tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38922284690201463482024-03-13T07:07:45.438-04:00The Avocado QueenA blog about avocados, recipes, tips, advice, and food: live/raw, vegan/vegetarian, cooked/uncooked.Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-13754126260270567572014-05-23T09:52:00.000-04:002014-06-05T14:38:07.567-04:00Put This In Your Vitamix And Blend It: Cool Pea Soup<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change and growth take place when a we are willing to risk ourselves -- to delve into a new realm of being, such as authenticity, vulnerability, compassion, or boldness. To dare to experiment with our own lives is what brings true growth and transformation! If you or someone you love is taking a stand for health and well-being, please enjoy this recipe!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>
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<h2>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Verdana; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span>Put This In Your Vitamix And Blend It: Cool Pea Soup</h2>
<br />
<h3>
Ingredients</h3>
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 stalk of celery - chopped into smaller pieces - about 1/2 an inch </li>
<li>2 cups of fresh, raw English peas (I buy them in a bag in the fresh produce section at Trader Joe's)</li>
<li>1 ripe Hass avocado - cut into cubes</li>
<li>3-4 inches of a cucumber - chopped into smaller pieces</li>
<li>1 TB miso (vegan and gluten-free, if desired)</li>
<li>1 tsp Sriracha sauce (or something else spicy, e.g. cayenne)</li>
<li>2 TB hemp seeds</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups of water or almond milk</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">NOTES:</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: red;">I have a Vita-Mix 5200 with the variable control dial. And I used it to create this recipe.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: red;">If fresh peas are unavailable, you can experiment with frozen or canned, but the results are unknown.</span></i><br />
<br />
<h3>
STEP 1:</h3>
<h4>
Put these things into the Vitamix and blend on HIGH until smooth:</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li>1/2 of the avocado</li>
<li>about 3/4 of the celery stalk</li>
<li>1/2 of the cucumber</li>
<li>1 cup of the peas</li>
<li>miso</li>
<li>Sriacha</li>
<li>hemp seeds</li>
<li>water/almond milk</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
STEP 2:</h3>
<h4>
Add these things to the pure in the Vitamix and blend on variable setting 1-2, essentially pulse chopping them into the soup:</h4>
<br />
<ul>
<li>the remaining half of the avocado</li>
<li>the remaining celery (about 1/4 of the stalk)</li>
<li>the remaining half of the cucumber</li>
<li>1 cup of peas</li>
<li>any additional liquid to thin, if desired</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
(If you do not have a Vitamix with a variable control dial, you can complete STEP 2 with handy knife work or by using the pulse setting in a food processor.)<br />
<br />
<h3>
STEP 3:</h3>
<h4>
Refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve chilled.</h4>
<br />Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-28133675438423976912014-05-07T12:23:00.002-04:002014-06-05T14:38:07.570-04:00Put This In Your Vitamix And Blend It: Green Goddess Dressing<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love my Vita-Mix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nobody pays me to say that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Vita-Mix blender has really revolutionized how I spend time in my kitchen. I use it daily, sometimes more than once a day. So, I'm starting a series of posts called: </span><br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>PUT THIS IN YOUR VITAMIX AND BLEND IT. </b></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I'm calling this recipe "Green Goddess Dressing".</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"Put this in your Vitamix and blend it" </b></span><b style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingredients:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 carrot</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 handful fresh parsley</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1/2 lemon - juiced</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1/3 cup of raw sesame seeds</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1/4 tsp. sea salt</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 TB miso paste (which you can get at an Asian market or Whole Foods/Earth Fare)</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 clove garlic - peeled</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1 TB extra virgin olive oil</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>1/2 cup filtered water</b></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Enjoy with your favorite salad or as a dipping sauce for veggies.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's the salad recipe I used:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 head red bibb lettuce</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">several handfuls of arugula </span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">chopped cucumber</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sliced mushrooms</span></li>
<li><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sliced tomatoes</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In general, I limit my salads to 5 ingredients so that they can really shine.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Why is it healthier to make your own salad dressing?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Not only does it taste better, because it's fresh, it does not contain all the "unhealthy" oils and additives that come in the stuff from a store. Most brands, even the "good" ones, contain canola oil or soybean oil.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This salad dressing can be made "gluten-free" if you check the label on your miso paste to be sure it is free of gluten.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Whenever possible, eat organic and eat local!!!</b></i></span></div>
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Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-14304902266277724682014-01-26T12:54:00.000-05:002014-01-26T12:54:47.825-05:00Recipe for Unreasonable - Mint Pea SoupRecently I discovered an important distinction for my life - what it means to be <i>unreasonable</i>. Unreasonable does not mean inappropriate. Unreasonable does not mean illegal. Unreasonable does not mean unconscionable. Unreasonable (as I'm distinguishing the word) means taking action from a place of responsibility, possibility, passion, joy, gratitude, love, authenticity, freedom -- from a place that is much bigger than the reasons that might be holding me back from the extraordinary life that I envision living. Unreasonable actions have accountability and stem from a place beyond simple capability.<br />
<br />
It has occurred to me that often I make up reasons for people that may or may not be real -- such as not inviting someone to do something because I think she lives too far away and wouldn't come anyway. By not offering the invitation, "being reasonable" was the source of the action, or in this case, the lack of action to extend an invitation. <br />
<br />
When people find out that I eat a plant-based diet, that is for the most part "raw" and "vegan", often they seem quizzical and ask me why. The short answer is: <b>I envision a world of health and well-being for myself and the entire planet. And, I think having a plant-based diet and lifestyle is one way to create this.</b> The next thing they say is, "But isn't it hard? What do you eat?" And, if we are at a restaurant, "What are you going to order?" <br />
<br />
For me, being mostly raw and mostly vegan, is totally unreasonable, especially when I look around at what is readily available to people when it comes to fulfilling the need for food. There are times when I feel challenged by my diet and lifestyle. And, I also know that I have never gone hungry for lack of availability of food that fits into my diet. Yes, I have carried an avocado in my purse to a restaurant to put on a salad. No, living as an herbivore is not hard, and I eat a variety of foods that color the rainbow. I choose restaurants that are likely to cater to vegetarians and vegans or a preview a menu ahead of time and make special requests. Yes, I support my local vegetarian restaurants and I have helped fund campaigns for people who are setting out to open vegetarian restaurants. Yes, I make a lot of food at home from scratch and frequently dine in. <i>When it comes to a plant-based diet and lifestyle, the key is that the source of choices and actions is being unreasonable -- that is acting from a place of responsibility, possibility, passion, joy, gratitude, love, authenticity, freedom.</i><br />
<br />
My invitation to those who have been thinking about transforming their diet by transitioning to plant-based eating and living is this: Be unreasonable. Take action from a place of responsibility, possibility, passion, joy, gratitude, love, authenticity, freedom. Start with "meatless Mondays" or a weekly pot-luck "meet-up group". Start with the recipe featured here.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-4mvnKsCro/UuVKVUPEnVI/AAAAAAAAA1M/zeGW7blUmU4/s1600/2014-01-26_1242.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-4mvnKsCro/UuVKVUPEnVI/AAAAAAAAA1M/zeGW7blUmU4/s1600/2014-01-26_1242.png" height="198" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Recipe for Unreasonable - Mint Pea Soup</span></h2>
<br />
Equipment: blender (I use a Vita-Mix)<br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 ripe avocado</li>
<li>1 TB sweet white miso (for vegetarians, make sure there is no bonito/fish paste)</li>
<li>1/4 cup hemp seeds (or 1/2 cup hemp seed milk, especially if using a normal kitchen blender)</li>
<li>2 cups fresh English peas - divided (I get mine from Trader Joe's fresh produce section)</li>
<li>several springs of fresh mint - reserve a few for garnish</li>
<li>3-4 cups water, depending on desired thickness</li>
<li>freshly ground black pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
<br />
Process:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>In the blender, combine the avocado, miso, hemp seeds, 1 cup of fresh English peas, springs of mint, and water on high. Blend well. </li>
<li>Stir in the remaining cup of peas.</li>
<li>If the soup is too thick, add extra water or hemp seed milk.</li>
<li>Refrigerate and serve chilled.</li>
<li>Or, gently heat on the stove top and serve warm.</li>
<li>Garnish with a few mint leaves and freshly ground black pepper.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eat gratefully and enjoy.</div>
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<i><br /></i>
<i>Recipe notes:</i><br />
<i>This recipe makes 2 large servings or 4 smaller servings.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If raw vegan, be sure to use fresh peas. Also, use whole hemp seeds so that you are essentially creating your own hemp milk. Serve chilled or warm in a dehydrator or heat gently with a thermometer up to about 115 degrees on the stove top, stirring often.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>This recipe can be made using frozen English peas but use of canned peas is discouraged. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>If hemp seed milk is unavailable, any other plant-based milk may be substituted - almond, soy, oat, flax. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-66037949963647342932013-08-08T10:01:00.000-04:002013-08-08T13:18:32.286-04:00The Traveling Vegan Goes to Belize<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Belize is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Recently, I spent almost two weeks in Placencia for adventure, SCUBA diving, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Spending time in Placencia has given me a deeper appreciation for the beautiful simplicity of pure, fresh food. If ever there was a place where being vegan could be exciting, this is it!</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since I was going to be in Placencia for an extended period of time, I searched for lodging that would provide me with a full kitchen. I also wanted to stay somewhere within walking distance of Placencia Village. I found lovely rustic lodging at <a href="http://cozycabanas.com/" target="_blank">Harry's Cozy Cabanas</a>. Not only was there a private beach, but fruit literally falling off the trees.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fruit was so amazing: <i>pineapple </i>so delicate you could eat the core... <i>starfruit </i>with a perfect balance of tart and sweet flavor... <i>bananas </i>so complex in flavor they should be tasted like fine wine... the <i>mangoes </i>oh, the mangoes, so spectacular and exotically delicious... For a "raw" vegan, there was certainly and abundance of food. Of course, there were plenty of avocados and a variety of vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, celery, carrots, cucumbers) at the local markets. </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was able to prepare plenty of exotic salads and veggie/fruit plates, spiced up with a dash of Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce or Exotic Sauce. At the grocery stores, it was easy to find the staples for preparing vegan cooked food: coconut oil, olive oil, rice, beans, pasta, yellow split peas, granola, soy milk, and some of them even sold almond milk.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Eating out at restaurants was easy for a "cooked food vegan" - most all restaurants had a variety of vegetable stir-fry dishes. Best of all, most all of them also understood what "vegan" meant. There was also the option of the traditional Belizean plantains and rice-and-beans. (Ask if the beans are cooked with pork/meat; this was not the case at the places I ate. Usually the stewed beans and rice would be prepared with pork.) At <a href="http://www.secretgardenplacencia.com/" target="_blank">The Secret Garden Restaurant</a>, the chef offered to alter a multitude of dishes to be prepared vegan -- the curry was spectacular along with the black bean soup. <a href="http://www.shakbeachcafe.com/" target="_blank">The Shak</a> served the best, perfectly seasoned veggie and rice dishes, although B.J.'s was pretty good for the creole vegetable plate. For dessert, <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g291977-d1092180-Reviews-Tutti_Frutti-Placencia_Stann_Creek.html" target="_blank">Tutti Frutti</a>, the local gelateria serves the most delicious fruit sorbetto (all flavors are vegan except the coconut). For coffee, <a href="http://www.abovegroundscoffee.com/" target="_blank">Above Grounds</a>, offers soy milk beverages (and free WiFi).</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lots of places also had<i> fresh fruit juices</i> (made by blending fruit and water then straining it) as well as <i>fresh coconut water</i>. (At B.J's Restaurant I saw the guy walk behind the building with a machete He came back with a whole coconut that he had hacked open and put a straw in it!)</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps the best place, or at least my favorite place, was <a href="http://www.shakbeachcafe.com/" target="_blank">The Shak</a> for their smoothies. They use real fruit, fresh fruit. There was a huge variety of combinations. <i>Raw vegan heaven</i>. They were also keen to make substitutions/modifications -- anything with diary, such as the traditional and very popular "seaweed shake", could be made with soy milk instead.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a "coconut shell", <i>Placencia is paradise</i>: "barefoot perfect" as they say, a perfect vacation spot for vegans, raw foodies, and SCUBA divers!</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you're thinking of traveling to Belize and have more questions about Placencia, please post a comment below.</span><br />
<br />Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com4Placencia, Belize16.5138889 -88.366666716.483441900000003 -88.4070072 16.5443359 -88.3263262tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-3949040541248494302013-06-19T16:33:00.002-04:002013-06-19T16:33:44.930-04:00Tips for Traveling Veg Heads<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being a raw foodie and vegan can occasionally be challenging when you're traveling or simply out and about. Aside from being frequently asked how I get enough protein or calcium, I'm also asked what I do when I'm not at home with the ability to prepare my own food. It's true that if I'm just meeting friends at a local brewery, I'll stash an avocado or some soaked/dried nuts in my purse to throw on a salad. But, for those times when I'm hitting the road, here's my two-cents:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Remember "100% is possible 100% of the time". </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is to say that there are almost always grocery stores (and now, even some convenience stores) with fresh fruits and vegetables. Keep it simple and be creative. This is how I came up with the recipe which combines avocado, kiwi, and pineapple.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. On the road. Know before you go. </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do your research on sites like <a href="http://www.happycow.net/" target="_blank">Happy Cow</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cooked Food and Raw Vegans:</b> look for places where you know you can eat, especially if you're passing through or visiting a big city or an area with a college/university. Check out menus in advance.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Raw Vegans:</b> be willing to settle for salad or maybe adding a little cooked food into your diet. (Order guacamole salad at a Mexican joint with corn tortillas. Combine with salsa. Yum. Or go for the Mediterranean place where you can get tabbouleh and hummus.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Pack snacks.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cooked Food Vegans:</b> Ezekiel Bread + Banana + Almond Butter = great food for the road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Raw and Cooked Food Vegans:</b> your own homemade granola bars (or if you don't have time for that, Pure Bars, Vega Bars, or Larabars). Your own homemade trail mix (or if you don't have time for that, look for store brands without sugar, candy, and additives). Your own homemade spiced nuts (or if you don't have time for that, Living Nutz). Your own homemade crackers (or if you don't have time for that, Go Raw or Mary's Gone Crackers). Apples and your favorite nut butter. An avocado and a side-salad from Wendy's goes a long way, especially if you're driving through the backwoods of the Carolina's. (If possible, pack your own salad dressing, but when traveling sometimes I make concessions because it's easier and I know that most of the time, my diet is really clean.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. For less stress, plan ahead. See tips 1, 2, and 3.</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. Save room for the Vita-Mix. </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, when I'm road-tripping to a place with a kitchen and electricity and I'm going to be there for more than a weekend, I bring my Vita-Mix. Then, I make amazing foods for everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please post a comment if you have questions or more suggestions!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I plan to provide more tips, especially when traveling outside of the country.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-68724656528913029312012-10-14T12:20:00.002-04:002012-10-14T12:21:13.284-04:00Recipe for Moderation - (raw vegan) Carrot Cake Treats<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">"All things in moderation."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is moderation? What is the wisdom of this old adage?</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moderation is the middle way. It is the path advised by the Greeks, through which we fly neither too close to the sun nor too close to the sea. Moderation is meant to ensure balance, integrity, and bring us closer to union with the Divine. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rather than thinking of moderation as permission for the occasional partaking in extremes - whether in excess or in deficiency, it may be more useful to think of moderation as taking only what we need - no more, no less - in any given moment.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thus, in a diet in which we take only what we need - no more, no less - we should consider eating foods that restore balance, provide complete nourishment, and satisfy our emotional and physical needs. For many of us, this means finding healthier alternatives of the foods we love, especially those foods that are equally rich with emotional ingredients. We may need to accept that an alternative is not an exact replica and replacement, however, it may help us in our efforts to observe moderation. When it comes to food, observing moderation may be taking in just the right amount salt, sugar, and fat. Rather than obsessing over labels, it may be more useful to find recipes where such things are already moderated. </span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is also important to remember, that when we make food ourselves, we know exactly what we are putting into our bodies and in what portion. Moreover, by preparing food from scratch, we can create a positive relationship with what we are eating. This relationship, coupled with offering and prayer, transforms our eating habits as we become both consciously appreciative and grateful for every morsel.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One more word of wisdom: Be moderate, even in observing moderation.</span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>A recipe for moderation - Carrot Cake Treats</i></span></h2>
<i>Equipment needed: dehydrator, food processor (2+ cup), spatula, mixing bowl</i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 cup raw soaked sunflower seeds (soak 6-8 hours)</li>
<li>1 tsp extra virgin first cold press olive oil</li>
<li>1 cup Thompson raisins</li>
<li>6-8 dates (pits removed)</li>
<li>1 tart apple, such as Granny Smith (sliced with core removed)</li>
<li>1 cup shredded carrots (use a food grater or grating plate of a food processor)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
In a food processor, combine the raw soaked sunflower seeds, apple, and olive oil with the S blade. As the mixture is processing, add in the dates and raisins. Remove this mixture to a mixing bowl. In the mixing bowl, combine with shredded carrots.<br />
<br />
Spoon out the mixture in 1" balls onto Teflex dehydrator sheets. Dehydrate 8-10 hours at 110 degrees. Flip and dehydrate another 6-8 hours or so. They should be moist and chewy when complete.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bite-sized and delicious, enjoy these sweet treats as a dessert or snack - in moderation.</span> </span><br />
<br />
Please remember that although, the sugars in these treats are naturally derived, it is best to limit sugar intake. However, this recipe provides a healthier alternative, and may be a guilt-free way to satisfy one's carrot cake craving :)Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-6167680961127140632012-09-30T14:41:00.001-04:002012-09-30T14:41:46.922-04:00Recipe for Joy - Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber Salad<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Where is your joy? </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of us have a capacity for joy. Joy is always a choice. Sometimes, we find joy easily. Sometimes, it seems that our joy is buried deep, hidden away.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When sitting quietly with closed eyes, following the breath, and concentrating at the center of the chest, we can tap into the rhythm of the heart beat, which always a place where we can find joy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>A Recipe for Joy - Avocado, Tomato, Cucumber Salad</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 medium cucumber (or equivalent), cut into round slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2 Roma tomatoes (or equivalent), cut into round slices</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1 avocado, cubed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">olive oil</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">sea salt</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>***organic, local cucumbers and tomatoes preferred***</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toss the cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado with extra virgin first cold press olive oil and sea salt. Makes 1-2 servings. Just add more ingredients proportionally to yield more servings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These ingredients are simple and flavorful. Some foods seem to have been meant to be eaten together, which is what we have here. This recipe brings joy, nourishing the heart, and healing the body, the mind, and the spirit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tap into the heart.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Experience joy.</span></div>
Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-67593699791947281842012-06-13T16:26:00.003-04:002012-06-16T14:17:21.644-04:00A Recipe for Refreshment - Cool Avocado Sprouted-Chickpea Salad<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the hot days of summer start approaching, we seek refreshment. In the heat of late spring and summer, I prefer to eat light, simple, fresh, raw foods. This is a recipe that reminds me of the Mediterranean -- not only with its flavors but also the way it feels when I eat it...it seems as if I've just been transported to an exotic Greek island or the French Rivera. This dish promises to be both light and satisfying as well as cooling and refreshing. It is perfect alone as a salad or as a side-dish for a summer solstice celebration.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although this is an easy live/raw recipe to prepare, it does require pre-planning for sprouting time.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>
Recipe for Refreshment: Cool Avocado Sprouted-Chickpea Salad</i></span></h2>
<b>Prepare chickpeas in advance:</b> Soak for 8-12 hours. Sprout (I use a colander with a saucer on top) for another 8-12 hours. The chickpeas will double in size, which should be taken into consideration for the amount of salad you wish to prepare.<br />
<br />
In a mixing bowl, whisk together:<br />
<ul>
<li>4 TB organic extra virgin first-cold press olive oil</li>
<li>2 TB nama shoyu / tamari / Bragg's Aminos</li>
<li>2 TB richly flavored balsamic vinegar</li>
<li>1 tsp Herbs de Provence (dry)***</li>
<li>dash of freshly ground black pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
Toss the following ingredients into the mixing bowl:<br />
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 cups sprouted chickpeas</li>
<li>1 - 1 1/2 cups organic cherry/grape tomatoes - cut into halves</li>
<li>1 small avocado - cut into cubes</li>
<li>1 handful fresh chopped basil</li>
<li>a few sprigs of fresh mint leaves - chopped</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMFEudf_8uo/T9zNXOMA-RI/AAAAAAAAAS8/sM8-kQQADD8/s1600/cool-avocado-chickpea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMFEudf_8uo/T9zNXOMA-RI/AAAAAAAAAS8/sM8-kQQADD8/s320/cool-avocado-chickpea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photograph by Jon-Erik Lido</span></i></div>
<br />
<i>EAT IMMEDIATELY and ENJOY the REFRESHING FLAVORS of SUMMER and the MEDITERRANEAN!!!</i><br />
<br />
***To ensure the best quality flavor, I suggest preparing your own <a href="http://frenchfood.about.com/od/dressingpreservessauces/r/herbesdeprov.htm" target="_blank">Herbs de Provence</a> by dehydrating your own herbs or local organic herbs from the farmer's market and then mixing together according to the following recipe:<br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px; margin: 1.5em 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: left; text-decoration: inherit; z-index: 0;">
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">2 tablespoons dried, crushed lavender (KEY INGREDIENT) </li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">2 tablespoons plus 11/2 teaspoons dried oregano</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried basil</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried sage</li>
<li class="ingredient" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: inherit;">1 teaspoon dried, crushed rosemary</li>
</ul>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-62970949273844969352012-05-30T11:49:00.001-04:002012-06-13T15:56:11.534-04:00Recipe for Inspiration- "Pasta" Primavera<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consider a moment in life, when it felt like your breath was taken away...taken away by the awe-inspiring wonder of your surroundings...the incredible universe in which we live.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Perhaps this happened on a mountain top or under a sky lit only by the twinkling of stars or while admiring some other splendor of nature. Or perhaps it was during that otherwise ordinary evening walk when you actually stopped and smelled the roses.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inhale inspiration. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let yourself be inspired by the beauty of life, the beauty within you, the beauty of the universe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From a Yogi Tea bag: "The beauty of life is to experience yourself." Each moment is a new experience, an opportunity to be inspired, an opportunity to appreciate beauty.</span><br />
<br />
<h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Recipe for Inspiration - "Pasta" Primavera </i></span></h2>
<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">(This recipe makes 2 hearty servings.)</span></em><br />
<em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></em><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Kitchen Equipment:</b> Whisk (I like a "Swedish" whisk), Spiral Slicer or Mandolin Slicer or Food Processor Shredding Disk</span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Whisk together...</span></em></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2/3 cup olive oil (organic; first cold press)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 lemon juiced</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 TB nutritional yeast</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 clove of garlic - pressed or chopped very fine (or use garlic powder)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">dash of sea salt</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pasta Ingredients:</span></em></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2 medium to large size zucchini/yellow squash - cut into "spaghetti" noodles with spiral slicer, mandolin, or shredding disk of a food processor</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">5-6 sliced white/cremini mushrooms </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fresh kalamata olives - cut into pieces, if preferred</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1 cup cherry tomatoes - cut in halves</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Toss all of these ingredients with the olive oil sauce until well coated</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<strong><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Garnish with...</span></em></strong><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">handful of fresh basil - chopped</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">1/2 cup chopped raw/sprouted walnuts (preferrably soaked and dehydrated) - 1/4 cup per plate</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">avocado slices</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">freshly ground black pepper</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">fennel seeds to taste (about 1/2 TB per plate)</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">***Note: I've never tried to use kelp noodles as the "pasta" but that is certainly an option I intend to experiment with soon.</span></i></div>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-20421407408246261532011-11-06T14:25:00.001-05:002011-11-18T12:13:23.988-05:00Recipe for Discovery - Tatsoi Saag<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We grow by discovering who we are. Ask questions. Inquire within. Have an open mind and an open heart. Discover new things about yourself. Often the only person holding us back is ourselves. Through processes of self-discovery, we can see new paths, understand new ideas, and go in new directions. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Keep in mind that usually the best opportunities for discovery are the difficult situations of life or what we perceive as life's greatest challenges. Let moments of discovery energize you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #76a5af; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Use discovery as a way to move forward. Embrace whatever you discover and use it on your own personal journey. Share what you discover and make a difference for others.</span><br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Discovery - Tatsoi Saag</span></i></b><br />
<br />
Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>1 avocado</li>
<li>1/2 fresh lemon juiced</li>
<li>1 cup raw cashews or pine nuts - soaked for 2-4 hours</li>
<li>2 TB coconut oil/butter</li>
<li>1 tsp ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger root)</li>
<li>1 TB curry powder</li>
<li>dash of nutmeg</li>
<li>dash of coriander</li>
<li>2 bunches of tatsoi (washed well) - coarse chopped</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
1. In a 4+ cup food processor, combine all ingredients <i>EXCEPT 1 Bunch of Tatsoi</i> with the "S" blade until smooth and creamy.<br />
2. Add in the 2nd Bunch of Tatsoi by pulse chopping.<br />
3. Serve with flax crackers or sprouted wild rice, slices of fresh bell pepper, or halved cherry tomatoes.<br />
<br />
This recipe makes 4-6 servings.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Discover raw food and discover tatsoi. Full of essential nutrients, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, this recipe will provide the benefit of raw vegan energy for any diet.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Discover TATSOI. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>What exactly is tatsoi?</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tatsoi is a dark, leafy green vegetable, also known as spinach mustard, spoon mustard, or rosette bok choy. Its leaves resemble bok choy, its flavor is milder than mustard, and it is a suitable substitute for spinach in many recipes. Tatsoi is a wonderful green with a delicious distinctive flavor.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tatsoi can be found at your local farmer's market and should be washed well several times (usually it is planted in sand) before eating. You will likely find it in the fall.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like most other greens, tatsoi is high in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as being a good source of calcium, iron, potassium, and phosphorous. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://72.167.127.157/admin/uploaded_files/tatsoi.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://72.167.127.157/admin/uploaded_files/tatsoi.png" /></a></div>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-4007876904223504482011-09-23T12:21:00.001-04:002011-09-23T12:21:24.903-04:00Recipe for Satisfaction - Green Goddess Chips<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be satisfied is to have just enough - no more, no less. To be satisfied is to please the taste buds, to quench the thirst. To be satisfied is to consume a healthy balance of nutrition and calories and quell the desire for more. Satisfaction is the state of non-greed, non-hoarding. Satisfaction is that divine state of bliss where all is well: everyone has been fed; everyone has been nourished; everyone has been given exactly what was needed; everyone is grateful.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When the Rolling Stones sang "I cain't get no...satis-fact-ion", it is because they never had these absolutely divine green chips. If you have given up potato chips, these will be a satisfying alternative!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe for Satisfaction - Green Goddess Chips</i></b></span><br />
<i>Equipment</i>: dehydrator with Teflex sheets, mixing bowl, whisk<br />
<i>Ingredients</i>:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 bunches of kale or collards (or a little of both): Tear into medium-size pieces; they will shrink in the dehydrator.</li>
<li>about 1/2 cup raw tahini</li>
<li>1 clove of pressed garlic</li>
<li>a few tablespoons of nama shoyu or tamari</li>
<li>about a tablespoon of fresh orange juice</li>
<li>about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar</li>
<li>about a tablespoon of raw honey or other sweetner</li>
<li>about a tablespoon of nutritional yeast</li>
<li>dash of cayenne pepper</li>
</ul>
<br />
Adjust ingredients as needed to taste. Balance to satisfy your own palate.<br />
<br />
Combine ingredients in a large mixing bowl with a whisk. Toss the kale/collards in this mixture. <br />
<br />
Place on Teflex sheets and dehydrate at 100 degrees for about 8-12 hours (or until dry and crisp).<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Acknowledge satisfaction and offer gratitude. </span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-20178355293413520762011-08-13T22:58:00.000-04:002011-08-13T22:58:30.827-04:00Recipe for Radiance - Super Fruit Pudding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Experience the radiance of life. There is radiance all around, in everyone and in everything.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing is as good or as bad as it seems, yet, perceptions and judgments of "good" and "bad" can cloud our experiences and cause us to miss out the radiance of life. Why?...because we worry.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we worry, it is always about things or people or situations or ideas. But there is an alternative: <i>we can choose not to worry</i>. We can let go of the worries, because "<i>worrying</i>" does <b>not</b> change things or people or situations or ideas. Whether we worry or not, what is, "<i>is</i>". </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When there are truly "<i>no worries</i>", we get to experience the radiance of the world - all around - in people, in places, in things, and in ideas.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Recipe for Radiance - Super Fruit Pudding</i></span><br />
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<b>Combine the following ingredients in a blender:</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>1 avocado</li>
<li>1 banana</li>
<li>1 cup of fresh bing cherries (pitted)</li>
<li>1 cup of fresh blueberries</li>
<li>1 cup of fresh strawberries</li>
<li>dash of ginger powder</li>
<li>dash of sea salt</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
Recipe Notes: <i>Save a few berries or cherries for garnish. This recipe makes 2 larger servings or 4 smaller ones. I like using organic fruit because I think it is sweeter and more flavorful. If necessary, add honey, maple syrup, or agave to sweeten. Chill for several hours before serving; the "pudding" will set up in the fridge and be more gelatinous. </i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe is full of nutrition, fiber, and antioxidants. The berries are wonderful for reducing inflammation and easing the pain from arthritis and gout. All of these berries are being touted as the latest "super foods": cherries, for their pain relieving properties; blueberries, for their memory-improving properties; strawberries, for their regulation of blood sugar levels.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let yourself be free from worries. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Experience the radiance of life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And, if the recipe doesn't turn out just right...no worries.</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-70037761877462689432011-07-22T14:21:00.004-04:002013-08-08T08:27:06.782-04:00Recipe for Possibility - Blueberry "Cheesecake" (raw vegan style)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 <i>is done</i>. 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.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, <i>what really matters is being present to the moment we are experiencing</i> <i>right now</i>. 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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the past, we can learn. From the present, we can imagine our vision for the future. We have the gift of possibility.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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.</span><br />
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<i>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!</i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Possibility - Blueberry "Cheesecake"</span> (raw vegan style)</span></i><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For this recipe you will need 2 PINTS of FRESH BLUEBERRIES.</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Filling - In a Vitamix or high-powered blender, combine these ingredients:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup cashews</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 avocado</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 pint fresh blueberries [RESERVE the 2nd pint for assembly.]</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup fresh pineapple or orange juice (or just enough to blend)*</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">agave, raw honey, or maple syrup to taste (about 1 TB)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pinch of sea salt</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Crust - In a (6+ cup) food processor, combine these ingredients:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7-9 dates</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup pecans (preferably soaked and dehydrated)</span></li>
</ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Assemble:</b> 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</span>.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips:</b><br />
* If no fresh juice is available, use water ( > 1/2 cup) instead and slightly more liquid sweetener.<br />
** 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.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blueberries, one of the <a href="http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?dbid=8&tname=foodspice">world's healthiest foods</a>, have excellent nutrition that supports the health of the heart, the eyes, the brain, and the digestive system. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://www.cksinfo.com/clipart/food/fruits/berries/blueberries-2.png" /> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, a dessert that offers a NEW POSSIBILITY for health and wellness!</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-72801452816125338452011-07-18T12:33:00.002-04:002011-07-22T13:51:05.816-04:00Recipe for Summer - Zesty Watermelon<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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 <i>summer time</i> and have celebrations with family and friends in the heat of summer, enjoy this variation on one of summer's traditional foods!</span><br />
<a href="http://free-extras.com/images/watermelon-853.htm" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Watermelon" border="0" height="133" src="http://images.free-extras.com/pics/w/watermelon-853.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Among the <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=31">world's healthiest foods</a>, 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.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Food for Thought:<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> 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 </span><a href="http://www.raw-food-living.com/food-combining.html" style="color: magenta;">Raw Food Living</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;"> and as well as this </span><a href="http://www.ayurveda.com/online_resource/food_combining.pdf" style="color: magenta;">article on Ayurveda</a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta;">.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe for Summer - Zesty Watermelon</i></b></span><br />
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<i>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><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
<i>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.</i><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Whisk together these ingredients:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">raw honey (2 TB)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ginger powder (between 1/2 tsp and 1 tsp, according to how zesty you want it)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">fresh orange, lemon, or lime juice (2 TB)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">dash of sea salt</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Drizzle over fresh watermelon cut into cubes (or carved with a melon-baller). </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Garnish with fresh mint or basil.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Eat and feel refreshed.</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-24955797915862784382011-06-28T15:59:00.001-04:002011-08-13T23:01:12.285-04:00Recipe for Friendship - Banana Pudding<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friendship is a special bond between people that surpasses the constraints of time and space and the connection on Facebook. When we create friendship, we are committing to a relationship of mutual respect, honesty, and trust. A true friendship is an intimate relationship where those who are connected necessarily share compassion and empathy with each other. Often a friend is a mirror of ourselves -- what we see in a friend is a reflection of what we see (or want to see) in ourselves. The love between true friends endures through all obstacles and circumstances. When friends meet, it seems as if no time has passed and no distance was too far. I am thankful for all of my friends and I dedicate this recipe to them.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Recipe for Friendship - Banana Pudding</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You will need <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;"><b>10-12 ripe bananas</b></span> for this recipe. I encourage the use of organic bananas. Organic bananas taste better, last longer, and are much more environmentally friendly :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">Make the pudding.</span> Combine these ingredients in a high powered blender (Vita-Mix) until smooth and creamy</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5-6 bananas (save the remaining for assembly; see below)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 avocado</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup raw cashews (if possible soaked for 2-4 hours)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup dates - soaked for a few hours, until soft</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">water from soaked dates</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pinch of sea salt</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">optional: 1/2 inch vanilla bean</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">Make the crust.</span> Combine these ingredients in a food processor (suggested 4+ cup capacity) until crumbly:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup raw brazil nuts</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup raw hazel nuts</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8-10 dates</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">pinch of sea salt</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Hint: Start processing the nuts and slowly add in a few dates at a time so that the mixture doesn't get clumpy</i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #f1c232;">GO BANANAS! Assembly:</span> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Start by slicing the remaining 5-6 bananas into "coins" like you would as a topping for breakfast cereal.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a <b>9 x 13 dish</b>, combine:</span><br />
<br />
<ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of crust.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of pudding.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of sliced banana coins (about 2 1/2 bananas).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of crust.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of pudding.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Layer of banana coins (about 2 1/2 bananas.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thin layer of crust sprinkled on top.</span></li>
</ul><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe makes 10 or more servings! It is very rich. This is a fantastic recipe to take to your next potluck!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffe599; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Offer gratitude for all friends, even those who seem far away. Remember to tell your friends that you appreciate them and that you love them. Make banana pudding for your friends. Be sure to share this abundance with them and go bananas!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-79281485416938970622011-05-03T20:05:00.000-04:002011-05-03T20:05:48.722-04:00Recipe for Grounding - Melissa's Moroccan Hummus<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is an earthy recipe for those times when you need to come back to center, when you need to feel more grounded, when you need stability, when you need to feel rooted...</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Recipe for Grounding - Melissa’s Moroccan Hummus</i></b></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><b>Blend in Vita-mix until smooth:<br />
</b><div class="MsoNormal"></div><ul><li>1 cup sprouted chickpeas</li>
<li>1 cup sprouted lentils</li>
<li>1 cup soaked sunflower seeds</li>
<li>1 TB almond butter</li>
<li>1 TB honey</li>
<li>½ cup olive oil</li>
<li>½ lemon juiced</li>
<li>2 TB hazelnut oil (optional for character and flavor)</li>
<li>2 TB garam masala seasoning mix</li>
<li>1 TB hot curry powder</li>
<li>1 TB cumin</li>
<li>fresh cilantro</li>
<li>water to blend</li>
</ul><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> Serve with flax crackers, celery sticks, or sliced bell peppers.</div><!--EndFragment-->Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-68773447801760418052011-04-19T10:34:00.003-04:002011-04-19T10:54:43.613-04:00Recipe for Simplicity - Sunflower Seed Pate<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now is a great time to start eating raw foods as the warm weather of spring melts away the winter chill. Eating raw foods revitalizes the body and provides energy. A raw food diet can be cleansing and refreshing. Yet, certain recipes can also seem overwhelming, complex, and time consuming. For, if you know anything about raw foods, you know there is a lot of soaking and sprouting and dehydrating involved. From my experience as a raw foodie, planning a meal 12-24 hours in advance is the best way to create a successful raw foods diet. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, for those times when life happens and there has been little time to plan (soak/sprout/dehydrate), it helps to keep it simple and go back to basics. Also, this recipe is wonderful for anyone just starting out on a raw foods diet. It is quick, simple, and easy. And, it allows for many variations and lots of culinary creativity.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Simplicity - Sunflower Seed Pate</span> </i></span><br />
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<b>BASIC Recipe - Combine the following ingredients in a Food Processor (with the "S" blade):</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>2 cups soaked raw sunflower seeds (ideally soaked for 4-6 hours, but less is okay if there is no time to plan)</li>
<li>1/2 lemon juiced</li>
<li>1-2 clove garlic (according to your own taste)</li>
<li>2 TB nama shoyu (or substitute gluten-free tamari or Bragg's Liquid Aminos)</li>
<li>1/2 TB cumin</li>
<li>dash of cayenne (or more to taste)</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
<b>Tasty Additions (add some or all of the following):</b><br />
<br />
<ul><li>1/2 bunch of fresh parsley or cilantro</li>
<li>1/2 small onion (about 1/4 cup)</li>
<li>4+ kale leaves</li>
<li>1 small carrot</li>
<li>1-2 stalks of celery</li>
<li>1/2-1 bell pepper</li>
<li>1/4 cup raw tahini</li>
</ul><div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Start with the Basic Recipe then become more creative and adventurous with the Tasty Additions. Serve with raw vegetables (sliced bell peppers, celery, romaine lettuce leaves), as a nori wrap with sprouts, or on raw dehydrated crackers. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Enjoy and give thanks for the simple things in life. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrate eating fresh. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let this recipe cleanse, revitalize, and energize you in mind, body, and spirit.</span></div><div style="font-family: arial; font-size: small;"></div></div></div>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-29940535603621563082011-01-17T19:40:00.002-05:002012-10-19T14:00:53.343-04:00Recipe for Thanksgiving - Chocolate Pecan Pie<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Most of us know that thanksgiving is not about a holiday that comes once a year. Rather it is about a way of being - showing gratitude and being grateful. When we are authentically grateful (full of gratitude), we start to see that there are so many blessings in our lives, so much for which we can give thanks. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we give, there is so much more that we can receive. It is important to pause and give thanks daily. By giving thanks for family, friends, good health, and the food that nourishes our bodies, we are acknowledging the blessings we have received each day. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In that moment, when we pause, recall our blessings, and offer thanksgiving, we are doing something truly divine. In that moment, we are no longer bound by guilt, blame, shame, and stress; rather we are freed by recognizing that there is something in the world so much greater than our own egocentric selfishness. To offer thanksgiving really is a selfless act, for it is an act of giving to others and giving to God.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TU3YYrZGj7I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/mO_G9784w8M/s1600/img_4525_v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TU3YYrZGj7I/AAAAAAAAAMQ/mO_G9784w8M/s320/img_4525_v2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;">photograph by Jon-Erik Lido</span></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Thanksgiving - Chocolate Pecan Pie</span></i></b><br />
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<b>The filling - combine in a Vita-Mix or powerful blender:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 1/4 large avocados (or 1 1/2 - 2 small ones)</li>
<li>2-3 TB raw honey (or agave or grade B maple syrup) - more/less to taste</li>
<li>1/2 cup soaked raisins (reserve the water)</li>
<li>4-5 soaked dates (reserve the water)</li>
<li>2 cups raw pecans (preferably soaked for 8-12 hours)</li>
<li>2/3 cup raw chocolate powder</li>
<li>pinch of sea salt</li>
<li>optional: 1/8 inch of vanilla bean</li>
<li>additional filtered water if needed for blending</li>
</ul>
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<b>The crust - combine in a food processor until a crumbly consistency has been reached:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup raw pecans (preferably soaked and dehydrated)</li>
<li>1 cup raw walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated)</li>
<li>7-8 dates</li>
<li>pinch of sea salt</li>
<li>optional: 3 TB (or more) raw cacao nibs </li>
</ul>
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<b>Final step: </b>Press the crust into a pie plate then pour in the filling. Garnish with pecans.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a dessert that is truly good for you. Pecans are a wonderful source of vitamin E and antioxidants. <a href="http://www.ilovepecans.org/nutrition.html">Read more about their nutritional value by clicking here</a>. Both chocolate and pecans are foods that nourish the cardiovascular system and may assist in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In preparing and eating this delicious dessert, consider your blessings and offer thanksgiving. Share this divine treat with your family and friends. When we give, there is so much more for us to receive.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #274e13; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>What to do with the leftover avocado? If you decide to store it for later, keep in the pit and enclose it in the skin, then wrap with plastic wrap. I suggest using it to make a salsa, guacamole, or salad. Perhaps use it to make a smoothie with fresh orange juice, banana, and berries.</i></span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-66121908809043353822010-12-14T10:05:00.001-05:002010-12-14T10:06:38.666-05:00Recipe for Calm - Creamy Dill Salad Dressing<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sometimes life can feel like a ravenous storm. Sometimes the winds of life blow us in an uncertain direction or toss us about like a boat caught in a tempest. We know these storms well...it's what we feel when we are overcome by stress, agitation, restlessness, nervousness, frustration.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We can find a state of calm by giving ourselves permission to relax and by connecting to the breath. Stop and breathe; weather the storm by connecting to a peaceful idea and creating calmness from the inside out. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We know what it feels like to be calm...it's those times when we experience a feeling of peacefulness, a feeling of being totally at ease. By connecting and re-connecting with this feeling, we can create calm, even in life's most stormy situations.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">With this recipe, experience calm. Relax. Life is good; enjoy it with ease, calmness, and peace. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Recipe for Calm - Creamy Dill Salad Dressing</em></strong></span><br />
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<b>Combine in a blender</b>:<br />
<br />
<ul><li>2 avocados</li>
<li>1 1/4 cup water</li>
<li>2 TB fresh lemon juice (half of a small lemon)</li>
<li>1 clove garlic</li>
<li>1 slice of onion</li>
<li>3 TB dill</li>
<li>1 TB nutritional yeast (optional)</li>
<li>2 TB Bragg's Aminos (or nama shoyu)</li>
<li>dash of cayenne pepper</li>
<li>salt and black pepper to taste</li>
</ul><br />
<b>Serve on romaine or red leaf lettuce with cherry tomatoes.</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=71"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traditionally used as a stomach soother and remedy for insomnia, dill is an herb that is said to have calming properties. It comes from the old Norse word "dilla" meaning "to lull</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">".</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-75528454012307209252010-11-02T10:20:00.002-04:002012-01-13T08:54:21.018-05:00Recipe for Enlightenment - Kale Salad<div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TNdJ8oJYG_I/AAAAAAAAALU/aDs2l28rigQ/s1600/IMG_4389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TNdJ8oJYG_I/AAAAAAAAALU/aDs2l28rigQ/s320/IMG_4389.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>photograph by Jon-Erik Lido</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Being enlightened means discovering the light within, acknowledging it and letting it shine. So often in our stressful day-to-day lives the light within us becomes obscured by doubt, guilt, blame, fear, and other negative feelings. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">The good news is that our inner light is stronger than all of these things. When we discover our inner light and let it shine, doubt, guilt, blame, fear, and all negativity disappear. How then do we get in touch with our light within? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">Experiencing joy, hope, love, connection, peacefulness, and other positive emotions will put us in touch with our true selves, and then we will be able to see and know the light within. Moreover, we must also acknowledge that it is there and let it shine, not only for ourselves but also for others. The moments where life feels full of bliss are the moments when we are "enlightened."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f;">There are many ways to experience joy, hope, love, connection, and peacefulness: prayer, meditation, giving/receiving a hug, making/listening to music, yoga, playing on a jungle gym, and of course, preparing and consuming food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><em>Recipe for Enlightenment - Kale Salad </em></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ingredients</i>:</span></div>
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<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">1 bunch curly green kale - remove stems, wash, and tear into bite size bits</span> (about 8 cups tightly packed)</li>
<li>3 TB extra virgin olive oil, first cold press</li>
<li>2 TB Bragg's Liquid Aminos or nama shoyu or tamari</li>
<li>2 TB apple cider vinegar, unpasteurized (or half of a lemon juiced)</li>
<li>1 clove of garlic - pressed (or finely chopped)</li>
<li>dash of cayenne pepper</li>
<li>optional garnishing: alfalfa or similar sprouts, shredded carrots, sliced mushrooms, sliced red/yellow/orange bell pepper, sliced avocado</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Process</i>:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Bragg's (or substitute), apple cider vinegar (or fresh lemon juice), garlic, and cayenne with a whisk. Then toss in the kale leaves, squeezing and massaging them so that they are well coated and turn a very vibrant green color. The leaves should wilt down to about half their original size. Garnish if desired. Makes about 4 one cup servings. </span><span style="font-size: small;">It will keep well for a day or two in the fridge.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe is about providing physical as well as spiritual nutrition. As you enjoy it, let it carry away toxins and negativity. As a source of green power, let it energize your soul and kindle the light within. Eat with gratitude; experience physical and spiritual nourishment. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Verdana;">This recipe is a quick and easy raw/live food dish. Many proponents of the raw vegan lifestyle suggest that eating raw/live foods helps us be "light beings"; our bodies and our souls are lighter and we can more easily radiate light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=38"><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Kale is an excellent way to get Vitamins A, C, and K into our diets. Vitamin K helps our bodies reduce inflammation. Kale is an excellent source of fiber. Also, kale nourishes our cardiovascular and digestive systems</span></a><span style="color: #6aa84f;">.</span></span></div>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-35439926270888800032010-10-05T14:38:00.007-04:002010-11-01T12:31:17.527-04:00Recipe for Fall - Sweet Potato Casserole/Pie<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What does this season mean to you? What are your personal associations?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">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.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Recipe for Fall - Sweet Potato Casserole/Pie</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong>For the filling:</strong><br />
Combine the following ingredients in a <strong>Vita-Mix</strong> or high powered blender, blending until smooth:<br />
<ul><li>3 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and chopped into 2 inch cubes)</li>
<li>1 avocado</li>
<li>6 medjool dates, soaked (reserve water for blending)</li>
<li>2 TB raw honey <em>OR</em> maple syrup (preferably grade B)</li>
<li>pinch of salt </li>
<li>a few tablespoons of water from the soaked dates to blend</li>
</ul><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">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.</span></em><br />
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<strong>For the crust:</strong><br />
<div></div>In a <strong>food processor</strong>, combine until a crumbly, flour-like consistency is reached:<br />
<ul><li>7-8 medjool dates</li>
<li>an inch or so of vanilla bean (optional)</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup brazil nuts</li>
<li>1 1/2 cup pecans</li>
<li>pinch of salt</li>
</ul><em>N.B.</em> In some smaller food processors, it is best to blend the nuts first then slowly add in the dates.<br />
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<strong>Assembly:</strong><br />
<em>For a casserole</em>: 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.<br />
<em>For a pie</em>: Press all of the crust into a pie pan then pour in the filling. Garnish the top with pecans.<br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana;">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.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">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. </span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-24320610606683912542010-07-15T17:02:00.000-04:002010-07-15T17:02:04.353-04:00Recipe for Adventure - Pineapple Kiwi Fruit Salad<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adventure. Perhaps it is a daring journey. Maybe it is exploration into the unknown. Or it could be an exotic vacation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we choose, we can live life as an adventure. Helen Keller said "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." However, sometimes it may seem that only the big or risky or exciting events are adventures or perhaps those events which are least expected. But, if we wake up each day with the intention of having an adventure, it will come. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By having a sense of adventure, we can easily take risks to promote personal growth. By welcoming life as an adventure, we can easily meet "our edge" and go beyond it. Embrace the surprises of life as adventures. Venture into the unknown and discover something new, something surprising. An adventurous life is a life rich with wonder and excitement. Perhaps we don't know where the rabbit hole leads, but we can count on it to be a grand adventure.</span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">Recipe for Adventure - Pineapple Kiwi Fruit Salad</span></em></strong><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TAg72796PxI/AAAAAAAAAKs/aJq7XkaoqeA/s1600/IMG_2749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/TAg72796PxI/AAAAAAAAAKs/aJq7XkaoqeA/s400/IMG_2749.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photograph by Jon-Erik Lido</span></div><strong><em>Ingredients:</em></strong><br />
* 2 avocados, cut into cubes<br />
* 2 kiwifruits, peeled and cut into slices<br />
* 1 1/2 cup of pineapple cubes<br />
* 1 tsp cinnamon powder<br />
* dash of cayenne pepper<br />
* dash of sea salt<br />
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<strong><em>Directions:</em></strong> Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl, coating everything thoroughly with the cinnamon, cayenne, and salt.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With this exotic recipe, take a culinary adventure. When I created this recipe, I wasn't sure why I thought these fruits would pair well together. I just decided to try something new. I was in Florida and it was a hot day; I wanted a cooling fruit salad. In an attempt to balance the yin and yang of the food, I added cinnamon as a grounding spice. The result is truly a magnificent adventure of food.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pineapple and kiwifruit have powerful antioxidant and inflammatory properties that protect against disease (of the heart, colon, and eyes) and promote healthy cellular growth. Pineapple contains enzymes that aid digestion and provide energy. Cinnamon is an anti-microbial food and its consumption helps control blood sugar, especially when paired with carboyhydrates. Read more about the benefits of all these foods on the World's Healthiest Foods web site.</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-9887539728541561552010-05-24T18:11:00.003-04:002012-05-30T11:29:50.578-04:00Recipe for "the wisdom of no escape" - Strawberry Pie<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">There is a Zen story about a man, a tiger, a cliff, and a strawberry. The story says there was a man being chased through the jungle by a fierce tiger. Eventually, the man's flight from the tiger brings him to a cliff and he is cornered by the tiger at this precipice. Deciding to move ahead in an attempt to escape from the tiger, the man grabs a vine and starts to climb down the cliff, which is a great risk for the man. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">While he is dangling there, a mouse comes out of a hole in the rock and starts gnawing on the vine. Now, clinging to the vine on which a mouse is chewing, he sees a second tiger at the bottom of the cliff. It seems that being trapped between two tigers in the midst of certain death that the man would panic.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">Realizing that he cannot return to the top where one tiger is staring down at him and realizing that if he climbs to the bottom, there is another tiger waiting, he does not panic. Instead, he takes a breath and notices that growing from the rock is plant producing a single luscious, ripe, red strawberry. He takes the wild strawberry and eats it, savoring every bite, letting the sweetness of the strawberry fill him, dwelling only in the moment that is now. It is the best strawberry that the man has ever eaten in his entire life. What could have easily been a crisis, turns out to be a blessing.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">In this moment the man has found what <a href="http://www.shambhala.org/teachers/pema/">Pema Chodron</a> calls "the wisdom of no escape."</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">When we let go of the past...when we are neither anxious or apprehensive about the future...when we become aware of what is happening right now, we are practicing the wisdom of no escape. This is what some refer to as "the power of now"...we have let go of the past--letting go of regret, sorrow, pain, and suffering...we have let go of the future--of expectations, of fear, of stress and concern. Now we are free and fully aware; we can see the beauty and blessings of the moment in which we are dwelling. Here we have the ability to create our own reality...finding the strawberry between two tigers.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Recipe for "The Wisdom of No Escape" - Strawberry Pie</strong></em></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/S_r5PwDsTTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/_s0hmOtdW-Y/s1600/IMG_2839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WqRZ3e1He58/S_r5PwDsTTI/AAAAAAAAAKk/_s0hmOtdW-Y/s400/IMG_2839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photograph by Jon-Erik Lido</span></span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Pie Filling</span><br />
<strong><em>Ingredients:</em></strong><br />
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<ul>
<li>6 cups of fresh strawberries - slightly more than a pound (Try to get seasonal ones from the farmer's market or pick your own!)</li>
<li>1 avocado</li>
<li>8 soaked dates</li>
<li>1 TB lemon juice</li>
<li>6 TB ground chia seeds (use a coffee grinder or buy them "pre-ground")</li>
</ul>
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In a food processor, first blend the dates, avocado, chia, and lemon juice until smooth. Then pulse chop 4 cups of strawberries until the mixture is a chunky consistency. Cut the remaining 2 cups of strawberries into slices or cubes. Stir 1 cup of chopped strawberries into the mixture, reserving 1 cup for topping.<br />
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<strong>Crust</strong><br />
<strong><em>Ingredients:</em></strong><br />
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<ul>
<li>1 cup walnuts (preferably soaked/dehydrated)</li>
<li>1 cup pecans (preferably soaked/dehydrated)</li>
<li>8-9 dates</li>
<li>3-4 TB raw chocolate powder (optional, but super delicious)</li>
<li>dash of sea salt</li>
</ul>
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In a food processor, blend the nuts until there is a light, powdery consistency. Next slowly blend in the dates and finally add the chocolate powder and sea salt. Press the mixture into a pie plate. Pour in the strawberry filling and decorate the top with pieces of strawberries and perhaps a mint leaf for garnish.Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-87709494111162819652010-04-22T15:49:00.000-04:002010-04-22T15:49:05.683-04:00Recipe for Celebration - Salsa Verde<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Celebrate life. Celebrate yourself - your accomplishments, the day you were born, the day you got married, the day you graduated, the day you learned how to stand on your head. Actually, the day, the reason, the time doesn't matter nearly as much as the fact that life is being celebrated. We have all achieved something in our journey. (As I see it, being born is most certainly an achievement!) It matters little whether the success we've had seems large or small. <em>What matters is us...that we honor and celebrate who we are and the gift that we are to the world</em>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Life is a gift that is always worth celebrating. Celebration is a way to express honor and gratitude. In celebrating we give thanks and honor to ourselves and others. When we celebrate with family and friends, we feel closer to each other as we share our achievements, accomplishments, and other special moments from life's journeys.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><em>Recipe for Celebration - Salsa Verde</em></span><br />
<em>Pulse chop the following ingredients in a food processor:</em><br />
<ul><li>1-2 handfuls of cilantro or parsley (<strong>chop first </strong>before you add the remaining ingredients)</li>
<li>1 avocado - cut into cubes</li>
<li>4 tomatillos - cut into cubes</li>
<li>dash of sea salt</li>
</ul><strong><em>Recipe Notes</em></strong><br />
1. The recipe above will serve 3-4 people. Just double or triple the quantities for more servings.<br />
2. The first time I made it, I used parsley (since we did not have cilantro on hand), and it was fabulous!<br />
3. Tomatillos are those little green tomato things, often with an onion-like skin, in the produce section, usually near real tomatoes. Tomatillos are not tomatoes. Due to their natural flavor, there is no need to add lime juice to the recipe.<br />
4. You could use tomatoes instead of tomatillos, but then your salsa wouldn't be verde any more.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Celebration calls for special "party foods". Salsa Verde is perfect for just such an occasion. Try it with Golden Tortilla Chips, a recipe from <em>Everyday Raw</em> by Matthew Kenney. The recipe is posted with permission at </span><a href="http://www.wellsphere.com/raw-food-article/free-recipes-from-everyday-raw-by-matthew-kenney-raw-recipes/669975"><span style="color: #bf9000;">Wellsphere</span></a><span style="color: #bf9000;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you prepare this dish, consider what you are celebrating and why. As you eat it, be present to your celebration, and perhaps even say "cheers" with salsa loaded crackers.</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3892228469020146348.post-47063974962899834082010-04-16T10:11:00.001-04:002010-04-16T10:14:18.630-04:00Recipe for Excitement - Ginger Orange Salad Dressing<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let life be exciting. Take a moment to wake up to the exciting possibilities in life. Feel energized, revitalized, and renewed. Remember life as a child? We were so excited. We believed in endless possibilities. And those possibilities were always exciting!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This recipe incorporates a favorite archetypal breakfast beverage - orange juice. Let the orange juice be a reminder to awaken consciousness...just as so many of us wake up each day, enjoying this energizing beverage. Ginger is a warming spice. Let its warmth revitalize and renew the body as well as the soul.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With this recipe for ginger orange salad dressing, make your greens and veggies exciting! Enjoy salad in a new way, perhaps as you never have before. With new possibilities, come new and exciting experiences.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Recipe for Excitement - Ginger Orange Salad Dressing</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong>In a blender, combine the following:</strong><br />
2-3 inches of fresh ginger (or more if you're feeling spicy!)<br />
1 clove of garlic<br />
2 TB nama shoyu<br />
1/3 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (or more to thin the consistency)<br />
1 avocado<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Toss the salad dressing with your favorite greens (such as swiss chard, romaine lettuce, or a mix of baby greens) or other veggies. Experience the excitement in your mouth. Awaken your consciousness to exciting possibilities in your life.</span>Melissa, the Avocado Queenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14998885543924297061noreply@blogger.com0