Weekend posting...Part 1-- Cheeze making!

Okay I was just going to do one post..but as usual more like 3 or 4!! lol heres a start!

Have been resting a lot as my sight really isnt upto much, Got enough rest to allow a short while on the pc with sunglasses/eyepatch. I love blogging, so its worth a bit of sleep beforehand to be able to post and have a little look at other lovely blogs!

On my travels to pick up water and more sesame seeds on sale I noticed my little wholefoods place offering Raw museli mix in a brown paper bag..oh my!!.. I bought some to try..its buckwheat, oat groats, dates and cacao nibs.. will try it-- I think I can probably make my own a lot cheaper/fresher. I normally dont go for cereal type things, even raw/gluten free, but I shall give it a go!! May be a nice snack post workout or something!

This last week I have found a new member of staff a bit perplexed by my foods-- Seeing a large container of pinapple and blueberries on my desk commented "Isnt that pricey?" "Wouldnt it be cheaper to eat chips?"-- I replied, eating chips left me in bed unable to work-- eating fresh foods keeps me working, happy, blissful and chilled-- Which would you choose? Optimal health or meals for 99p.. I know which I go for every single time!!

I have all sorts of fresh fruit in at the moment, pinapple, loads of berries, banana's--err 4 bunches! as well as a sack full of greens. Hanging onto two ripe mango's at the moment, I hope they dont go bad, going to dice and slice them in the morning--may pop them into the deep freeze.

I have cravings for greens about once a month or so, so I am going to enjoy them as a snack. Romaine with hemp seeds I find the best meal ever!! Got some lovely chinese greens, so will be eating those lots this week.

Sesame seeds have been on offer in my local health store, so I have bought plenty. With the intention of making milk as well as yoghurt in the week-- quick and easy dinner with loads of berries. Take advantage of those offers or bulk buys!!

Today I tried out making the cheese from sesame seeds

Basically soaked 1 cup for 8 hours

Blended with as little water as possible--dash of sea salt- not even a teaspoon

This is a thick mixture, poured onto muslin

Tied this up (with a new hairband) -- hung this overnight, squeesed it to help it along then left it to drip out slowly.

In the morning untied, and voila! Going to give it a few more hours, roll it in chopped herbs and pop it to chill. You can buy vegetarian cheese making rennets or things to help it ferment-- I think this way has come out just great!!

Here it is, after soaking, being poured, hung and finally this morning!

Thought this would be nice as a treat with some greens, really easy.

More a bit later....

Fruity days!

Right now I am enjoying my fruit so much, eating it, blending it, chopping it--loving it!

Mainly pineapple, blueberries,cranberries, strawberries-- some local apples also thrown in.

These just seem the ideal food, quick easy and come ready to bite into!!! -- no messy prep. I take loads of fruit to work and feast at my desk, its fab!!

Right now with such problems with my vision it seems even more adpt, cleansing, easy to digest and simple.

Food for today

1 punnet Bluberries

400-500g Pineapple

1 large salad-- peppers, corn, lettuce, tomato etc etc

Probably have later a mango and some lettuce w/hemp seeds.

Bit of a new combo but it seems lettuce and hemp seeds is the most perfect meal ever!! For a post workout treat throw in 1/4 avo.. awesome!!

A friend has asked me to work on some kiddies jellies(jello) over the weekend..going to give it a go, my blueberry jelly a while back came out fab-- thinking trying this filled with diced fruits.. think it will go down a treat!!

Anyway thats all for now, need to get back to resting with my eyepatch on!!

Raw-k on rawbies!

Eat raw. Live life to the MAX

It seems two big points keep rearing their head whenever mentioning RAW to new people, so I thought I would take a closer look at them. I have managed to convince two friends that vegan is best recently.. but still these little issues remain on the backburner!!

I do a lot of fun posts, creative ideas etc-- but this is a bit new..anyway here goes!

1. I cant afford to go RAW

2. It isnt the right time/location/situation/enviroment to go raw.

I am going to try to unpack both of the arguments for the sake of those struggling with things-- because you CAN do it and it will change your life. No Doubt.

If your doubting, take Alissa Cohens 30day challenge, and prove yourself wrong!!

Point A : I cant afford RAW

Okay so prior to raw...

I spent very little on food, mostly was a junk food vegetarian and lived on soda/low calorie hot chocolate/cottage cheese a lot of periods for long periods of time. A lot of food issues. However living like that caused me constant flares of my Crohns. So I was spending out £30 every couple of weeks on Steroids, painkillers and anti-spasmodic medication.

This was no way to live, and was COSTING me in cash and quality of life.

Raw dosent have to be gourmet or fancy. Tailor it to suit your needs right now.

Basic tips for doing this cheaply, without having to take on a second job!

1. Organise

Organise your life; if this be your time, your cash or making lists

If you like to eat some dehydrated foods then make 1 day a week free to prepare crackers/pizza bases for the week ahead.

If you like to eat raw cereal or granola-- make plenty and keep this in mason jars, then its quick and easy to grab in the week.

If you eat high fruit, make time to make a list of seasonal produce and make sure you are stocked up every 2-3 days. For me I make a list, I shop every couple days if making green smoothies--pick up greens on the way home. I make sure I have fresh fruit at home and at work always.

Whatever your way of eating, make sure your organised and ready to go for the week. Not doing this is what leads to slip ups..and hunger pangs.

Check out Alissa Cohen forums, there are some fab bits on organising your fridge, down to containers, shopping spreadsheets etc-- if it makes RAW easier and do-able for YOU then its more than worthwhile!!

2. Shop Smart

Plan ahead with a list-- if you wake with green smoothies make sure you have enough fruit, greens, pure water etc.

Look for the sale items-- In the UK all the leading supermarkets have offers each week--- organic and conventional produce. Buy what you like and get plenty. If for example cherries are on offer, buy plenty- dry them or freeze for adding to smoothies later!

Get Banana's in bulk and freeze plenty for smoothies/ice cream

Markets -- I love hitting the markets,I am very lucky to have a fab one here!! Buy whats cheap per pound. Whats in season and vibrant-- bright and fresh looking. Not the wilting greens! Go for the best looking produce, use all your senses when shopping.

Ask about buying in bulk also, get together with friends or if your large family just go for it!! Often you can get things a lot cheaper in bulk-- eg citrus, banana's, permissions. Ask at your local markets, they are usually very helpful!!-- Also look online, ring local farms if your able to go and collect pallets of produce you may get a discount!

If you use or want to include raw nuts in your diet, shop about online, compare prices and then order in bulk-- its the cheapest if you want to use them.

3. Sprout and grow your own!!

See about sprouting in your kitchen -- in jars, trays-- whatever sprouts you love!

If you have access to a garden or neighbours garden get growing some veggies, herbs-- Mint is easy to grow on a kitchen ledge even if you live in an apartment!

4. Budget

Budget what is fair for YOU

Do not go hungry, this is your health and wellbeing-- its not a time for cutting corners or buying less than optimal produce to save a few pounds!!

Buy the best your money can buy you. YOU are worthwhile. Put things into perspective.

Sure you could go and buy some ramen noodles for knockdown price and pay for it in the longterm with health bills and medication costs!

Point B: It isnt the right time/location/enviroment to go raw

Okay the right timing, I went raw soon after a major uphaul in my life-- the change it had on my mood, health and everything else was amazing. Before I was taking painkillers, steroids, steroid foams and various supplements just to get me to the office!

Whatever is going on in your life, eating the right thing is going to help you to be stronger, more positive and bounce back far quicker than a SAD diet

If your hitting rock bottom, depressed, overweight, sick -- whatever it may be, RAW can help. What have you got to loose by trying it for a month?

Sure it would be lovely to go raw whilst living on a tropical island.. with no stress, no cars, no pollution.. lush growing tropical fruits!! -- but This isnt a reality for MOST of us!!

Whatever difficult situation your in having mental clarity, a new lease of life, energy and positive vibes is going to become life changing!!

Take the dive, clear your kitchen out and jump in 100%-- Only risk is having your life and wellbeing changed for the better!!

Raw-k on!

Bewitched :Sick days... donuts and fudge cake..

Being home sick always results in a racing mind for some reason! ..... when I was a kid I would watch Bewitched on televison and have my mum bring me sandwiches(cheese and pickle!).. that was the best thing ever!! lol.. Now I spent it..listening to masterchef..and eating raw donuts and fresh fruit lol bit of a change!

I love food programmes-- they provide such inspiration for raw-some recipies. I dont find them tempting or mouth watering anymore..just inspiration for new goodies to try to make! I can happily watch them for hours with my notebook noting down ideas here and there :)

My #1 at the moment is Jamies Martin -- {not only is he gorgeous..but..)He is the master of puddings and makes some amazing stuff. His stem ginger cheesecake is on my mind at the moment, I think Gone Raw..Ginger Cheezecake would be incredible..perhaps a future project for the weekend!!

So I woke up this morning and couldnt see very well at all.. alas I spent 8 hours in bed trying to sleep whatever this is off! Back to the doctor tommorow.

Finally got up really hungry and with slightly improved eyes ..... figured easiest thing to eat would be donuts and sauce.. using a knife to cut fruit with poor vision..not a good idea!

Anyway here they are..mm it certainly hit the spot..

Had a few strawberries and rested. Here I am sipping green smoothie and wearing my sunglasses, really I should of taken of picture of that..(funny..but not so appealing!!)

I am pleased to see the guys over at Banana Island have tried the Knickerbocker Glory fun!! I will be working on some more 8-1-1 creations.. any requests??

Anyway I figured since I had time to rest and leave things soaking etc..I would do that.

Guess what I will call this is Fudge Strawberry Cream Cake

300g Dates, soaked and pureed

Mixed this with 1.5 cup Coconut (mature grated or raw flakes)

I then poured this into the springform tin

Into the D (my fault I added too much water, just puree it-- then you can refridgerate of freeze your fudge base)

Meanwhile made the Strawberry Kream..

1 cup Sesame seeds, soaked

Blended with 7 large strawberries

Makes a thick cream like texture(no water, it works the magic!), smells lovely..and a soft pink colour!

Covered this and left it somewhere warm to get even more thick and creamy!!

Two hours later, poured on the Strawberry topping and chill for a short while-- you could just pipe it on. My piping bag has gone missing otherwise I would have!

Enjoy!

(will post back with finished pictures later..)

Here goes.. topped with date puree mixed with raw chocolate.. mmm..yum..on top of that strawberry kream which is mousey..yum!! back into the fridge overnight to firm up even more!!

I feel like... Green Smoothie tonight!

Nevermind the old adverts for "I feel like Chicken Tonight"..I feel like awesome green smoothie tonight!!

I will let the pictures do the talking..

Yum!

Pinapple(just under 200g), greens, aloe vera,1 lime ..fresh mint from my new mint plant!!

Been feeling tired and queasy today so eating simply and to get maximum nutrients!! Had some strawberries earlier, water, suntea. Very uneasy stomach so taking it easy, simple and lovely. Has been a winter vomiting bug going about here, I dont want to get it, so keeping my food simple right now at the first sign of a uneasy stomach.

Feeling so much better after a big glass of green goodness!

Picked up some lovely ripe Pineapples on the way home, I am loving them so much right now. Mmmmm...yum!

Raw-k on

Late night pondering...Fruit Kebabs and......Donut Revolution..!!

After all that uncooking.. I didnt fancy my lovely ice cream.... into the freezer it goes... soo I had fruit kebabs..yummy..fresh and juicy!

They certainly made me smile!!

Shannon marie as always has got me salivating.. creative raw-queen has got me in the mood for donut madness!!

If you havent been to Rawdorable..get your butt over there!!

...so I took what I had in the fridge and gave it a go!! ..Note to self..starting making something at 10pm..BAD IDEA!! lol.. but fun!

Put into mine

100g soaked sesame seed

100g soaked dates, by eye about 10-15 dates

Processed

added

1 cup Coconut

Rolled in carob/sesame flour/coconut

Into the D

here they are before going in..

And here they are this morning... mmm.. smell lovely!!

Raw Knicker Bocker Glory..

Yes that British Tradition..but raw-some!!

First for the ice cream!

Make a plain base to start – This is simple, meant to be 8-1-1 friendly. So not adding a tonne of nuts. If you want something a bit creamier—add a young coconut meat to the blend. I didn’t have one handy.

2 Frozen Banana – allow to thaw for 10 minutes

Blend this with 2 ripe Banana, a drop of water—just enough to get that “Mr Whippy” creamy look. Blend well until it looks super smooth and silky.

Pour out half your mixture, place this into the freezer.

2nd Ice Cream

With the other remaining half in the blender

I added 5 large strawberries, or there abouts

Blended again

Poured out—back into freezer

For chocolate variant—you could add carob, raw cacao or some grated cacao butter.

Mint-- add in some fresh ment

Ginger would be lovely also

Again you could have any fruit you wanted.

I froze it again for 1 hour, whisking it with a mini whisk every 15 minutes to keep it super fluffy!

To make the Sauce

There was about ½ Cup of the Strawberry base left.

Added to that a couple of teaspoons of date puree (had it in my fridge in a container—just blended dates, lovely and dark and fudgey tasting)

Blended this with Carob to taste and enough water to get it mixing.

Poured out, lovely and dark, rich and toffee tasting!

With the banana it really thickened up as you can see, its like a thick pudding texture

Then just the presentation, place as you like into a Knicker Bocker Glory glass, you could add shavings of mature coconut, goji berries, cherries on top.. whatever you fancy! Enjoy!