Zucchini Spiral Salad

I'm the "what's in the frig that I can make tonight", kind of gal. Tossing things together without a plan always, usually gets me a good dinner dish. This particular salad was one of the good ones! I had zucchini to use before it expired and lots of tomatoes to use. So, I created something very simple.

Here's the how to:

2 med/lrg zucchini, spiralized
2 large tomatoes, diced
2 tbs fresh parsley
Pepper to taste (I don't use salt)
Greens, of your choice
Vinaigrette

That's it! I have this cool gadget, the Spiralizer. The handheld and the big one from a popular store.  I haven't mastered either one but do fine for what I make. They make life in the kitchen easier and more creative.

Spiralize the zucchini into a large bowl.  Toss in the diced tomatoes, parsley and pepper, adding any other ingredient of your choice. Such as shaved carrots, sounds good to me.

Then I searched for a dressing with apple cider vinegar, and found Raw Apple Cider Vinaigrette (omitting the salt), here.
Wish I took a photo.

This. Was. A. Great. Dish.  I finished it off on top of a hot sweet potato and some greens (Arugula). Just ask the hubster, he is my biggest fan this week. I've done well introducing him to some new smoothies and dinners.

After checking out the Detoxinista blog, I can't wait to try her Healthy Klondike Bars and Cauliflower Pizza Crust.  Check this site out! Yum.

Enjoy!

Shroom Cups!

It's been a while, but I've been busy. Trying new recipes, crafting DIY projects and spending time with family and friends, and at the beach. I have lots of drafts and no time to post them, but will at least try once a week.

I'm always eating my Raw as much as possible, and here is my latest creation~

Portobello Cups

Such a yummy dish! I didn't chill my mixture to form patties, I plopped it right into my cupcake tin that I lightly coated with coconut oil for non-stick.  Set your oven for 350 and bake for 30-45 minutes.  I used what I had on hand, 2-portobellos and a pack of white mushrooms.

Here's the how-to:

Portobello mixture:

Use blender or processor to mince mushrooms with spices and set aside.  I used all dry spices. 

1 tsp Sage

2 tbs Oregano

1 tbs Thyme

2 tbs Parsley

1/4 tsp Pepper

1/ cup Nutritional yeast 

1-1/2 tbs Tamari 

Set mixture aside, and: 

Sauté onion to your desired texture. I go to where they are just turning clear. I leave them in larger pieces rather than minced, I like the taste and wanted the texture.

White onion (1 medium)

1 tsp Turmeric

2 tbs Tamari

1 Clove Garlic

Veggie broth (this is what I use to sauté, you can add as you need)

Sauté a fat slice of tomato, in the same pan for an added layer. 

Topping:

I took 4 Roma tomatoes and 2-tbs of goat cheese (yes this is the only cheese I will toss into a dish), and processed that for a nice top-off for my stack. 

Side:

I accompanied my Shroom Cups with lightly sautéed snow peas. Using the same pan as the sautéed onions for added flavor. 

And voila! 

I loved them, the hubster loved them, and we both went for more helpings! So delicious. Next time I'll make a cauliflower flatbread to put it on.  You can use on your favorite green as a wrap. Anything goes. Enjoy!

AHhhhh, Sugar!

We all crave it. We all want it. Most of us have it at the worst time of the day, or just too much in a day. Just having processed food with added sugar, is unhealthy any day. Sugar is a killer in many ways. I have successfully stayed away, bit the bullet, used my strong inner willpower...and I have fallen off the wagon for a piece of candy, a pretty cupcake or sugary cookie. It always proves to never be worth it. I get so mad at myself!

Sugar. It comes in many forms, but ultimately they all have the same ingredient...fructose. Just ask Dr. Robert H. Lustig.  He is the one that shouted out the dangers of fructose. (Check out his 90-minute lecture on the science and dangers, here.  Yes it's long, but well worth your time.)

Why is sugar bad for you? Here are 10 reasons why, that I found at Authority Nutrition:

1. Added sugar has no nutrients
2. High in fructose, which can overload your liver
3. Fructose/Liver overload can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
4. Can cause insulin resistance, leading you to Diabetes
5. Insulin resistance can lead to Type II Diabetes
6. Sugar can give you Cancer
7. Due to the effects of Hormones and the Brain, it has fat promoting effects
8. Sugar is highly addictive
9. Sugar is a leading contributor to obesity
10. It's the SUGAR that raises your cholesterol and give you Heart Disease

Make a reminder note, put it on your refrigerator or your pantry/cabinet door.  

All the added sugar is added trouble to our body. It's the worst ingredient in The Diet. Period.

This is why I try to have 95% of my daily eating as a RAW food diet.  I'm not perfect, heaven knows, but I do good in trying to keep my body healthy with what I put into it.  I crave sweet smoothies or a pear or a bunch of strawberries with almond butter and toppings.  I feel healthily satisfied.

This is the sugar I crave! 

So think about it, the next time you want to shove that Twinkie or heavily processed sugary food into your mouth.  It's going to places in your body, to make you unhealthy.  Hey, I like to be blunt! 

Treat yourself good.  Read up! Eat healthy! 

The Coconut Pull

A month ago I posted,  Pulling for Me.  For those of you that don't know what Oil Pulling is, it's when you take a teaspoon or two of oil, I prefer coconut, and swish it around your mouth for up to 20 minutes a day. The benefits are described as follows:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

I can't relate to any of the above 'cures' or supposed benefits above.  I do have sinus issues, and I haven't seen any difference there.  My vision surely hasn't improved :(  I won't bore you.

What I DID notice, while being this Pulling Fool, was the whitening of my teeth!  I am so excited to report my pearls have become pearly white!  Sorry I didn't do a before and after but, believe me, it did work. I've used the strips, and they work well but leave my teeth sensitive. Since most mornings I do have the time to swish around for 20 minutes, I'll keep this up many days during each week.  It's cheaper and more effective.

While I can't personally claim all the great benefits of Pulling being touted, I'll hope that all of the above and below (if and when relevant), become closer to the possible.

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

In the mean time, I'll be very satisfied with my whiter teeth,

Pulling Fool!

Well, I don't have an April Fool's joke to pull on you. Yes, today is April Fool's! Does anyone ever really remember this day? Usually I do a day or two later.  It's a strange day, and I can't remember anyone ever trying to fool me with anything drastically crazy in the past. Not that I can recall anyway.

However, I do have an update on my Oil Pulling, no fooling! 

I have mostly been using coconut oil.  One day I used walnut, then realized it was toasted.  Not a good idea.  So I've stuck with coconut because I really like the light-subtle taste. Especially for first thing in the morning, prior to anything else. I only do this once per day.  I've read others doing it twice per day. Personal choice. I am happy to report that I haven't had any gag sessions, or gross experiences.  NOTE: Don't try to talk while pulling, you will dribble and possibly let out some drops on your shirt or floor!  Yes, I did that. 

TEETH

Although I haven't taken before/after photos of my teeth to show-off, I have seen a difference in them in these past two weeks of pulling.  I am very happy to report that, so I'm hoping for whiter in another two weeks.  I wish I could see, or feel a difference elsewhere, like in the list below. (This was in my original post.)  It would be great if it helped with bloating! Do I hear a 'heck yeah' from my girls? Maybe I didn't focus on these areas.  Maybe they seem too 'unrealistic'? They say some people have experienced these changes, so I'm going to stay positive and try to pay more attention to some of the items.  I'll keep you posted!

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms


Do you have a good April Fool's story? Given or received?
Would love to read about them in comments, below. 

Happy Foolin' Around :) 

Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie

This is a great dish.
I like to say hearty at times, and my hubster makes fun of me.

As I read the blurb in the Detox Book, Kim says it's a hearty dish.  I am vindicated!
Although the hubster didn't enjoy this dish, I most certainly did.
Maybe I need to put chocolate in his dish next time :)

It looks like a lot of work, but it is very simple.  You are mainly chopping everything up and adding the spices, top it off with sweet potatoes and there you have it.  A pie.

Here are the ingredients:

Coconut oil, for greasing the pan

3 large sweet potatoes, chopped into thirds (you can peel if you'd like)

1/2 cup almond milk

Sea salt, to taste

Ground black pepper, to taste

2 tbs + 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth, divided

1 cup onions

1 clove garlic, minced

1 cup celery

1 1/4 cups peeled and diced carrots

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

Kernels from 2 ears of corn (I used frozen)

1 1/4 tsp fresh thyme leaves

2 tsp minced fresh rosemary

1 tbs arrowroot starch

1/4 cup Ener-G egg replacer, mixed with very hot water

Nutmeg, optional 

Directions:

Lightly grease 2-qt glass casserole dish with coconut oil. 

In large saucepan, boil your sweet potatoes. I actually use the individual sweet potatoes to toss in the microwave. Call me a cheater. If you've boiled them, drain and place in a large mixing bowl; mash lightly. I left the skin on, yummy! Add the almond milk and blend with hand mixer on medium, until smooth and fluffy.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Heat 2 tbs of vegetable broth in large skillet over medium heat. I found I needed more as I went along cooking the onions first until translucent. Then add garlic and cook another minute. Add celery, peas, carrots, corn thyme and rosemary. Increase heat to med-high. In a small bowl whisk together the the remaining veggie broth and arrowroot until smooth, and add to the skillet. When the mixture gets close to boiling, immediately reduce heat. Add sea salt and black pepper to season to taste. Remove from heat, stir in the egg replacer mixture. 

Pour veggie mixture into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish, spread evenly across bottom. Spoon sweet potato mix over the vegies, spreading to cover all the way to the edges.  Sprinkle the top with nutmeg, if desired.  

Bake in preheated oven at 375, until the top is slightly brown, about 40 minutes.  Allow to rest 20 minutes before serving.

I really enjoyed this dish.  I used to make it with my faux meat, but this is so much better.  The popping of the corn kernels and peas, with the sweet potatoes is a fulfilling dish! 

Enjoy!

Pulling For Me!

I'm pulling for me! Day 3.

Do you know what "Oil Pulling" is?  It's when you take a teaspoon or two of oil, I prefer coconut oil, and swish it around your mouth for up to 20 minutes a day. Crazy, right?

The benefits you ask? It's said bacteria is literally pulled into the oil. So spit that stuff out when your done. Makes sense, right? All the bacteria and toxins start in the mouth. Oh, and it is claimed to whiten teeth!  I like that, and I'm game to try.

I've read so much hype on this oil pulling to be a healthy thing, I'm interested.  Who doesn't want to be healthy? I'm always looking to better myself and my health. 

I've stumbled on this over many places of the internet and magazines.
However, it all started here:

One of my favorite blogs that I stumbled upon when I first started blogging. Cutie-pie Erin over there, has her act together.  She has the answers to the most FAQ's and shares her own one-month experience with Oil Pulling. (Do check out more on her blog than just the oil pulling.) 

So I decided on coconut oil, because I love the smell and the flavor.  I warm it up to melt a little before putting it into my mouth.  Maybe I'll try Sesame or Walnut oil tomorrow.  Change it up. 

I've read the following, here. Food Matters, also has info on the different oils and their benefits.

First, the oils mix with the saliva, turning it into a thin, white liquid. Lipids in the oils begin to pull out toxins from the saliva. As the oil is swished around the mouth, teeth, gums and tongue, the oil continues to absorb toxins, and usually ends up turning thick and viscous and white. Once the oil has reached this consistency, it is spit out before the toxins are reabsorbed.

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for oral health include:

• Overall strengthening of the teeth and gums and jaws
• Prevention of diseases of the gums and mouth, such as cavities and gingivitis
• Prevention for bad breath
• Potential holistic remedy for bleeding gums
• Prevention of dryness of the lips, mouth and throat
• Possible holistic treatment for TMJ and general soreness in the jaw area

Other possible benefits of oil pulling for overall health include:

• Migraine headache relief
• Correcting hormone imbalances
• Reducing inflammation of arthritis
• May help with gastro-enteritis
• Aids in the reduction of eczema
• May reduce symptoms of bronchitis
• Helps support normal kidney function
• May help reduce sinus congestion
• Some people report improved vision
• Helps reduce insomnia
• Reduced hangover after alcohol consumption
• Aids in reducing pain
• Reduces the symptoms of allergies
• Helps detoxify the body of harmful metals and organisms

I also stumbled upon The Wellness Mama! Lots of healthy food and healthy information on this blog. So happy I stumble on it, and have been stalking it for two days.

A simple 'how to':

- 1 - 2 tsp of organic oil, your preference
- Swish around for 20 minutes, first thing in the morning, prior to any drinking or food
- Spit into paper cup, tin, trash can. Don't test your septic for this stuff!
- Rinse your mouth well with warm water, brush if desired
- Brush to remove any remaining bacteria, or oil

So check it out for yourself, if your interested.  Google it, read it, do it!  For your health. 

Notes: DON'T SWALLOW! Be sure to spit that stuff out! You don't want to swallow the bacteria. Spit into the garbage, you don't want to clog the drain either.  

I'll be checking back next week with any changes I may see in my oil pulling experience.  
It's all the rage! 

(Side note to Kristi, I'll be back.)

Pulling for you,

Beet Leaf Smoothie

I've been in the experimenting mood trying some new greens, and a new one is beet tops.  The taste really isn't overpowering, I'm not really tasting anything distinguishing as they mix together with all my ingredients.  This one is a nice sweet tasting treat!

When I make my smoothies, I really don't measure much but the chia, hemp and flax.
Here is a guesstimate of my Beet Leaf Smoothie!

2 cups coconut water
1 cup filtered water
6-10 leaves from raw organic beets
2 c fresh spinach leaves
3 stalks celery, flower tops included
1/2 small lemon, peeled
1 small green apple
2 c frozen blueberries
1 c frozen pineapple
2 tbsp hemp seed
1 tbsp chia seed

I always load my liquids first, then greens and heavy pieces on top to help weigh it all down for a nice smooth blending. Using my vitamin, I turn the dial to smoothie and let it run it's automated course. Otherwise, start at 1 and slowly increase to 10 speed. Turn on high for 40-minutes.  If you have a regular blender, blend greens with liquids first, then add lemon and apple with dry ingredients, then add frozen.  Seems to blend easier that way, from my experience.

Enjoy!

Vanilla Lime Green Smoothie!

Another Smooth Move

Today's smoothie is inspired by my Blender Babes.  I've changed it up due to not consuming dairy, and made my own vanilla chia pudding as a yogurt replacement. Which by the way, is a great breakfast treat, or snack alone with some fruit and/or nuts! Yum.

(The original Blender Babes recipe is at the end of this post, enjoy!)

Vanilla Lime Green Smoothie 

1/2 cup vanilla chia pudding
1 cup spinach leaves, packed
2 tsp honey
1/2 frozen banana (I always have many frozen on hand)
2 tbs fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup vanilla almond milk, unsweetened
5 ice cubes

I placed all ingredients in my Vitamix, turned on the smoothie button, and let her rip!

Doesn't this look fabulous! 

This was so smooth and light, it deserved a fancy martini glass!  That's exactly how I devoured it this morning. Yum!  I wish I had made more, and probably will for later :) Thanks Babes!

For the Chia Pudding:

1/3 cup chia seeds

1- 1/2 cups of your choice non-dairy milk, almond, soy, coconut, etc.

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2 tbs raw coconut nectar, maple syrup (Make thin to blend easier)

Put all ingredients together and shake vigorously.  Let chill for at least 4-hours, or overnight.

Here is the Blender Babes version:

Apple Dandelion Green Smoothie

I AM, a smoothie junkie. It's my morning tradition. I snack on them during the day when I'm craving a 'not so good' snack. Take them on the run. I make tons of this stuff!

Many friends have been asking for smoothie recipes.  Rather than bore them with my traditional, I went web searching for others to try, and share.  Today brings me to the Apple Dandelion Green Smoothie.

10 Reasons You Should Use Dandelion Greens 

Since I just introduced myself to dandelion greens, I thought this would be a good place to start. Don't get too mad at these pesky weeds, they do have a great health benefit.

This was delicious! 

Here are the ingredients that I found on Healthy Smoothie HQ. Check out the website for more info.

- 1 cup water (I used coconut water)

- 1 apple, cored and diced

- 1 cup dandelion greens

- 1/2 fresh or frozen banana

- 1/2 lemon, peeled and seeded

-  A little honey, stevia, or maple syrup to sweeten (I used fresh strawberries I had frozen)

Add some chia seed, flax seed, and/or hemp seed for more nutrition.  You can also add coconut flakes or more of your favortie green, as well as your protein powder.  

If you are new to green smoothies and just starting to test them out, you might want the sweeteners added.  I don't mind the green taste, but I do have my limits at times.  I prefer to use sweet fresh fruits for my sweetener.  When I run out, I'll use a few drops of liquid stevia.

Have a smooth day!

Dandelion Green Smoothie!

It has been for-ev-er since I've posted anything significant, or worth reading and tweeting and Instagram'ing. So today, I'm posting my morning tradition, My Green Smoothie! I haven't shared many, so I hope you try this one.  It sure is yummy!

Ingredients:

12 oz coconut water
1 cup water (optional)

2 stalks celery

1/2 a lemon (peeled, seeded)

4-6 stalks dandelion (new ingredient for me)

1/2 - 1 head/bunch romaine
1 small green apple

1 hand-full spinach

1 banana (frozen)

1 cup strawberries (frozen)

1 tbs flax meal

1 tbs hemp seed

1 tbs chia seed (the more seeds, the merrier :)

I always just throw things in. Never really measuring, so I put approximates up for you.  The greener the better for me, and I like to taste it before putting in the sweet stuff like banana or strawberries.  My fruit is frozen to give it the instant chill, otherwise I'll refrigerate for an hour or so.

The results, just YUM!

Smoothies are good to me if they're thick, thin, green tasting or fresh fruit sweetened.  As you can see, I always make enough for several snacks as well!

Spring Rolls In

Nope, sorry, not that Spring, but fingers crossed for a miracle soon! 

I have this recipe for these delicious Asian Cucumber Spring Rolls from my Beauty Detox Recipes book. You've heard it here before. My yum-yum guide. 

This needed to be tweaked a little because I didn't have all the ingredients. Though the hubster was kind enough to pick some things up at the store.

Instead of clover sprouts, I got a jar of whole cloves. I have noooo clue, you figure that one out.

Annnnd...instead of Raw Coconut Nectar, I got a bag of shredded coconut.  Have to give him some credit on that one. Oh, I'll use it…among the 5 other bags I have. Hey, the hubster tried, right? :)

So I used arugula rather than clovers, and a small amount of honey, rather than nectar. Could have used Agave, but I hear that's not so good anymore. I also shredded the carrots to make it a softer bite. The cucumbers sure were a challenge to slice thin, for rolling.  After a couple of tries, I made them like sandwiches.  Same end-result.  I made too much of the 'sauce', and it came out thicker than I'd like.  Probably because I doubled the ingredients, I always make too much, and I also let it mix too long in the Vitamix.  The outcome though, was yummy.  Great flavor for the roll-up! 

These are my results, not too shabby right?  They were very tasty.  The hubster even loved them.

Here's the full recipe and directions:

1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 Tbs grated ginger
2 Tbs lemon juice
1/2 tsp + 1/4 tsp sea salt
2 Tbs raw coconut nectar
1/4 cup raw macadamia nuts, pulsed in processor (do not over process, keep some texture)
3/4 Tbs sesame oil
2 organic cucumbers
A few handfuls of clover sprouts :)
1 cup julienned carrots (I shredded for softer bite)

Put almond butter, ginger, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt and coconut nectar in blender and process until smooth. Pour into bowl and set aside. (You can easily whisk, if you don't have a blender. Next time, I would just whisk.)

Pulse the macadamia nuts in processor and add to bowl.  Mix in the sesame oil and remaining sea salt, set aside.

Slice the cucumbers with a mandolin (I do not have one) into very thin, long strips.

Assemble rolls by adding a bit of the almond butter mixture about 1/3 of the way up the cucumber slice, and top with a bit of macadamia nuts mixture. Add a trace of sprouts and carrots, and just roll with it!

Yum factor!!

Note: If you are slicing cucumbers by hand and they are too thick, soak them in about 3 Tbs of lemon juice overnight, to help soften them for rolling.  I was too lazy to do that and wanted them NOW! 

Enjoy,

New Year, New You!

Happy New Year!  

I know, I know, I'm a bit late.  As the old saying goes, "better late, than never". 

Well, the holidays got me backed up for a couple of weeks.  All the decorating and wrapping, then the visits and cooking and baking.  Not to mention the clean up!  Oh, you all know what I'm talking about.  So I'll stop making excuses.  I'm finally posting this and I'll get on with it!

With the New Year, comes new resolutions and changes for many of us.  Some will fall through the cracks, not being able to fit more time into our busy schedules.  Like anything we want to change of ourselves, we need to focus and make the time.  Easier said than done, right?  Yes.

In this post I'm mainly talking about, 'dieting'. Eww, right?  A love-hate relationship. No one likes to, or should play the yo-yo game with diet plans. It doesn't do your body good. Personally, I think it makes things worse and takes you back to a tougher place. I've seen it happen time and again, with many friends and family.

Let's take the word ''diet' out altogether.  Let's just 'eat healthy'.  That definitely sounds easier to me. 

Although I've been lucky enough to be on the thinner side all my life, I've still had to watch what I eat. With age comes pounds, and they get harder to shed. No matter what you weigh, any additional pounds are annoying and not wanted. Agreed? 

If you've followed me enough, you'll know I am pro-RAW eating.  I'm not perfect, I fall off the wagon. A lot.  Especially around the holidays like many of us, the cookies, some healthy some not so healthy.  My pumpkin pie, not sure I can change it to the RAW side.  That's one great-grandmother recipe I'm not messing with :)  So, as much as I'm RAW 80% of the time, I am moving slowly toward the 100%.  I may never get there, but I will get closer to 95%.  I just know it's better for my health.

How do I know? My body tells me. I feel it.  I see it, in my skin.  The bloating face and tummy vs. not bloating. We all get it.  I like my martini now and then, and a glass of wine.  I had a bit too much over the holidays and 'I see it'.  I don't like it.  Since this past Sunday, I have gone smoothie-city!  With the help of:

Blender Babes They hold your hand (Tarashaun is wonderful), and help you live a Lifestyle, not a 'diet'. Right now they have a great green smoothie challenge & juice detox for you to follow.  Check out the Babes.

The Beauty Detox Foods This book helps you slowly go to the RAW side.  The recipes are delish!

Forks Over Knives More yummy recipes. I need to live by this book more, I've rarely used it.

Check them all out, to see which is best for you. Starting slow is key, to any change in your life. Taking the steps at your pace to healthier eating will bring you healthy results.  Try it.  You can have your junk day, or weekend.  Or do a healthy day, every other day, or every two days.  Remember~ your choices, your schedule, your results.

Let it be known, I am not receiving any compensation for these mentions. I'm sharing my personal experience of eating RAW and doing green smoothies every day, seeing/feeling my own personal results. I'm sharing those that have helped me stay on my healthy track.  Plus, there is so much FREE information on these sites as well, information on healthy eating for a healthier you. 

In the new year, make healthier choices in all areas of your life.

Since putting this together, there have been many things happening in my daily life.  I have a lot going on.  Fixing up a house to move my mother here from Florida; trying to find the time to go pack her up and move her here to PA.  Dealing with houses that have frozen/broken pipes that have flooded. The New Year has started off with a bang!  I've neglected my bloggesses and visiting their blog spaces, but will get back to it as often as I can.  I'll be posting as much as I can, still trying to find my niche, haha, but please be patient as I 'get my act together to try and remain positive' through it all.  

Banana, Cashew, Creamy Pops, RAW Dessert

You are going to love me for this recipe!  The hubster loved it, even the college kid loved it more (that says a lot), and I loved it.  So good and so easy.  I have to thank my Blender Babes for this one. 

Banana and Cashew Cream Ice Pops

They were dipped in chocolate, and then in coconut and almonds.  You can use any topping you'd like. 

I used different molds.  The one above was a huge helping, even the hubster ate it in two sittings. 

So, here's the scoop!

Ingredients

2 cups raw cashews, soaked for a minimum of 4-hours, drained and rinsed

1 large or 2 small bananas (I used 1 1/2 large)

3 Tbs honey (I used raw coconut nectar)

1 Tbs vanilla paste

pinch salt

3/4 cup to 1-cup of water (careful not to use too much and become watery)

200 grams 70% or higher couverture chocolate (I used 60% and it was great)

2 Tbs coconut oil 

shredded raw coconut

chopped raw almonds

Directions

Combine cashews, banana, honey, vanilla, salt and 3/4 cups water in blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and free of any lumps. 

Slowly add the remaining water until you achieve desired consistency. (Be wary of too much water.)

Pour the cashew mixture into ice cream molds and freeze 2-hours. If you don't have molds, use paper cups and fill 1/4 of the way, believe me, that will be plenty for one treat!

Decorate/Toppings

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler and add the coconut oil.  Stir and quickly dip your ice pops into the chocolate, followed by the coconut or chopped almonds. Serve immediately. 

This recipe makes 3 cups. 

I used a Vitamix, slowly increasing to 10, then high for 30-seconds.  It was perfect consistency, and I used 1/2-cup of water.