March 28, 2010

 
Breakfast
Banana Pie
serves 1 ~ $1.15 per serving
ingredients
1/4 cup nuts ($.50)
1/4 cup raisins ($.50)
pinch salt
1 banana ($.15)
pinch cinnamon

This little personal sized pie is, for me, a perfect way to start the day. It’s a bit heavy for those who like something substantial to get going … or can be shared.
In a food processor with an “S” blade, process the nuts, raisins, and pinch of salt until the mixture starts sticking together. Because this is such a small batch, it may not work in a bigger food processor. I have a 5 cup processor and it worked fine. Press the pie crust into a small tart pan or just press it into a plate. Refrigerate for about 15 minutes to set up a bit. In the food processor, again with the “S” blade, process half the banana and a pinch of cinnamon until it’s creamy and fluffy. Slice the rest of the banana. Layer the banana cream and sliced banana in the crust and top with another pinch of cinnamon.
calories: 406
fat: 18 gr
carbs: 63 gr
protein: 6 gr
 Lunch
Salad with Lemon Tarragon Dressing
serves 2 ~ $2.98 per serving
ingredients
dressing
1 avocado ($1.49)
1/2 large cucumber ($.69)
1/4 medium onion
juice and zest of one lemon ($.69)
1 tablespoon agave ($.10)
1 teaspoon tarragon ($.10)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper 
1/2 -1 cup water for blending
salad
1 head green leaf lettuce, chopped ($1.89)
1/2 large cucumber, sliced ($.69)
2 carrots, grated
3/4 medium onion, diced ($.05)
6 radishes, sliced ($.25)
salt and pepper to taste
I’m starting to really love salads to the point that they’re what I picture in my head when thinking about yummy food. And lemon and tarragon is my current favorite flavor combination. Oh yeah, this is going to become a staple.
In a blender, puree all the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. This can be a very thick dressing or a bit thinner, depending on how much water is added. I used all the dressing on two salads, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days.
The salad is just the salad ingredients tossed together and topped with the dressing.
 
calories: 315
fat: 15 gr
carbs: 43 gr
protein: 8 gr
Dinner
Mushrooms with Zucchini Pasta
serves 2 ~ 3.81 per serving
ingredients
veggies
10 ounces mushrooms ($2.29)
1 head broccoli ($.99)
2 carrots, grated ($.20)
1 medium onion, chopped ($.05)
2 tablespoons agave ($.20)
2 tablespoons olive oil ($.20)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or bragg’s liquid aminos ($.20)
1 clove garlic, pressed ($.05)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
noodles
2 zucchini, sliced into noodles ($1.29)
1 tablespoon agave ($.10)
1 tablespoon olive oil ($.10)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or bragg’s liquid aminos ($.10)
1 clove garlic, pressed ($.05)
1/4 teaspoon salt
Zucchini makes an awesome pasta. For the noodles, grate the zucchini, use a spiral slicer, or what I’ve done here is sliced them into 4 or 5 strips and then used a vegetable peeler to shave off fettuccine style noodles. 
First, place the mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, and onions in a bowl or container. Whisk together the agave, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and red pepper flakes and pour over the veggies. I use Zip Lock boxes, which are easy to shake and coat everything with the marinade. Let these sit for about an hour and then put in the dehydrator for about an hour to warm.
Cut the zucchini into noodles and whisk together the olive oil, agave, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salt. Toss together and let sit until the veggies are done, stirring to coat every so often. The zucchini will soften and pick up the flavors of the marinade.
Mound the zucchini noodles on a plate and top with the veggies. Top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and red pepper flakes.
calories: 484
fat: 22 gr
carbs: 63 gr
protein: 14 gr
Dessert
Double Chocolate Truffles
makes 8 pieces ~ $.41 per piece
truffles
1/2 cup nuts ($1.00)
1/2 cup raisins or dates ($1.00)
3 tablespoons cacao powder ($.60)
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch salt
coating
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted ($.10)
2 tablespoons agave ($.20)
2 tablespoons cacao powder ($.40)
These are so simple to make for an easy dessert. 
In a food processor with an “S” blade, process the raisins, nuts, cacao, vanilla, and salt until the mixture starts to stick together. Using a rounded spoon, form eight truffles. Put in the freezer to chill for at least a half hour.
Make the chocolate coating by melting the coconut oil and adding to the agave and cacao powder. If this becomes stiff, just warm again slightly in a barely warmed oven. Spoon the chocolate over the bottom of the truffles. This should set up almost immediately as the sauce contacts the cold truffle. Then spoon over the top, letting it cool to set. The chocolate sauce will harden into a semi hard shell over the truffles for maximum chocolate impact.
calories: 234
fat: 16 gr
carbs: 24 gr
protein: 3 gr

Total cost for the day: $8.76
total calories: 1439
total fat: 71 gr
total carb: 233 gr
total protein: 31 gr
And the winner of the cacao nibs giveaway is …….  College: Raw!
eBook Giveaway!
One more giveaway … This week I’m doing a giveaway of a copy of my eBook. There are some recipes, but also sections on creating your own original recipes, photographing food, growing wheat grass, etc.
To enter, just leave me a comment here and let me know what you’ve found helpful or enjoyable about this blog.
For extra entries (leave a comment for each):
  •  Tweet this giveaway (but not more than once a day)
  • Post this giveaway on your blog or Facebook
  • Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect
Deadline is Sunday, April 4 at 10 pm! 
Affiliate Linkage …

if you’d like to affiliate link my eBook on your blog or website, just let me know and I can set you up … just send me a message at lisacole690@aol.com and I’ll give you the details …

71 Responses

  1. shannonmarie says:

    That's a nice well-rounded menu. I always enjoy fruit early and veggies later on in the day. I also need something more substantial like that individual tart (you know I like foods in small packages) in the morning, and I love to end the day with chocolate.

    You know I love this blog. It shows that I can remain on a budget eating raw, especially when funds are a bit tighter around here. I also think the recipes are yummy, too.

    I hope to link to this post sometime this week. My next post is crazy lengthy, so I'll probably wait until the following one to mention it.

  2. SLY says:

    My favorite thing about your blog is that you make things that are simple yet I want to actually eat them. I come across many raw recipes that are healthy but they are not enticing. Your recipes are always enticing! Not to mention they are affordable and creative!

  3. Anonymous says:

    I am so happy I found your blog. I was recently laid off and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to afford to eat raw anymore. Your recipes are affordable and delicious so I need not worry about that anymore.

  4. Anonymous says:

    I tweeted about the giveaway. http://twitter.com/lian0503/status/11249136258

  5. Anonymous says:

    I posted the giveaway on Facebook. http://bit.ly/amxmwq

  6. Anonymous says:

    I follow your blog on Google Friend Connect.

  7. I LOVE how you include the nutritional info: cal, protein, carbs and fat. No other raw book does that and it's nice to have an idea how much a recipe contains.

  8. Audrey says:

    I like how simple your recipes are.

  9. Audrey says:

    I follow on Google Connect

  10. Anonymous says:

    I love your ideas for affordable raw food, I am just getting into eating raw and have found many great ideas on your site!

  11. Samantha P says:

    What I've found most useful is the dinner recipes. I find raw dinners to be the most difficult because I want something filling and yummy- and I don't want just salads every day!

    I tweeted the contest! http://twitter.com/samipeck

  12. everything we've tried on this blog has been a hit with the whole family. Out of all the wonderful raw foods blogs, this one is my favorite! I love how you keep it simple, and are still able to wow the taste buds!

  13. kelli says:

    i would loooove to win your e-book! your recipes always sound amazing, but to be honest i think i enjoy your photos and fancy menus most!=)

  14. Schmitty says:

    i just added you on my google friend connect 🙂

  15. Schmitty says:

    my favorite part about this blog is how you give everything in a straightforward manner, meaning that your recipes can be copied, pasted and printed without much formatting…we love your recipes and use them weekly!

  16. bitt of raw says:

    I love how you demystify recipes and make things tasty and easy. Not to mention affordable! Thanks for helping tear down the myth that raw foods are expensive.

    Would love to get your ebook!

  17. bitt of raw says:

    following your blog

  18. bitt of raw says:

    tweeted! @cherrycobbler

  19. Julia says:

    I love how simple the recipes are and how quickly you respond to questions!

  20. Julia says:

    I tweeted @easyecotogo

  21. Julia says:

    I follow you in google friend

  22. HiHoRosie says:

    Every time I visit your blog I'm reminded it doesn't take much moola to create beautiful and fulfilling dishes, snacks and desserts. I appreciate the time you take to share the process, the pics and the cost.

  23. stampylisa says:

    I love the great ideas for living a raw food lifestyle on a budget.

  24. HiHoRosie says:

    Posted link on my blog under Giveaways

  25. HiHoRosie says:

    Already a follower via Google Connect. 🙂

  26. stampylisa says:

    following you on google friend

  27. stampylisa says:

    I retweeted about your contest @stampylisa

  28. College: Raw says:

    I love how everything you make is easy and quick. It's raw food for everyday (and sometimes special occasions)! I also like how you include the nutritionals, because I like to see how much fat I'm actually getting in a day. Keep up the awesome work!

  29. Nancy Reed says:

    I really enjoy the photos and the way you seem to make everything so easy, yet tasty and diverse.

  30. Angelique says:

    Lisa — I've loved the premise from the moment I first saw your blog (under $10/day) but beyond that I also appreciate the photos and how the recipes are simple enough for me to actually try them, not intimidating. I also like how they are often light, not too heavy gourmet. I think you do a great job!

  31. TracyP says:

    The beautiful photos of your recipes make me want to prepare them immediately!

  32. Alisha says:

    Every thing on your blog looks so yummy and even better easy and inexpensive. I would not consider my diet a raw one, but I am slowly easing into it. Thanks for your help.

  33. Tess says:

    I love your blog, I always get so many creative yet simple ideas from your blog, it makes eating raw look easy and yummy!

  34. AnnieC says:

    I love the simplicity of your recipes, and that they don't require special ingredients or equipment.

  35. Jessica says:

    I love how you break down the cost per meal and day. Great pics. Everything looks delicious. I can't wait to try some of your recipes.

  36. Paul says:

    I aspire to be as organized as you. The avacado dressing above looks fabulous!

  37. Ava Kelly says:

    I love this blog!! This blog has given me hope at affording and being able to be on a raw food diet. the unCook books i've read are way too intimidating and I always get frustrated and give up. your recipes are siple and delicious, so even if i dont win the free e-book, THANK YOU for blogging!

  38. Ava Kelly says:

    oh, I'm also a follower on Google Friend!

  39. Angelique says:

    I am now Following via Google Connect.

  40. Anonymous says:

    Hooray for Lisa!

    I found you via RawFu, and I was absolutely hooked by your blog title. As I read, you give me little inspiring snippets into your life. The thing that inspires me most about your blog, though, is the fact that, every day, you've got at least one recipe that uses ingredients I've already got on hand. Nope, it doesn't matter that I'm waiting for agave to go on special again, or that I've eaten all the cacao. You're rocking the creative and simple and tasty.

    TASTY! I'm gonna make my sweetheart a banana pie tonight.

  41. Ashley says:

    I'm very interested in living a raw lifestyle and this ebook would help me out a ton…Your food always looks soo good!

  42. shannonmarie says:

    I also linked this post on my blog (http://rawdorable.blogspot.com/2010/03/coconutty-convenience.html#disqus_thread), but I think you already figured that out 🙂

  43. Bettie says:

    I love that you include not only 3 full meals, but desert as well. For someone like me who's trying to kick cravings for things like ice cream and candy, it's so important to have a healthier desert option. I also love how easy most of these meals are, and yet they are so good!
    Thank you for all of your hard work!

  44. the truffles look amazing as does all your food, so raw, vegan and beautiful!
    Enter me, please, would love a shot at it!

  45. Emmy says:

    Following on Google!

  46. Emmy says:

    I'm a new reader and I love the look of everything you post! I also love the idea that you can eat like this and still stay on a budget!

  47. Mimi says:

    I love this blog! You really show how to prepare simple but delicious food! And it's a great aid to my wallet.

  48. Mimi says:

    Tweeted you! My username is mmhoneycutt

  49. Hannah says:

    I really love that you have nutritional information with each recipe!

  50. Pam says:

    What a wonderful giveaway!

    I think it is a cool idea..what you do on your blog and it makes menu planning so easy…thank you!

    xoxo

  51. JeanM says:

    Would love to win.You have lots of great recipes and ideas.

  52. Anonymous says:

    OOH, banana recipe….been looking for one, will have to give it a go. And of course the chocolate truffle….will have to make that one too!

  53. Your blog gives me inspiration and makes me believe that raw is possible on a budget 🙂
    zatalie@gmail.com

  54. I'm a Google Friend Connect follower 🙂
    zatalie@gmail.com

  55. Mel says:

    I love how simple your recipes are! I'm also very frugal so that's a huge plus. Thanks 🙂

  56. Earth Mother says:

    You know I L – O – V – E this site. Whenever folks start whining about "Oh, I can't eat raw…it's sooooooo expensive…blah, blah, blah" I just say, "Really?" and point them here.

    I get such a kick out of how you think outside the box, Lisa. Breakfast: Banana Pie, Deviled Avocados, Chocolate Spaghetti! And, hey, why not?

  57. I love everything about your blog, saving, recipes tips etc. I need it all! Thank you!

  58. Anonymous says:

    I simply LoOove your blog. You make my life easy. You make my raw food journey even easier and you keep surprising me every week with something creative to eat. This blog is inspiring and that's why I LoOove it.

    Keep-up the awesome work!

  59. Isle Dance says:

    I love what you do so much – and feel like words are never enough. You always gift us something beautiful and simply stunning in many ways, including the fact that you make us see there are no excuses to eat healthy, well, tasty and affordably. You truly do us all an amazing service. We. Are blessed. To have you. I want you to get fancy book deals and top the NYTimes bestsellers list…!

  60. What a delicious day Lisa 🙂

  61. Neven says:

    I'm going to make the banana pie right now and the salad for lunch! I already have your ebook and I love it.

  62. Christine says:

    I like that you include nutrition information with the recipes…sometimes it surprises me how much fat is in our food!

    Christine

  63. dorothy says:

    love how you have broken down the cost of everything!!! who'd a thunk it!!! thanks!!!
    🙂 db

  64. Pirawna says:

    I like that your menus remind me that a raw diet does NOT have to be unaffordable or take loads of time. Simplicity w/o sacrifice of beauty and taste.

  65. kelseycliche says:

    I always come to your blog for inspiration and especially when I'm in a recipe rut. Thank you so much for sharing your creations with us!

  66. Sabrina says:

    I love your ideas and creativity. Really a great inspiration with lots of variety in the menu. Thanks!