The Avocado Queen Welcomes You

This blog is mostly about raw vegetarian/vegan recipes, many of which incorporate avocados. Since I became a raw/live food vegan several years ago, avocados became an important part of my diet. I'd even say that they are my favorite food, and as it turns out, they are also considered one of the world's healthiest foods. While my primary purpose here is to showcase avocados and how awesome they are, I will also share some recipes that are just plain good raw/live food as well as vegan food.

Most recipes are accompanied by a meditation or reflection - posting as "food for thought."

Wishing you peace, love, joy, and blessings wherever you are in your journey towards health...

All recipes of the Avocado Queen are original creations. In some cases, variations on other recipes have been made and credit of that original source has been given.

All content on this blog is strictly the property of the owner or has been used with permission. If you see a recipe or photo that you like, please contact the owner for permission to share it...more than likely, your request will be honored as long as you agree to give credit to the original source.

10.05.2010

Recipe for Fall - Sweet Potato Casserole/Pie

The arrival of fall brings cooler weather, colorful leaves, and lots of delicious root vegetables and hearty greens.  Fall is a traditional time of harvest and abundance, celebrating what has been created throughout the growing season.  It is frequently represented by the color orange, which appears in the harvest moon, changing leaves, and beautiful fall sunsets. 

When I think of the season of fall, I have visions of vibrantly colored leaves.  I think of how warm days brighten my spirit and cool nights bring me peaceful sleep as I am nestled in cozy blankets.  For me, fall brings thoughts of change and the cycle of life.  What does this season mean to you?  What are your personal associations?

Considering these questions, please enjoy the following recipe that incorporates some of fall's most famous foods - sweet potatoes and pecans - as well as fall's most common colors - orange and brown. 

Recipe for Fall - Sweet Potato Casserole/Pie

For the filling:
Combine the following ingredients in a Vita-Mix or high powered blender, blending until smooth:
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into 2 inch cubes)
  • 1 avocado
  • 6 medjool dates, soaked (reserve water for blending)
  • 2 TB raw honey OR maple syrup (preferably grade B)
  • pinch of salt 
  • a few tablespoons of water from the soaked dates to blend
Note: I usually blend the dates, honey, salt avocado, and about 1/3 of the sweet potatoes with a little water first.  Then I blend the next 1/3 of the potatoes until smooth, and finally the last 1/3.

For the crust:
In a food processor, combine until a crumbly, flour-like consistency is reached:
  • 7-8 medjool dates
  • an inch or so of vanilla bean (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cup brazil nuts
  • 1 1/2 cup pecans
  • pinch of salt
N.B. In some smaller food processors, it is best to blend the nuts first then slowly add in the dates.

Assembly:
For a casserole: Sprinkle a layer of crust on the bottom of the container (about half), then pour the sweet potato filling, then top off with another thin layer of crust.
For a pie: Press all of the crust into a pie pan then pour in the filling.  Garnish the top with pecans.

I love that the prominent color of this recipe is orange.  Orange is the color of the second chakra, which is the seat of our creative energy.  In this season characterized by so much orange, perhaps let it remind you to tap into your creativity.  

The season of fall brings dry air which can drain our bodies and skin of essential moisture.  Eating sweet potatoes is a great way to lubricate the body.

Enjoy this hearty recipe as a side dish or dessert.  Let it warm you from the inside.  Revel in the season of fall.  Embrace changes creatively.