November 27, 2011

Breakfast
Deviled Avocados
serves 2 ~ $1.81 per serving

3 avocados ($3.57)
1 tablespoon mustard ($.05)
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper
1 tablespoon macadamia mayo*

My
local store has had excellent prices on avocados over the last few
months, sometimes as low as seventy-eight cents each. The prices are
going up again so I thought I’d do some things with the last of the
lower priced avocados. Getting to know your produce manager can help you
save money … they are who will know what’s coming in season, what’s
going on sale, etc. Also, you can arrange bulk purchases with them for
some produce items.

I
used to love the mustardy taste of deviled eggs. This isn’t identical,
probably doesn’t even qualify as a “faux food,” but it’s still mustardy
good. Prepared mustard isn’t raw … mustard powder to taste can be
used instead.

In
a bowl, mash one avocado until mostly creamy but still slightly
chunky. Mix in the mayo, mustard, paprika, salt and pepper. Cut the
remaining avocados in half and fill with the mixture. Sprinkle with a
pinch of paprika.


* macadamia mayo

1 cup macadamia nuts
3/4 cup water
1 teaspoon agave
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Blend
the macadamia nuts, water, and salt until smooth and creamy, which may
take a minute or two. A personal or bullet type blender can be used
for this. 
calories: 523
fat: 45 gr
carbs: 26 gr
protein: 4 gr
 
Lunch
Carrot Pear Soup
serves 2 ~ $1.40 per serving

2 pears ($1.40)
6 carrots ($1.00)
1 tablespoon onions, chopped 
2 tablespoons olive oil ($.40)
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon thyme
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Pears
are looking good right now, and are priced well, too. This is really
simple and comes together in just a few minutes, with the blending
taking the most time.

Peel,
core, and chop the pears. Peel and chop the carrots. Process all
ingredients in a blender until very smooth. This may take several
minutes if using a regular blender.


calories: 297
fat: 14 gr
carbs: 45 gr
protein: 3 gr

 
Dinner
Grapefruit Pear Salad
serves 2 – $2.50 per serving
1 grapefruit ($.50)
2 pears, sliced ($1.40)
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 head romaine, chopped ($1.90)
1/4 cup walnuts ($.50)

dressing

2 tablespoons lemon juice ($.20)
3 tablespoons olive oil ($.30)
2 tablespoons agave ($.20)
pinch nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
 
The pears and grapefruit made this a nice summery salad that reminded me warmer weather isn’t too far away.
 
Cut the grapefruit by first slicing off
about 1/4″ off the top and bottom. Stand the grapefruit up on a cut
side and slice along the outside curve of the fruit, cutting away the
skin and pith. Use a sharp knife to cut each grapefruit section away
from the membrane.

Slice the
pears and onions, and chop the lettuce. Toss together and sprinkle the
walnuts on top. Whisk together all the dressing ingredients and drizzle
over the top.

calories: 304
fat: 17 gr
carbs: 40 gr
protein: 5 gr
 
 Dessert
Chocolate Orange Mousse
serves 2 ~ $.99 per serving

1 ripe avocado, chopped ($.88)
2 bananas, chopped ($.30)
3 tablespoons cocoa or cacao powder ($.60)
 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons agave ($.20)
1/2 dropper liquid stevia
1/4 teaspoon orange extract

This wasn’t the most photogenic dish I’ve ever made, but the orange and chocolate went together so well.

Combine
all ingredients in a food processor fitted with an “S” blade and
process until very smooth. Add coconut oil to room temperature or warmer
ingredients only, otherwise the coconut oil will harden into little
lumps before it has a chance to blend. Chill for at least a half hour
before serving. Top with a few orange sections and/or pieces of fruit
and a pinch of orange rind, if desired.

calories: 321
fat: 16 gr
carbs: 41 gr
protein: 5 gr

Total cost for the day: $6.70
total calories: 1,445
total fat: 92 gr
total carb: 152 gr
total protein: 17 gr

9 Responses

  1. Amanda says:

    Looks scrumptious as always!! Especially want that salad. Thanks for the tips about getting to know your produce manager, I never thought about that.

  2. Ashley says:

    All looks wonderful, I am going to try the carrot pear soup for lunch today. Since I got Oregon pear's on the cheap.

  3. Veggie PAK says:

    Your pictures really capture the deliciousness of the foods you prepare. It all looks beautiful! As if each one is a work of art!

  4. aimee says:

    Looks wonderful!

  5. Hannah says:

    I've been hoping to find a raw soup recipe that doesn't rely on avocado! I think my thyme-infused olive oil would be wonderful in your pear carrot creation :

  6. Ooo, thyme infused olive oil sounds excellent, Hannah!

  7. Sara says:

    Wooooooow, Just made the Dessert. It is absolutely amazing!! Controlling myself while i allow it to chill for a bit 😉 Thank you :)))) ♥♥♥

  8. Yay, Sara … take a photo if you can, I'd love to see!

  9. Wow. This is the first time I have seen your blog. I love your meal ideas and costs. I went raw for awhile over the summer and it cost me a fortune and I never left the kitchen, that part I didn't mind. I will look to your menus if I try it again. Great job!