December 19, 2010

1 cup almond milk ($.40)
1 banana ($.15)
1 date ($.50)
1 tsp vanilla extract ($.20)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
pinch salt

This is smooth, thick, creamy … just like the real thing.

Puree all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Garnish with a dash of cinnamon.

12 oz button mushrooms ($2.49)
2 ribs celery, minced ($.30)
1 carrot, grated ($.10)
1 medium onion, minced ($.25)
1 small zucchini, grated ($.65)

2 tbsp olive oil ($.20)
2 tbsp agave ($.20)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar ($.20)
2 cloves garlic, pressed ($.10)
1 tbsp basil ($.05)
salt & pepper

I love mushrooms and so, for me, this is just an amazing dish. Dehydrating for a bit softens and warms the mushrooms and filling nicely.

Gently clean and remove the stems from the mushrooms. Some people brush any dirt off mushrooms with a soft cloth, but I usually wash my mushrooms with water. Mince the stems and set them aside, because they’ll go into the filling.

Grate the carrot and zucchini and mince the onion and celery. Fine ingredients are easier to get in the mushroom. Mix these together with the olive oil, garlic, basil, agave, balsamic vinegar, minced mushroom stems and salt and pepper and stir well.

Use a teaspoon and fill the hollow in the underside of the mushroom. Place on teflex, plastic or parchment sheets and gently dehydrate for about 3 hours, or until warm and slightly softened.

10 oz mixed greens ($1.89)
1 pomegranate ($1.39)
4 oz strawberries, sliced ($.42)
2 oranges, sectioned ($1.00)
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped ($.30)
1 small onion, sliced ($.25)
salt and pepper

dressing

2 tbsp olive oil ($.20)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar ($.10)
2 tbsp agave ($.20)
1 tsp apple cider vinegar ($.10)

The combination of sweet and savory is hard to beat in my book. I love this salad. The taste tester I tried this out on today said, “It’s like eating food for the first time.” I think I understand what he meant, since this is so fresh and clean while also packed with lots of flavor.

This makes two servings. Divide the greens, putting half on each plate. Add the orange sections, sliced strawberries and onion. Sprinkle with the chopped walnuts and pomegranate seeds.

To make the dressing, just put all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until emulsified. This should only take a minute or so. It will be creamy and not separated at all when fully emulsified. Add to salads.

calories: 411
fat: 24 gr
carbs: 79 gr
protein: 7 gr

2 heads broccoli ($1.89)
8 oz mushrooms ($2.50)
1 medium onion ($.25)
sesame seeds ($.10)

3 tbsp olive oil ($.30)
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar ($.30)
3 tbsp agave ($.30)
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced ($.10)
1 tsp paprika ($.05)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

red pepper flakes to taste

This is my new favorite raw food dish. It’s savory and sweet and just yummy. Marinating followed by dehydrating softens the broccoli and onions nicely, and the mushrooms are just luscious.

Whisk together the olive oil, agave, balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Chop the broccoli into bite sized pieces, and diced the onion. In a container (I used a Glad Lock box), put the broccoli, mushrooms and onion. Pour the marinade over, shake to coat, and let sit overnight in the refrigerator.

An hour before serving, dehydrate on plastic or teflex sheets. About an hour should make these warm and slightly softened. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and, if you want a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

calories: 415
fat: 22 gr
carbs: 53 gr
protein: 11 gr

1 lb grapes ($1.39)

This “cheez” is amazing, and surprisingly simple to make and can be made with your choice of nuts … I made mine with Brazil nuts. In a blender, add all the cheez ingredients. Puree for several minutes until as smooth and creamy as possible. Pour into a jar or other glass container and cover with cheese cloth. Let sit overnight or longer to develop the desired sharp taste. As it sits, the nut “cream” will thicken up as well, making it easier to handle.

Once the flavor has developed to your liking, divide in two equal portions. Place in center of several layers of cheese cloth and form into roughly a circle shape. Wrap each in the cheese cloth and place them in a colander with a weight or weighted plate on top. Put the colander in a sink or over a plate or bowl to catch any drips. A lot of the liquid will be pressed out of the cheez this way. Let it press for several hours.

This doesn’t get gooey, but it will be the consistency of cream cheese. Further pressing can make a firmer cheez.

When it has the desired consistency, remove from the cheese cloth, shape into a wheel and roll in dried or minced fresh herbs. Serve with grapes.