend Christine and I took our hubbies to eat dinner at Mohawk Bend, I have been craving the Buffalo  Style Cauliflower with vegan blue cheese dressing we had there.  It was out of this world!  Who says vegan food is boring?  Definitely not.  This dish will satisfy your craving for something super flavorful and savory.  I got my inspiration from 86 Lemons.  The recipe is super easy. I'll definitely be making this again.








VEGAN BUFFALO CAULIFLOWER BITES

 

1 cup almond milk
1 cup flour - you can use any kind of flour, even gluten free 
2 tsp garlic powder
1-1/2 head of cauliflower cut up into bite size pieces
1 cup buffalo sauce*
1 tablespoon olive oil

* I used Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce.  You should check the ingredients on the brand you want to use to be sure its vegan.


Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.  Combine the flour, garlic powder and almond milk in a bowl and mix well. Dip a few pieces of the cauliflower at a time into the bowl.  Cover the cauliflower with the batter, shake off the excess batter and place on a prepared baking dish or cookie sheet.  Bake for 15-20 minutes depending on how soft you want the cauliflower to be.

Combine the buffalo sauce and oil in a measuring cup and pour it over the baked cauliflower and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Now its ready to serve with the Vegan Blue Cheese Dressing...


VEGAN BLUE CHEESE DRESSING

 

1/4 block of firm or extra firm organic sprouted tofu
dash of garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic
3/4 cup Veganaise - I used reduced fat Veganaise
1 teaspoon tahini
1 lemon, juice of - use to your taste.  If you want it less tart, use less, more tart, use more
1 table spoon apple cider vinegar

Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl until well combined then crumble in the tofu to give it that blue cheese texture. Voila!!

I am really loving this dish.  Yum!


Join the discussion!

Do you have a spicy buffalo sauce recipe? We would love to hear what it is! Share it in the comments below. Links are welcome.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

HUFFINGTON POST: HUFFPOST TASTE + MATCHA GREEN TEA LATTE

 
 
 
 
I am back into the swing of things now after a week out of the country and trying to get over my jet lag.  Things are different in China... you cannot use Facebook or Blog sites like Blogger on any computer there.  It was  a great work trip, but it is definitely good to be home, back to familiar things.
I feel like it has been ages since I have posted and I do apologize.

Matcha Green Tea Latte

What a great surprise to find my Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe on the Huffinton Post Taste section when I arrived home!  Check out their article on Immune Boosting Foods: 14 Healthy Recipes.  The Matcha Green Tea Latte Recipe is #14. 
 
If you missed it before, here it is.  I could really use one right now.  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and have a great week!
 
xo
 
 


 

 


Wednesday, December 12, 2012

RAW SOUR CREAM

 
 



I mean seriously.  This recipe is ridiculously simple and tastes so good.  A realy nice substitute for sour cream. This is definitely a condiment to keep in the fridge if you loved sour cream.  So, here you go!
 

RAW SOUR CREAM

 
1 cup cashews, soaked over night and rinsed
1-2 lemons, juice of
1 teaspoon lemon zest, or more
1/8 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 cup water, approx
 
Add everything to your food process and process well. Add the water last and add in parts until you get the consistency you think you want.  Then transfer the mixture to a high speed blender and blend until light and fluffy.  Store in an airtight container and chill.
 
What a great substitute for sourcream.  Enjoy!
 
 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

SWEET POTATO LATTE

 
Sometimes we just need a littel something to keep us going.  Here's the recipe to Jean-Maries sweet potato latte.  Nutritious and delicious!
 

SWEET POTATO LATTE

 
1 cup almond milk
1/2 a small sweet potato steamed
1 date
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 of a banana
 
Blend all ingredients in the blender until warmed.  Enjoy!!

MOSTLY RAW FOOD CHALLENGE UPDATE

 
 
 

10 DAY FOOD CHALLENGE UPDATE

 
Well, we are going on our 8th day and wow! The support we have during this mostly raw food challenge is amazing!  The support we have on Instagram is fabulous and I love the fact that we are getting such great food ideas from each other too.  It really helps to keep us going!  Here are some of ASRL's Instagram pics.  If you are instagram, follow us or simply look up the hashtag #asimplyrawlifefoodchallenge and see what everyone is up to.



















 
Have a great week!
 
 


Monday, December 10, 2012

KIND KREME: RAW AND VEGAN ICE CREAM

 
 
Raw honey almond butter banana and raw caramel apple ice cream inside a vegan oatmeal cookie
 
I have been dying to get over to Kind Kreme for a while now.  We finally made our way over for a late night snack on Saturday night and it was well worth it.  The variety of flavors they have for raw and vegan ice cream is fabulous, really unique flavors.
 

Coconut Based Flavors

  • Honey Vanilla
  • Honey Lemon Ginger
  • Honey Strawberry
  • Honey Blueberry
  • Honey Peach
  • Honey Chai
  • Honey Strawberry Blueberry Lemonade
  • Coconut
  • Coconut Cacao Nib
  • Pina Colada
  • Fresh (Cucumber, Kale, Lemon, Himalayan Crystal Salt)
  • Coconut Carrot Ginger
  • Ginger Basil
  • Mint Cacao Nib
  • Banana Chocolate Swirl
  • Caramel Apple
  • Tart Blueberry
  • Tart Vanilla
  • Cookies And Cream (With Babycakes NYC Cookies)
  • Citrus Gogi
  • Beet Ginger Grapefruit
  • Loquat Carrot Orange
  • Cumquat Gogi 

Almondmilk, Cashew, Coconut Based Flavors

  • Maple Pecan
  • Coffee Nib
  • Chocolate Espresso Chip
  • Chocolate
  • Chocolate Cherry Nib
  • Espresso Bean
  • Chocolate Salted Caramel
  • Chocolate Almond Butter
  • Superfood
 
So, if you are looking for a raw vegan ice cream shop, this is the place.  We'll definitely be going back for more!
 

raw almond butter strawberry jam ice cream with raw salted caramel and raw cacao nibs

Kind Kreme

3701 Cahuenga Blvd.
Studio City, CA 90068
(818) 308-6758


More locations.


Vegan soft serve made with coconut milk


 
We are grateful for Kind Kreme!
 
 


Friday, December 7, 2012

POMEGRANATE SMOOTHIE


pomegranate smoothie
 
It's time to get creative when you've set some goals to eat mostly raw for a stretch of days, right?  I love pomegranate so what a perfect time to come up with a pomegranate smoothie.  I love the soft feminine color of this smoothie and it has a really nice delicate sweet taste.   This is for all the the A Simply Raw Life  Food Challenge participants who are commited to eating raw or mostly raw for 10 days straight!  If you are on Instagram, take a look at all the food we are eating under our hashtag #asimplyrawlifefoodchallenge.
 
vegan pomegranate smoothie



POMEGRANATE SMOOTHIE

 
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup fresh pressed apple juice
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup frozen banana
 
Super easy and super delicious!  And its vgan too.   If you want to step it up, add in a big hand full of spinach.  Really loving the flavor of this!
 
Enjoy!
 
delicious pomegranate

 


Join the discussion!

Do you have a pomegranate smoothie recipe? We would love to hear what it is! Share it in the comments below. Links are welcome.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

DAY 3: MOSTLY RAW FOOD CHALLENGE

Warm Sweet Potato Goodness... This will leave your belly warm and happy. 
Incredibly easy to make. We will be posting recipe soon.


Day 3: Mostly Raw Food Challenge




Preparation is everything!!!

Today was a little more challenging. And that's why I started this post the way I did. Preparation really is everything. Any goal we set out to accomplish must first be planned out. I planned out my first 2 days.  I had my food, recipes, smoothies all planned out and it all went as planned. Today was going to be a food shopping day and planning out the next few days... But that never happened. I have kids, appointments, etc... Life got in the way. So, it ended up being a harder day.

I have to say though, it started out great... I made a fantastic warm Sweet Potato Drink that would knock your socks off!  In fact I think this drink will be my new go to winter drink rather than my normal Hot Chocolate, and if any of you out there have had my Hot Chocolate you know that is saying a lot... I love my Hot Chocolate! But I have found a new healthy alternative.  I'm super excited about that.

But as the day progressed I didn't plan my time right. At noon, I was irritated.  I should have had my salad ready, but I didn't and I was starving for a mid afternoon snack.  I did stick to my food challenge, but I have to admit if I had a hamburger in front of me it would have been devoured!  But I didn't and the kids were sleeping so I was stuck at home with whatever was left in the fridge. My Mom is visiting and made me a salad.  I was so thankful for that and I had a PB&J sandwich for a snack... Dinner was Minestrone Soup.  So Delicious! In the evening we watched Forks over Knifes... This is a must see Documentary!  So, All I can say is tomorrow I plan on planning... and I'm ever more committed to sticking to the food challeng. I love my fresh veggies & fruits!!!

So, one last thought is this... Remember tomorrow is a new day.  If you, like me, didn't plan right and so maybe you ended up eating something you didn't want to; don't beat yourself up.  Just remind yourself as to why you want to do this and start fresh tomorrow.


Join the discussion:

What have you done to get through your mid afternoon slump? Have you found a new favorite food while doing the challenge? Leave me a comment. I'd love to hear all about it.

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

DAY 2: MOSTLY RAW FOOD CHALLENGE


Day 2: Mostly raw food challenge

It's been one day and I feel really good! The first day is always the hardest. But I stuck to my guns especially since I was going to have to tell you all what I am eating. LOL! 

My husband is doing the food challenge too and he said he felt so good all day. He had to take a class and he said he stayed focused the whole time. I agree with him, I already feel more focused and my body seems really happy with what's taking place thus far. 

So, here's what I ate: 
Breakfast: Kale Coconut Smoothie
Snack: same smoothie from breakfast
Lunch: Asian Salad with seasoned rice vinegar & toasted sesame oil ( the easiest and best dressing ever) 
Snack: nuts, dates, and an apple
Snack: Ginger Veggie Smoothie
Dinner: Veggie stir-fry with steamed organic red rice

Kale Coconut Smoothie

2 handfuls of kale
1 cup almond milk
1 cup water
Juice from 1 lemon
1 or 2 dates depending on how sweet you want it or how sweet your bananas are
2 bananas
1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
1/4 cup frozen peas

Directions: blend kale and liquids first. Then add the rest of the ingredients and blend till smooth.

This makes enough for 2 smoothies one I can enjoy now and the other for a snack. 

Ginger Veggie Smoothie

2 handfuls of spinach
2 carrots
2 Celery Stalks
1 Apple
A chunk of ginger
1 Tablespoons Black strap molasses 
2 Cups water

Directions: add everything to the blender and blend until smooth. If it comes out too thick add more water. It should be smooth and easy to drink. But depending on the size of your carrots or apples that could change how fiberous the drink is. 

I drink a 1/3 now and save the rest for a snack. I get about 3 out of this depending on how hungry I am.

Join the Discussion: 

How was your first day of the food challenge? What is going to be your staple food to get you through? 





Tuesday, December 4, 2012

DAY 1: MOSTLY RAW FOOD CHALLENGE

A great way to stay on track is to make a few extra smoothies so you can take them on the go...

 


Day 1: Mostly Raw food challenge 


It's about that time again, I need to cleanse my body. I wanted to do this right after I finished my radiation treatments but I was just too tired, physically as well as mentally. But I am now about 6 weeks out from my last treatment. I'm still mentally tired but I am not physically tired. So I'm going to do the push and do a 10 day cleanse. 

What will my cleanse guidelines be? 
Good question. I'm going back to basics... Mostly smoothies. They are easy. And I also plan to do mostly all raw. So when time permits I'm going to include salads or make some fun raw things from this site. I plan to include 1 vegan meal a day. That will be in the evening. It's cold here right now so I need that warmth and I do love food so that will be my treat each evening. 

How will I accomplish this? 
Another good question... I'm planning everything out. So far I have 2 days planned. And I have my smoothies all planned out. I'm going to keep it basic by drinking 2 different smoothies several times a day. I like the taste of both and if I keep it simple, so a little boring, I can keep it up. 

I also plan to make more than one smoothie at a time. That way I can store the extra smoothie in the fridge and it's ready to drink whenever. Or if I'm on the go I can just take the smoothie with me as a snack to keep me from grabbing a bad snack while running errands. 

I'm feeling pretty good about this. Last time I did this was when I found out about the cancer and within a week I felt amazing!! My blood count was high & my blood was super rich. So  I'm hoping that this raw smoothie cleanse will give me the jump start I need. I'm hoping it helps my back heal faster and cleanses my back of all that radiation. I want to be thinking more clearly.. I feel like I've been in a bit of a fog. 

So follow me on my 10 day journey... It should be fun!!

Join the discussion:

Are you going to join me on my 10 day journey and start a smoothie cleanse? If so, leave me a message and tell me all about... How many days & what are your guidelines? I'd love to hear all about it!


Monday, December 3, 2012

IT'S MONDAY: REGROUPING AND 10 DAY RAW FOOD CHALLENGE

 
 
It's been a slightly rough week last week and with my son under the weather this weekend and house guests from out of town, you can imagine the busy-ness.  Time to kick things into gear!   A couple of my contributors and I are kicking it up an notch and will be doing a 10 day food challenge.  Raw to mostly raw food for 10 days without diviating.  No processed foods.  Is anyone with us?  
 
Our contributor Jean-Marie, who's cancer is in remission and currently cancer free after a few months of treament, will be posting most days about what she is doing and how the challenge is going.  Let's support her and all who will taking part.  I am going to join the band wagon with her and do this challenge. Nothing complicated, just eating mostly foods as we can to each meal.  We may add a fresh vegan meal here and there, but mostly raw.
 
Here are a couple helpful charts to help us keep these food in the forefront of our minds.
 
 
 
 
 

We know its not easy to stay focused on eating right, so let's help each other do it and get focused!
 
Have a great week everyone!  Let's do this!
 
xF


Friday, November 30, 2012

RAW CRANBERRY + SWEET CACAO NIB ICEBOX COOKIES




My friend Britney and I usually have this 3 o'clock snack craving everyday.  Not sure why that is but, its there. Does anyone else have that problem?  Maybe we just love food.  But because of that, we are constantly trying to find healthy snacks to keep handy for those occassions.  I LOVE this recipe.  The flavors of the sweet cacao nibs with the cranberries and nuts is just divine.  I shared these with my friend Alicia at work and she loved it!  I have a few taste testers close by and she is one of them.  Thanks Alicia for being a guinea pig for my new recipes!  (And thank you Sydney, Kelsey, Jackie and James for being my other taste testers! ~They live around the corner from me.)



We are all about ridiculously simple recipes here.  We may create a few, slightly more intese recipes, but overall we are all about simplicity and ease.  This recipe only took a few minutes, literally.  I hope you like it as much as I did.  Here it is...




RAW CRANBERRY + SWEET CACAO NIB ICE BOX COOKIES

1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw almonds
1 cup dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave
1/4 cup sweet cacao nibs
1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped small

Process the nuts in your food processor until finely chopped.  Add in the dates and process until the ingredients are mixed well and it starts to get moist from the dates.  Add in the vanilla and maple syrup or agave and process to combine.  Pour all the ingredients into a bowl and fold in the nibs and cranberries.  Mix with your hands until combined.  Shape the dough into 1-1/2" diameter cookie dough logs and wrap with parchment and saran wrap, then put it in the freezer for 1 hour.   Finally, remove the saran wrap and cut the logs into half inch cookie dough rounds. 

Makes about 2 dozen.

Enjoy!!



Join the discussion!


Do you have a favorite raw chocolate spread recipe? We would love to hear what it is! Share it in the comments below. Links are welcome.
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