ingredients, catfish, kale chips and mental stimulation

Hello Longevity Seekers!

I am hoping you are well this wonderful week in April! Southern California has been absolutely BEAUTIFUL this week! Warm and Breezy ~ Palm Trees dancing!

Ingredients

I acquired a DVD called “INGREDIENTS”. I am unsure if anyone has seen this DVD, but it is a wonderful film made to explore the SLOW FOOD MOVEMENT and Support of the LOCAL CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in your area.

The DVD informs us of some rather shocking facts upon it’s opening and features some really wonderful community efforts in Oregon, NY and and few other stops along the way.

There is a wonderful quote I wrote down from the beginning of the documentary…

“I started growing vegetables with my husband…to recreate what we think is our duty. Our taste buds are there for a reason. They are there to guide us to BETTER NUTRITION. It isn’t greed or gluttony to like the taste of food. It is a natural drive to nourish ourselves.” Carol Boutard, Ayers Creek Farm

Did you know…

• 17,000+ foods are introduced to the American Public each year.
• Most Children born during the year 2000
• will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents
• An overabundance of processed foods has put our children at risk for Type 2 Diabetes
• There is no culture in the world that spends less money on their food that the US.

How do we change this? With our Forks!

Local Food systems are available and need to be intergrated into your life! Biodynamic Farms, CSA Farmers Markets and growing our own vegetables is really the best way to change things!

Fresh Food is ABSOLUTLY out there!

The Veg888 Kitchen will begin attending local Farmers Markets and BEGIN growing it’s own lettuce/greens! I am part of the fossil fuel consumption. We all are! As a society we really have to Reduce ~ Reuse ~ Recycle!

It’s like I always tell myself – “BE ABOUT IT – DON’T JUST TALK ABOUT IT!

Catfish

I will only cover this documentary very briefly.

I had wanted to see this DOCUMENTARY for a VERY LONG TIME! It is difficult to find certain movies at various times and I was finally able to “seize the moment” and buy this Documentary.

The story begins with communication between an 8 year old artist and a young film maker name Yul Shulmen. The story begins to spiral from there and the end will have you absolutly astonished and the path everything follows. Even to THIS DAY.

In case you see this movie, I will not go into detail. However I will say this. The places our minds can take us the moment someone reaches out to us is amazing and very clear in this Documentary.(?) I place this question mark there since it left me feeling like it was all a planned/staged setting. If you see it, I would love to see what you think!

And finally…KALE CHIPS!

When I went completely Raw for the Parasite Cleanse I kept seeing recipes for KALE CHIPS!

Although I wanted to try them, something always happened and I just never did.

Last week, I decided I would like to try adding them into my diet. Why? RAW Lacinto KALE has protein, calcium and if you add nutritional yeast to your mix – you get B12! Very important for us as Vegans/Vegetarians!

So here we go!

KALE CHIPS

For 1 Bunch of Kale…

1 C Sunflower Seeds (Soaked)

1/4 C Nutritional Yeast

1/3 C Water

2 T Olive Oil

2 Cloves Garlic

1/2 tsp Paprika

1/4 tsp Chipotle

1 pinch salt

Place all ingredients into a Food Processor or Blender until it is a thick paste.

Once the paste is made, place over the kale and massage the paste onto the kale.  Once all of the kale is covered it is ready to place onto a teflex sheet and place in the dehydrator.

These will be in the dehydrator for 5-6 hours.  I made 4 trays worth! They were delicious!

Here they are all in a jar ready to be eaten!  I enjoyed them quite a bit! In fact my taste tester ate the ENTIRE JAR in one sitting!  I will make more this weekend.  I will try another flavor of course! Something spicy maybe.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste

Fresh Fuel, Love and Success

I enjoyed a wonderful salad for lunch yesterday…

“Fattoush” - Cucumbers, Radishes, Sumac, Lemon Juice, Fresh Mint, Olive Oil and LOVE!:)

Wonderful Salad in all it's GLORY!

RULE #1

Eat as many greens as you possibly can!

I made up the above stated rule after reading a “blip” out of the THRIVE fitness book by Brendan Brazier!

Leafy vegetables are a rich source of chlorophyll, important in offsetting stress by alkalizing the body.  Chlorophyll also cleanses and oxygenates the blood, making it an essential “modern world” food and a true performance enhancer.  Having more oxygen available in the blood translates to better endurance and an overall reduction in fatigue.  In their raw state, chlorophyll-containing plants possess an abundance of live enzymes that promote the quick rejuvenation of our cells.  The consumption of chlorophyll-rich, leafy green vegetables combines with moderate exercise is the best way to create a biologically younger body.

Makes you think, huh?  I am totally down with the “younger body” and better performance vibe! What about you readers???

RULE #2 & RULE #3

#2 Drink Chia and #3 Drink Rejuvelac DAILY!

I shared my last Chia recipe with you HERE.  Last night I made another elixr that combines both Rule #2 and Rule #3!

CHIA – BANG!

6 Strawberries

6 Dates

2 cups Rejuvelac

1/2 cup Chia Gel

Directions: Place all ingredients in blender and drink!

In all of the research I read about the chia, many of the complaints were about the consistency and taste.  TASTE / FLAVOR don’t matter IF you are taking this into your body for nutritional benefits.  Luckily the seed is open to many many additions!  It mixes pretty easily with just about EVERYTHING!  I haven’t found anything it is bad with.  I have even taken shots of it by itself.  I must say say this – While it is not something that has flavor (bad or good), I am guessing it is the gel consistency that makes people not like it…drink it! Nutrition! NUTRITION! Nutrition!

As far as rejuvelac…I am still brewing this wonderful elixr.  Definite difference with this one – It can be a bit difficult to get down the “hatch” so to speak.  Not the flavor.  NEVER the flavor.  It actually tastes REALLY REFRESHING!  It is usually the smell that can keep me at bay for about 15 minutes.  Once I am drinking it, I usually just DOWN IT!  I usually take in approximately 20oz a day.  I would like to get to 32oz.

This wonderful sprout finds itself turning GREEN these days!  Even the Chia has been sprouting in the kitchen!  I love life and the definite presence it has in the VEG888 kitchen!

I was reviewing an Anne Wigmore book the other day and found this “blip” about REJUVELAC!

Rejuvelac – The Enzyme Drink

Rejuvelac is rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dextrines, phosphates, saccharines, lactobacilli, saccharamyces, aspergillus oryzae and they have the faculty of breaking down large molecules of glucose , starch, and glycogens.  This is the reason rejuvelac is an aid to your digestion.

The natural lactic acid and fermentive enzymes which are produced during the fermentation process have a beneficial effect on the metabolism and a curative  effect on disease.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Light!

Namaste!

Race Recap – Part Deux + New News!

This is the fuel I had devoured the day of the race.  I knew I needed RAW food, Great Water and FRUIT!!!   So I packed my snacks and headed out the door prepared!   The (2) waters are: Essentia (9.5 pH) and the other is ESSENCE (pH)!  A love force energy bar – Flavor Chocolate Mint, Raw Cracker, a Sprouted Quinoa Salad, 2 Oranges, 1 Pink Lady Apple and Love!

As we drove up to the beach all I saw was FOG!!!  I wondered if it would end up raining on us or not.  There were quite a bit of cars parked in all of the parking lots!  All of the cars there were mostly there for the 10k race, which began at 7:30 am!  I would have to say there were much more cars for the 10k than the 5k!  Whew!

There were even some folks who did the combo!!! 10k + 5k! CRAZY!!! (One day I thought to myself!!!)  But for now, I will concentrate on the 5k and some speed work, weight lifting and bicycling!  Got to get ready for the 10k!!!

These wonderful people were all heading to the START LINE!!!

Here was my hero for the day!!! WONDER MOM!!!  You can read about her HERE! In this picture we are all assembling to the START LINE.  Initially WONDER MOM caught my eye for simply showing up pregnant and getting ready to run the race.  However, as the gun went off, she began running with her children and the stroller!!! WOW! AMAZING WOMAN!!!

Here we are on the race path!  We have passed the 1 mile mark.  We are on the Venice Boardwalk now.  Probably about 1 .75 miles into the 5k! I came across this really cute kid yelling at his parents! “HURRY UP MOM AND DAD!!!”  WHAT IS TAKING YOU SO LONG?”  He was very much ahead of his parents and I laughed to myself!  The energy of a young child! Not knowing or understanding why mom and dad were behind!!!  I understood!

At the time I didn’t understand why my pace was so much better.  Now that I have time to think about it.  I have come to the conclusion that living near the San Gabriel Mountains changes the air a bit.  It also occurred to me the other night that I run up hills since we live so close to the mountains and the 5k course was a flat course.  This is what gave me the idea to work more hills and hopefully gain speed for the 10k!

Everyone is leaving at this point including me!   Finished with the 5k and I was ready for my massage and a GREAT MEAL! We went to one of our favorite restaurants in Los Angeles – SIMPLY WHOLESOME!  Best RAW TACOS in town!   Great Salsa too!

After our snack we headed off to the shop!  We opened on time and I left to receive my wonderful massages!

I thought I would post these pictures!  Technology had been my enemy this week.   But things are looking up!

I have also been taking in SUPERFOODS…Goji Berries, Mulberries, Cashews, Carob, Raw Cacao, Coconut, Brazil Nuts and Raisins!  I made this mix myself.  I will try some other’s next week.  I have also been having E3 live every morning!  Sometimes I mix blueberries in the blender with the E3 live and other times I use frozen pineapple, mango, raspberries…just depends what I have on hand…

Check it out…

Ingredients:

1 lb RAW CASHEWS

1/2 lb. Organic Raisins

1/4 lb Goji Berries

3/4 lb RAW Superfood Trail Mix

1/4 lb Carob chips

1/4 lb RAW WALNUTS

I hope you are well Longevity Seekers!

Stay positive!  Some needed days off are coming up!

Love & Light !

Namaste!

NEW DVD Giveaway ~ Everfresh Organic Soup!

Since the weather has been heating up here in Los Angeles there are so many signs of life!!

Cactus Blooms…

Even some wonderful birds living in the back lot of my store!! They have a baby bird learning to fly.

Here is one of the parents.  Can you see them on the corner of the lattice?…

And here is the baby.  It’s hidden within the Morning Glory.  Can you see it?…

And of course my wonderful sprouts!!!

Sprout Update – 040410 – First Rinse

Last night I rinsed the sprouts right away!! All of them showed signifigant growth!

The Radish seeds were begining to show their tails!!!

The Peas Sprouts as well!!! Blurry, I know but you can get the idea, right? Can you see the little tail???

And the Sunflower sprouts!! I am so EXCITED about these!!! If I could sing a beautiful chorus, I would!! These make me feel so happy!   All of the white you see are the sprouts busting out of the black seed! L-I-F-E!!

Here is the pack I started with.  The Avocados in the background are in the soup I made below!

Sprout Update – 050510 – Second Rinse – (Morning )

Here are the Radish sprouts in just 12 hours from the first pix! Total of 24 hours at this point!!

Here are the pea sprouts! So exciting! In just 12 hours look how much these have grown!

The same with these wonderful little guys!!! Sunflowers seeds and sprouts!!! LOVE IT!

I was blessed with some DIVINE Avocados!  A customer brought them into the store the other day.  I was so pleased!!! I put them in a paper bag immediately and they were ready a few days later…

Last night I used those avocados to make a creamy soup that would not only be cooling to the body, but refreshing to the mind.

Everfresh Avocado Citrus Soup

2 Ripe Avocados, cubed

1 peeled cucumber, deseeded and cubed

Juice of 1 Lemon

Juice of 2 Limes

Juice of 1 orange

2 tbs. Fresh Mint

1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, tightly packed

1/2 cup RAW Pumpkin Seeds

1/2 cup water

1 splash Sesame Seed oil

2 tbs Olive Oil

Preparation: Place the avocado, cucumber and RAW pumpkin seeds into the Food Processor and process.  While it is processing, add the lemon juice, lime juice and orange juice. Open the Food processor and scrape the sides down.  Add the cilantro, mint and sesame oil.  Process again.   I added the water a little at a time, just until the soup was smooth.

Tomato Corn Relish

8 Cherry Tomatos, cut in half

Kernals from 1 ear of Corn

1 tbs. Mint, cut into strips (chiffonade style)

1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped

Preparation: Mix all ingredients together and add to the top of the soup as a garnish!

Here is Bowl #1…

Bowl #2

After dinner the soup felt really good in my stomach.  All I was missing was some LIVE crackers.  I would like to make some Kale Crackers I think.  Maybe some sun dried tomato black olive crackers… Hmmmm..

Stay tuned…

And for the next giveway!  A DVD called NO IMPACT MAN

I used this image since it describes a little of what this Documentary is about.  It changed my view of packaging, and various other issues I hadn’t really thought about.  I’m not saying he had the perfect equation,  I think he should’ve gone raw, but I think you should see it!  I am giving this away since loving the earth is one of the main reasons I am a Vegan Vegetarian Raw Yogini.  (Though I admit, I need to work on the Yogini part  LOTS MORE!! – Patience Patience there will time for EVERYTHING!

—————> To Join the Raffle <——————

1) Send me a recipe – (I am still waiting for someone to send me a recipe to try and feature…Come on! Send me a recipe!!!!)

2) Comment on any blog posting after May 1, 2010.  The last day to enter the raffle is May 30, 2010 @ Midnight.

3)Subscribe to this blog!!!

That’s it! Simple!

Thank you for reading!!

I thought I would leave you with a picture of the Master of RELAXATION!

Live in Light and Love!!

Namaste!

100% Life in a Bowl!!!

In this posting I mentioned that I began sprouting Quinoa.  I was amazed to see how long the tails were when I got home!!!  I put them in a container to make something the next night.  I have about 4 cups and used (2) cups for (2) different recipes. (I have an update picture of the Quinoa with tails about 1″ but I forgot my camera card. )

While scanning through Raw Food Uncook books and surfing the internet I have come across several Tabouli/Tabouleh salad recipes.  I have made Tabouli in the past on this blog.  You can see one I made most recently here.

Anyway, I figured that’s what I would use the sprouted Quinoa for.  I sprouted red quinoa since it was a bit more festive looking.  I will try the other quinoa next week.  I will also be updating my sprout adventures as well.  As you know a SPROUT KIT is up for raffle for the next few weeks.  I hope you will join the RAFFLE! You can see the prize here.

Sprouted Quinoa Tabouli Salad

1 cup Sprouted Red Quinoa

1 Avocado

1 Cucumber

3/4 C Parsley, chopped

3/4 C Cilantro, chopped

2 red tomatoes, chopped

Juice of one Lemon

1 capful Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 cup RAW golden flax seeds

1/4 cup RAW pumpkin seeds

Preparation: Place Avocado, Tomatoes, Cilantro, Parsley, and lemon juice in a large bowl and mix together.  Add Sprouted Quinoa, flax seed, and pumpkin seeds and mix.

Next I decided to try a sweet sprouted quinoa recipe I came across.  I made some changes to the original recipe.

Sprouted Quinoa Raisin Cookies

1 cup Sprouted Quinoa

1 cup Raisins

1 cup pecans

1/4 cup Agave

2 T RAW Cocoa Powder

Preparation:  Place Pecans in Food Processor and process until the consistency of a fine meal.  Then add Quinoa and process.  After the quinoa and pecans have processed together, add raw agave slowly to the mixture while the food processor is on.  You may have to slow down the processor if possible.  I went from high to low while adding the agave. Place this mixture in a bowl and add cocoa powder and raisins to the mix.  Place a spoonful of “dough” onto teflex sheet.  Dehydrate for 3 hrs @ 105 degrees.  Remove Teflex sheet and dehydrate another 7 hrs or until pliable and dry.

These cookies are really good!!!  I think I will add some nuts and some golden flax seeds the next time.  But I really liked them.  I don’t usually like cookies eiether.  I was a big danish person prior and I am coping fine.  Maybe I will fall in love with RAW COOKIES???

Thanks for reading!!!

Namaste!

JOIN THE RAFFLE!!!  ADD FRESH SPROUTS TO YOUR DIET!!!

60% – 70% Protein!!!!

(Protein also, in Green Algae!!)

New Raffle Giveaway, Brazil Nut Pancakes and Raw Sunflower Rye Bread Sandwiches ~ Take 2

New Raffle Giveawy!

A Sprouting Kit

You will get (3) different mesh screen tops with a Wide Mouthed Ball Jar

Options for Seeds: Sunflower, Radish, Mustard, Pea

Raffle Ends – April 30th 2010 @ Midnight

Rules: Make a Comment or Send me a recipe by Midnight on April 30th and you will be entered into the RAFFLE!!!

The Winner of the Last Raffle is Amanda!

Congratulations Amanda!!!

Amanda Picked the “Eating for Beauty” book by David Wolfe

(Great Pick!!!)

Raw Sunflower Rye Bread – Take 2

I still had some Rye Sunflower Bread I made a few days ago (that posting is here.) and I made a few more sandwiches with olive tapenade this time! MMMMMmmmm!

Here are the stages to a delicious sandwich!!

I had mentioned some avocado’s I received from a customer a few days ago.  Here is one of them cut in half ready for my sandwich.

Then I made an olive tapenade with red bell peppers, garlic, kalmata olives, capers, and onions.  I used this as a spread for the sandwich.  I also use the last of the Spinach Pesto from the other day as well!

Added Tomatoes and Eggplant Bacon…

Now they were ready for assembly! Here we go!

I also made Raw Brazil Nut Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup!  The recipe was taken from the FREE Ebook link you can download from my Facebook page.

I powdered the Brazil Nuts & Golden Flax in my mini Food Processor, and then added sliced Bananas and a bit of water to the Blender…

To mix it a bit more, I put it in the Food Processor.  It wasn’t turning to well in the Blender. (note to self – GET a VITAMIX)

Here is the batter…

Batter on Dehydrator Tray…

Here they are several hours later out of the Dehydrator…

Next it was time for the syrup!

Blueberry Raspberry Syrup

1 1/2 cups Fresh Blueberries

1/2 cup Raspberries

6 Dates

1 Handful Pine Nuts

Preparation: Place all ingredients into the Food Processor with the “S” blade attachment.  Process until smooth.  Add water if needed.

Here are the berries ready to be blended…

Next I would add the dates, pine nuts and little bit of water.  Here is an action shot…

Here is the sauce I would use for the dish and the bananas I would use to finish the dish…

I was ready for assembly at this point.  In the background is my notebook I make all of my notes, recipe ideas, and information I want to share for my VEG888 Blog!!!

Plate #1 – This plate had Raw Chocolate Powder dusted on top!

Plate #2

This was a good dish.  I think I will continue to make this dish.  It would be neat to make different varieties of pancakes.  Blueberry, Macadamia Nut, Etc.  This can be explored!  Great Adventures to come! NO DOUBT!

Thanks for visting!  Asparagus Quiche coming next week!  Some FIREWATER, and a special dish in memory of “Tung Lai Shun”!

Namaste!

A.B.L.T. ~ Raw Stylie

If you go to my facebook page (which you can link to on the right) you will see a link for a FREE RAW E BOOK. (April 6 – 9:11 pm posting)

I downloaded this e-book and made a few of the recipes so far.

Here is my experience and what I did with the Sunflower Rye Bread Recipe!

First I put the flax, sunflower seeds, caraway, lemon juice, etc. in the Food Processor.  You can see that some of the Sunflower seeds have little sprout tails!

Here is the “dough” after being processed…

After it was all mixed up I placed it on a Dehydrator Tray…

Then I spread it into a 1/4″ sheet…

I put it in the Dehydrator for 1 hr at 105 degrees.  After 1 hr, I scored the bread and continued to Dehydrate for 5 more hours.

Here is the bread scored ready to put it back in the Dehydrator.

Here is the bread ready out of the Dehydrator.  I made two trays of this bread!!!

After I finished with the Sunflower Rye Bread, I began making the Eggplant Bacon.

Here is the Eggplant with my Cai Bao before I cut it into strips…

I washed the Eggplant and began cutting it into strips with the Cai Bao.  After I finished that I placed the strips in a bowl and began marinating them in olive oil, nama shoyu and garlic.

Here they are in the bowl ready to marinate…

I covered these strips with the core of the Eggplant…

After this I placed a bunch of bowls on top of the Eggplant.  This way it weighed the Eggplant down into the bowl and it marinated like this for 1 hr.  Here it is marinating with the dishes on top…

Here is the Eggplant after it marinated for 1 hr+

This would dehydrate with the Sunflower bread at 105 degrees for 5 hours.

Now I was ready for my A.B.L.T (Avocado, Bacon, Lettuce & Tomato)! Here are the ingredients for the sandwich!!! The only thing missing is the spinach pesto I used as a spread for the sandwhich.

Here were are.  Each half had a different ingredient, but in this picture you can see the pesto spread used.

Then it was time to cut it and enjoy!!!  I have to admit that I was going crazy with all of the smells from the Dehydrator!!!  I was excited to see what this was going to taste like!!!

Final Plating!!!

Here is a nice juicy view!!!

This was one dish I know I will make over and over!!! It also seemed like a really good introductory dish to RAW FOOD!

Thanks for visiting!!!

Namaste!

P.S. The Raffle winner was picked and the new Raffle will begin on Monday!!! I will post the winner and the new Raffle Prize tomorrow!!

Strawberry-Arugula Salad ~ REWIND ~

While going about my usual internet search daily, I came across a recipe featured on the SAVEUR magazine website.  I usually get an update from the Magazine each week.  I saw a beautiful picture of this salad.  I looked and the recipe and knew this would be a wonderful addition to the mix!!!  Organic Strawberries have been so beautiful lately!!!

The original recipe had ricotta cheese, sugar and other such ingredients and thought REWIND!!!~ And a new recipe for a  RAW ORGANIC VEGAN version was made!

ARUGULA STRAWBERRY SALAD

Serves 2

3 cups fresh Arugula

1 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

3/4 cup fresh raspberries

Zest of 1 Lemon

Juice of 3 Lemons

1 1/2 cup cashews, soaked

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp nutmeg

Preparation: Wash and slice strawberries, wash raspberries and set aside to dry.  Place cashews in the Food Processor with the “S” blade.  Process for a bit, add the juice of 2 lemons and half of the zest of the lemon.  Process again.  Add purified water a little at a time unitl smooth.  Once smooth, seperate into (2) bowls.  (I saved the other half to make some cashew nut cheese…more on this tomorrow!):)  Once seperated put the rest of the lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg in the bowl you will be using for the dressing. Mix.  Plate salad and put a dollop of the dressing on top.  Enjoy!

Washed Strawberries and Raspberries…

Soaking the cashews…

Cashews in the Food Processor with lemon juice…

Processed and ready to mix in the nutmeg and cinnamon…

The Dressing ready and on top of the salad…

After I washed the berries I picked four of the best strawberries for our dessert!

RAW CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES

Turn on the Dehydrator to 90 – 100 degrees

Take coconut butter (oil)

Melt Coconut Oil in Dehydrator

Add equal amounts of raw cacao powder to the melted coconut oil

Add 1 /2 tbsp raw agave syrup

Add 1/2 tbsp Maple Syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 washed strawberries ready to dip…

I dipped each of these strawberries into the chocolate mixture

I continued to dip these strawberries 7 more times.  I put them in the fridge and waited 20 mins between each dipping.

And finally … Dipped 8 times!!

Note:  You will need to have a non-stick surface (parchmant paper) between dips.  I myself learned this the hard way.  However, I will more chocolate experiences based on this wonderful treat!

Thanks for visiting!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE:

KOMBUCHA

Yeah! Kombucha in the news again.  You can read that article here. Do you like kombucha?  Comment. Join the raffle and have a choice between the Eating for Beauty Book by David Wolf -or-SUPERCHARGE ME!

HEALING YOURSELF WITH DELICIOUS FOOD

This was a great article I found.  You can read it here. I am inspired daily by all of you out there that are curious to find a healthier, happier way to live.  Beauty comes in so many forms.  In people, in moments, in our cats (pets), in the beauty of the earth – vegetables, fruits, the ocean, the sky!! A healthy change in our lifestyle everyday is the best movement toward your goal!

The Daily Avocado

I must admit avocados seem as though they are food of the gods.  They are so delicious.  Nutrition with pleasure packed into one!

NOTHING can compare to the creaminess the fruit gives to gucamole, raw desserts and smoothies.

I didn’t always appreciate this wonderful gift the earth bestows upon us.  Before I became a vegetarian there were many vegetables that scared me.  Avocados, Beets, Onions…the list can go on and on. The only appreciation I had when it came to avocado was Guacamole!  But even then, it had to be my mother’s version or none at all.  Very picky I was…am

I began my natural journey working at a Health Food Store in Altadena, Ca.  From the moment you enter this store it is like being sent into the Natural Loving Energy of the 60′s and 70′s.  Large jars filled with herbs and spices of all kinds, a small market with GREAT prices and various grocery and supplement items as well.  It was the best place to begin my natural journey.  In addition to produce and grocery there was fresh vegan food.  Everyday there is a different soup, a tofu and green stir fry and avocado vegetable sandwiches.

And so, on a sunny day after a long hike up Mt. Wilson Trail my love affair with the avocado began. I decided the best thing to carry with me on my hike that day was one of the sandwiches I would prepare for the store daily.

I prepared and shredded carrots, red cabbage, and zucchini.  I sliced tomates and cucumbers for all of the salads and sandwiches as well.  I also made 1 extra that day in the same style I made for evryone else.

It has been more than a decade since that wondorous day.  The sandwich was avocado, tomato, shredded zucchini, red cabbage, carrots, alfalfa sprouts and bread.  I can remember biting into the Sprouted Grain Ezekial bread and tasting the avocado for the firt time.  It was untainted with any form of seasoning and a lucious creamy vegetable became part of my repetoire from this point forward.  DAILY!

Avocados provide nearly 20 essential nutrients, including fiber, potassium, Vitamin E, B-vitamins and folic acid. They also act as a “nutrient booster” by enabling the body to absorb more fat-soluble nutrients, such as alpha and beta-carotene and lutein, in foods that are eaten with the fruit.

Last night I was pretty tired.  I didn’t know what to make and I just wanted something quick, simple and satisfying!!!  I thought about it for a moment.  I needed an energy pick me up.  I walked over to the Chili department n the produce section and here we go…

Washed the chilis and cut the tops off of them…

Added them to the food processor with:

1 cup Cilantro

2 Tomatillos

1 Serrano Chili

1 Yellow Chili

1 Clove Garlic

1 Shallot

1/2 Peeled Cucumber

1 Large Avocado

Preparation: With the “S” blade attachement process until chunky.  Add this mixture to 1 avocado, cubed.

After I tasted the avocado mixed with the salsa,  I made the salads with some radishes and used the .  The avocado mixture with the cucumbers, etc. was so good that I forgot to take a picture and ended up putting it on the salads and I was ready to eat.

Ta Da!

This was a filling salad with the perfect amount of cucumber and radish.  The zing from the chilis left me alert and happy. 

Thank you for visiting!

Namaste!

READERS NOTE:

This book was just released this month – March 2010, Moby* will make his debut as an author with Gristle: Why You Should Think Twice About Meat, a collection of essays from people in the food industry, was published!  I am going to purchase this book and do a review at a later date.

The veg888 blog is going to begin more BOOK giveaways in addition to other giveaways.  Knowledge is the key!!!

 

100th Post & FREE GIVEAWAY REMINDER

This is my 100th post.  The veg888 blog will continue to post new recipes, information about yoga poses and the local musical mediations I am able to attend.

FREE GIVEAWAY REMINDER

FREE “RAW for 30 Days” DVD

Comment or subscribe to my blog and you will be entered into the raffle.  The winner will be picked on Saturday March 27th 2010!

This post will consist of 3 Subjects.

1. Yoga
2. Raw Food Information
3. Raw Food Recipes

Life is a sprial of good and bad all wrapped into one.  I wonder if there are those that have a spun stick of sugar type of life.  Like a big fat pink or blue cotton candy.  Sooo sweet they just are in bliss.

I am quite aware that there are those that aren’t so lucky all of the time.  Where it often seems as though they always have to fight bad energy.  Bad energy, good energy.  Both are REAL!  POSITIVE vs. NEGATIVE.  Again we come back to the duality in life.  And although we may not be able to change what we want all at the same time physically in whatever time frame we have given ourselves  – the point is you know what you want.  More than likely you even know how to get it.  Whatever it is.  The trick is not giving up.  Don’t ever give up a goal you are striving for.  Don’t ever stop trying to be a better person, lover, friend, parent, etc.  That’s what this is about.  Getting better in life like a fine wine.  It takes lots of pressure for precious stones to exist down in the depths of the earth.  Why would a goal be any different.  The same energy will be needed to ultimatley complete the task at hand!

YOGA

MATSYASANA or Fish Pose.

According to a traditional text, Matsyasana is considered as the destroyer of all diseases.

• Blood circulation is increased as your cervical, thoracic, and lumber regions are stretched. Your back muscles are also strengthened. It is beneficial to those suffering from cervical spondylosis, neck pain, and stiffness.

• The Asana does wonders for your respiratory system; when you assume this position, your chest is stretched open and your bronchial tubes are widened to promote easier breathing. In time, your rib cage will expand, and this will also encourage you to breathe more deeply. It is good for asthma and bronchitis.

• The name of the posture derives from the fact that – if you adopt the position in water, you will float quite easily.

• This is helpful for swimmers who can then hold their breath under water for longer periods.

• Pressure on the neck also works on the thyroid gland and the parathyroid gland (which regulates the level of calcium in the body). Metabolism balances and immune system is boosted.

• Most of abdominal and stomach problems are also corrected as your intestines and abdominal muscles are stretched and toned. It is good in constipation and for bleeding piles.

• The pressure on your neck stimulates the energy centre that regulates the voice – thus improving voice quality.

• It tones the nervous system, the pelvic organs, and the nerves connected with sexual functions. It also helps prevent and remove disorders of the reproductive system. *

Contraindications and Cautions

• High or low blood pressure
• Migraine
• Insomnia
• Serious lower-back or neck injury

RAWkin pose huh?  It will take a series of asanas before your body is warm enough to practice this pose.  It is feels sooo good.  My Yoga teacher always says “We are as young as our spine!”

This asana streches the spine and helps to get rid of the curve in your spine that eventually occurs with age.  It is also a great pose to improve posture.  Posture is sooo important.  It can help you look taller, thinner and confident.  All qualities that are postive!  Posture is something I am always having to work on!

RAW FOOD

This week has been pretty drab as far as culinary creations.  However here is a plate I made the other day…

It was slices of eggplant that had been marinated in Apple Cider Vinegar, Noma Shoyu, and Olive Oil.  Between each slice there was a layer of  Mushrooms and Raw Marinara Sauce with fresh oregano.  It was alright.  Not my best.

It is easy to get down on ourselves for not always eating 100% raw or feeling bad because we have a craving.  None of it is bad.  When we are tired or stressed out it is easy to reach for those things we know best.  Bad food with empty calories.  Sound familiar?  Everyone goes thru this I think.  Just do what is right for you.  You certainly don’t want to feel as though it is a chore to eat.  Keep within the scopes of general vegan/vegetarian health and you are still a soaring star from the rest who choose to indulge in other non-healthy foods.  Life is a neverending proposition.  We are always evolving into something new.  We just have to remember the movement needs to be positive for both our spirit and our mind!

And now a Recipe….

Last night I made Collard Green Wraps for the first time.  Actually the first time RAW.  There is a posting I have where I stuffed collards with  mushrooms and served them over some quinoa.  You can see that here.

I began with a quick home stylie Tabouli…

RAW SIMPLE TABOULI

1 Cucumber, peeled and cubed

8 Cherry Tomatoes

2 tablespoons Mint

1 cup Flat leaf parsley, chopped

3 tablespoons Raw Sesame Seeds.

Juice from 1/2 a lemon

Splash of Bragg

Splash of sesame oil

Preparation: Place all ingredients into a bowl and toss.  Allow to marinate for 15 – 20 minutes.

I then stuffed the collard leaves with sunflower seed hummus, tabouli and an avocado!

Use two Collard Green leaves per wrap.

The Sunflower Seed Hummus you can see here.

SUNFLOWER SEED HUMMUS

2 cups Raw Sunflower Seeds, soaked overnight

1/4 cup Raw Tahini

3 cloves garlic

Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation: With the “S” blade attachment put the Sunflower Seeds into the Food Processor and add all other ingredients.  Process.  Season to Taste. (You can add water to make it smoother or keep it as is.)

Here it is…

This was an enjoyable wrap and very filling.  In the future I think I will add carrots and other veggies and more raw falafel!  Maybe even a nice veggie and nut pate!

More to come folks!  You still have 6 days to enter the RAFFLE!!!

Live in Love and Light!

Namaste!