August 1, 2010

3 tablespoons nutiva hemp protein powder 50% ($1.13)

3 tablespoons nutiva hemp seeds ($1.17)

1 banana ($.15)

2 tablespoons carob powder ($.17)

12 ice cubes

water for blending

The folks over at Nutiva were kind enough to send me some of their hemp seed and hemp protein products to try. The timing couldn’t have been better. I’ve been quite light on protein a lot of days lately, so I was looking for ways to get just a bit more.

I’m a big fan of Nutiva, having used their coconut oil for years. Every product I’ve ever tried has been exceptionally fresh and delicious. I’m a bit of a newcomer to protein powders and was surprised this tasted to good. The powder isn’t terribly gritty and makes a pretty smooth smoothie. The hemp seeds blend right up as well.

This smoothies is super simple to make and has a fresh, nutty, almost spicy taste. A perfect start to the day. Just put all ingredients in blender and puree until very smooth.

 

calories: 395

fat: 19 g

carbs: 43 g

protein: 23 g

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise ($.49)

2 large tomatoes, sliced ($1.00)

1 small cucumber, thinly sliced ($.33)

1 small onion, sliced ($.05)

2 tablespoons red pepper flake oil or olive oil

basil, oregano, salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup pine nuts, soaked ($2.00)

1 tablespoon lemon juice ($.10)

1 teaspoon nutritional yeast

1/2 teaspoon salt

I’ve made other raw lasagna recipes and they turn out beautifully. My only complaint has always been they take so darn long to make. This recipe takes only minutes to prepare.

First make the pine nut cheese, which is simple and easy. Just add all ingredients to a blender and puree until very smooth.

Assemble the sliced ingredients and layer with a few dollops of pine nut cheese. Season with herbs, salt and pepper. Drizzle with a bit of red pepper flake oil or olive oil.

To make red pepper flake oil, just add a tablespoon or two red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne to about four ounces olive oil. Shake or blend and then let sit for a few days until the flavor develops.

 .

calories: 304

fat: 16 g

carbs: 36 g

protein: 9 g

1 bunch kale ($1.49)

1 small head broccoli ($.1.29)

2 tablespoons olive oil ($.20)

2 tablespoons agave or other sweetener ($.20)

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar ($.20)

2 cloves garlic, pressed

2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ($1.00)

1 cucumber, sliced ($.33)

salt and pepper to taste

I got the idea to massage the greens inside a plastic bag from Rawdawg Rory. Rory and his wife Amanda, and their daughter Isabel are trekking across the United States, with Amanda walking! It seemed like a handy way to keep from getting my hands messy, and it worked like a charm.

Chop kale, broccoli, and lambs quarters. In a small cup, whisk together the olive oil, agave, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Put in a in a zip lock bag and massage. It takes several minutes, but the kale and broccoli will soften up nicely.

Serve the massaged greens topped with slice cucumber and tomato wedges. Salt and pepper to taste.

And, any left over greens or broccoli (including the stems) can be juiced.

 

calories: 306

fat: 15 g

carbs: 40 g

protein: 9 g

1/4 cup walnuts ($.50)

6 tablespoons hemp seeds ($2.34)

1/4 cup goji berries, soaked and patted dry ($.80)

1/2 cup raisins ($.50)

2 tablespoons sesame seeds ($.40)

This is another super simple way to get a bit of extra protein. It makes a sweet, nutty, and just slightly spicy “power truffle.”

Add all ingredients to a food processor fitted with an “S” blade. Process for a few minutes until the mixture starts sticking together. Use a tablespoon or small scoop to form into balls.

 

calories: 311

fat: 17 g

carbs: 31 g

protein: 13 g

The Chia Seeds go to Fraise des bois

and

Debra’s DVD and Recipe eBook go to Fayinagirl (means free one)

Congrats! I’ll be getting in touch with you both later today!