Recipe for Possibility - Blueberry "Cheesecake" (raw vegan style)

It is easy to look back into the past and see what has happened.  Although we can see what we have done and imagine what we might have done differently, what is done is done.  The past cannot be changed.  Looking into the past, thinking of all we could change, thinking of what we could improve, thinking of how we might rewrite history, does very little for us, for in the past we have no possibility.


The best we can hope to do is take the lessons from the past and create something new and different in the future.  Sometimes looking into the future feels daunting, more challenging, perhaps even intimidating.  We do not yet know what the future holds and sometimes we imagine the future may be anything but bright and promising, leaving us unfulfilled.  Yet, to see the future as a blank canvas on which we can paint whatever our heart desires is such a blessing.


However, what really matters is being present to the moment we are experiencing right now.  Having concerns about what has passed or about what is yet to come, may cause anxiety, unhappiness, or other undesirable emotions.  It is a waste of time, a waste of life, to spend too much time anywhere but in the present.  


From the past, we can learn.  From the present, we can imagine our vision for the future.  We have the gift of possibility.


This is why there are so many teachings that encourage us to let go of the past.  In the future we have a blessing.  Let the present be where we dwell content and fulfilled, living without regret of what we did or failed to do.  


Sometimes, all we need to do is take a deep breath, bringing us back to the present moment.  This is where we truly have possibility and the ability to create our own reality.

This recipe reminds me of the JELL-O Cheesecakes we used to make when I was a kid, except I think the raw vegan version is so much better!

Recipe for Possibility - Blueberry "Cheesecake" (raw vegan style)

For this recipe you will need 2 PINTS of FRESH BLUEBERRIES.


The Filling - In a Vitamix or high-powered blender, combine these ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews
• 1 avocado
• 1 pint fresh blueberries [RESERVE the 2nd pint for assembly.]
• 1/2 cup fresh pineapple or orange juice (or just enough to blend)*
• agave, raw honey, or maple syrup to taste (about 1 TB)
• pinch of sea salt

The Crust - In a (6+ cup) food processor, combine these ingredients:

• 7-9 dates
• 1 cup walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated)
• 1 cup pecans (preferably soaked and dehydrated)

Combine with the "S" blade until the nuts are totally broken down and you have reached a crumbly consistency.  The mixture should just start sticking to the sides of the bowl when it is ready.


Assemble: Press the crust into a 9" pie plate.  Place a layer of fresh blueberries (from the second pint).  Pour in the blueberry "cheesecake" filling.  Cover the top with fresh blueberries.  Garnish with thinly sliced banana rounds.

Tips:
* If no fresh juice is available, use water ( > 1/2 cup) instead and slightly more liquid sweetener.
** If the consistency of the filling is too runny, add 3-4 TB of psyllium husk powder to thicken.  Or, assemble and put the pie in the freezer a few hours before serving.

Blueberries, one of the world's healthiest foods, have excellent nutrition that supports the health of the heart, the eyes, the brain, and the digestive system.  

Finally, a dessert that offers a NEW POSSIBILITY for health and wellness!

Recipe for Summer - Zesty Watermelon

During the heat of summer, it is important to stay cool and hydrated.  In addition to drinking lots of water to quench our thirst, we can eat raw fruits and vegetables that have a high water content such as melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes.  So, as we celebrate summer time and have celebrations with family and friends in the heat of summer, enjoy this variation on one of summer's traditional foods!


Among the world's healthiest foods, watermelon, like tomatoes, contains lycopene, and antioxidant known for its cancer-preventing properties.  Watermelon provides energy not only because it keeps us hydrated but also because it is a great source of B vitamins.  Conditions caused in the body by inflammation, such as asthma and arthritis, may be eliminated by eating certain foods including watermelon and ginger, both included in this recipe.


Food for Thought: According to many philosophies of food combining, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew) should always be eaten alone or 15-20 minutes prior to the rest of the meal (to assure complete digestion).  For more information, see Raw Food Living and as well as this article on Ayurveda.


Recipe for Summer - Zesty Watermelon

In preparing this easy, simple raw food recipe, consider how many servings you wish to prepare and adjust the portions of the ingredients accordingly.  The recipe below is for a small melon or perhaps half of a medium-size one. 


I've read that when choosing a watermelon, pick one with a large light yellowish spot.  This spot indicates how long the melon has been on the ground ripening.

Whisk together these ingredients:

• raw honey (2 TB)
• ginger powder (between 1/2 tsp and 1 tsp, according to how zesty you want it)
• fresh orange, lemon, or lime juice (2 TB)
• dash of sea salt

Drizzle over fresh watermelon cut into cubes (or carved with a melon-baller).  


Garnish with fresh mint or basil.


Eat and feel refreshed.