It's a Busy Time of Year!

It's been a very busy couple of weeks and I haven't had time to play in my raw kitchen :(.

Making the usual green smoothies for breakfast this morning I decided to make something more festive.  
Transforming one my best friends favourite holiday drink into a green smoothie that I too can enjoy.  The best part of this is that I can have this every morning....guilt free!  :))

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Almond & Hemp Christmas Nog

12 raw almonds
1 heaping tablespoon hemp hearts
1 handful deveined kale
2 medjool dates, pitted
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom or 2 small pods
2 1/2 cups water

Add all ingredients into a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

Pour into your favourite glass and enjoy!

I Can See You More Clearly...Seriously

Anybody that knows me personally knows that I've worn glasses for driving since I was 16.  About six months ago I started to notice that things were not right when I put on my glasses.  Since it was summer at the time I thought it was because I was squinting.  Shortly after that I just put on sunglasses and found that I could see better without glasses than with.

I was questioning why was this happening. My eyes were getting worse and worse each visit I made to the optometrist.  How could this be that I can now see better without my glasses.  I kept telling my husband that something weird was going on.

I posted on FB a few months ago that I ran into my optometrist in the hair salon and we were talking about my raw food diet, blog, and workshops.  I just happened to mention that I had noticed a big change in my eye sight over the past few months.  Her response at the time was of course of concern and I should set up an appointment, which I already had.  She then proceeded to say that rich levels of lutein found in green leafy vegetables, like kale and spinach, help prevent macular degeneration. Omega 3's  in hemp hearts, flax seeds, and chia are very beneficial as well.

Well, to make a long story short, my findings were correct.  I could not believe it, when my optometrist told me I could leave my distance glasses behind. I still require a mild prescription to read, but am so thrilled not to have to wear them while driving or playing tennis or even hiking!

Doing some research today, I have discovered that there have been many posts of others who have found the same thing.

RAWsome!

Fresh Pomegranate Juice ~ Just Can't Get Enough!

As the title states, I just can't seem to get enough pomegranates.  I love juicing them and add a little of that ruby juice to my smoothies.

I came up with this little plan.  I'm trying to take advantage of the fact that I can find this fruit readily  everywhere right now. So every week I have been buying a few, juicing them and then freezing the juice into cubes.

Then whenever I feel like having some, I can pop of few cubes out of the freezer and add the juice to my desserts, dressings or smoothies.

Pomegranate goes well well with ginger so this morning's smoothie consisted of:

1 handful of deveined kale
1 heaping teaspoon hemp hearts
2 Pomegranate cubes, approximately 1/4 cup juice
1/2 inch fresh ginger root
1 1/2 cups filtered water
12 raw almonds

So delicious and hits the spot!

Fresh Pomegranate Juice
Ready for Freezing

Divinely Green Smoothie

I was inspired this week by the bowl of persimmons sitting on my counter.

Did you know that Disopyros kaki where known as the “Fruit of the Gods” to the ancient Greeks?  Therefore, I decided to appropriately name my smoothie Divinely Green.

Hope you enjoy this smoothie as much as I did this week!

Divinely Green~Persimmon Smoothie

1 Jiro persimmon
1 handful of baby organic spinach
1 cup coconut water
1 tablespoon hemp hearts

Place all ingredients into your blender and blend until creamy and smooth. If it is too thick add more coconut water to thin.

From my kitchen to yours, have a rawk’n good weekend!

Kaki~Rediscovering this Amazing Fruit

Kaki

Kaki on the window sill is my first memory of having this fruit as a young girl.  Only available around this time of year, it was a great surprise when my dad would come home with a few in his shopping bag after doing the weekly shop.

Patiently my brother and I would watch and wait each day until that one day that they were ripe and ready to enjoy, raw and in its natural state of pure sweetness!

My dad continued this tradition with my daughters as they were growing up as well.  Bringing back all those memories of my childhood. 

If you are not familiar with the name Kaki, you are most definitely wondering what is it?

Diospyros kaki is a wonderful fruit,  in fact it is actually a berry based on its botanical morphology, known as persimmons.  There are many varieties of this fruit. Some heart shaped (Hachiya persimmon), and others flattened and shaped more similarly to that of a tomato (Jiro persimmon). They can very in tanginess and sweetness depending on the variety due to the amount of tannins present in the fruit.

Simply raw is how I enjoy this fruit each year, loving its sweetness and firm texture allowing myself that moment to savour each bite just as I did as a young child.

Here is another way you can enjoy this wonderful berry with family and friends!

Chocolate Dipped Kaki Slices

Peal and slice kaki to 1/4 thickness and dehydrate until they are fully dried.

Dip 1/4 of the slice in raw chocolate, allow to set.

Jiro Persimmons

Raw Chocolate 
1/4 cup cocoa butter
1/4 cup agave
1/3 cup raw cocoa powder

melt cocoa butter in a double boiler, low heat
add agave slowly and allow to warm completely
add cocoa and mix until smooth and silky

Partially dip dried persimmon slices and allow to cool and set in refrigerator.

Chocolate ~ Chilis and Raw Dark Chocolate

Giving another meaning to the term "hot chocolate" in my raw food kitchen today!

Need I say more?

Nope, I really do think the picture says it all!

Today's Green Smoothie

Mangos, pomegranates, almonds, spinach...yup that can definitely make a yummy tasting smoothie!

Here is my "Whatever Green Smoothie" recipe for today!

1/2 cup fresh mango
1/2 cup fresh pomegranate juice (if you can make your own, tastes so much better than store bought)
1/2 cup water
1 large handful spinach
10 whole raw almonds
4 or more large ice cubs

Blend everything together until smooth, top with pomegranate seeds and enjoy!

Keep rawk'n it !
Fortunata

Tis Pomegranate Season!

Pomegranates are in season!

An amazing superfood that can be enjoyed in sweet and savoury recipes or eaten as is!

How ever you have them they are pure goodness and the health benefits that go with consuming them are not too shabby either!

Seeded and all ready to go!

Here are 3 ways you can get your Pom in today!

Purely Pomegranate Juice (left),
Pomegranate Zinger (middle),
Pomegranate Vinaigrette (right)

Purely Pomegranate Juice
Title says it all doesn't it.  Seed and juice 1 pomegranate and enjoy!

Pomegranate Zinger
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1" slice of fresh ginger
1/2 cup soaked almonds
2 small apples (royal gala or other of your choice)

Pass the above through juicer starting with almonds first, followed by ginger, pomegranate seeds and apples.

Pour and enjoy!

Pomegranate Vinaigrette
1/3 cup Pomegranate Zinger
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2-1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
a dash of salt and some fresh cracked black pepper

Blend well and enjoy over fresh field green salad sprinkled with a few pomegranate seeds and chopped walnuts.

Have a rawk'n Friday Everyone!

Sharing My Raw Food Passion~Special Thank You!

This past weekend I held my first raw food workshop and it was just such an amazing experience that I just had to share it with you!

The workshop was held in my personal kitchen and dining area.  Unfortunately I do not have any pictures to share for I was busy helping and teaching at the same time.

We made everything from breakfast items right through to sweet treats.  The bonus was that everyone had their hand in making, sampling and then taking them home to share with family and friends.   

The feedback so far has been phenomenal!!!!!

Thank you to all those who attended my first workshop and for making it such an amazing experience!  

Keep rawk'n it in your kitchen!

The Raw Food Yogini,
Fortunata

Mint & Chocolate: What's Not to Love? Continued!

Love early mornings as they allow for some "me" time and for my creative juices to flow.

With the holidays approaching I really want to be able to put something raw on a dessert table that isn't a brownie or a cake, even thought I really like both of these.

I mentioned the other day that there is nothing better than the combination of mint and chocolate!    Keeping those two flavours in mind I headed into my kitchen and using what I had available I came up with this recipe for Raw Mint Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies.

Mint Chocolate Pinwheel Cookies

11/2 cup almond meal, left over from making almond milk and not dehydrated
1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted (6-8 dates)
1/4 cup binding mix (binding mix: 3 parts yellow flax seeds, 1 part chia seeds, milled together)
1/4 cup agave nectar

Process all together until dough like consistency.

Divide dough in half.

Peppermint dough:
Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract
Process until well combined.

Dark Chocolate Dough:
Add 1/4 cup raw cocoa (1/3 raw cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavour)
2 tablespoons agave nectar
2-4 drops peppermint extract
Process until well combined.

On dehydrator sheet spread dark chocolate layer and shape into a square approximately 1/4 inch thick.
Then shape peppermint dough to about the same thickness.  Place on top of chocolate layer and press gently together.  Smoothing as you go to thin out both layers together until thin enough to roll.

Roll and into tight log, place in freezer until firm (approximately 30 minutes), cut into 1/4 inch slices.
Place onto dehydrator sheet and gently shape them.

Dehydrate at 145° 1 hour.
Transfer from paraflex sheet onto dehydrator tray for even dehydration.
Turn temperature down to 110-118° for and additional 14 hours or until desired texture is obtained.

Note: I glazed the cookies with a small amount of agave half way through the dehydrating process to achieve a deep dark glossy look in the second picture! 

Mint & Chocolate: What's Not to Love?

One of my favourite combinations of flavours are mint and chocolate.  Love the fresh taste of mint in one of my favourite treats, chocolate.

Every so often and only at this time of year I do indulge in a peppermint mocha soy latte. To satisfy my mint chocolate craving I set out into my kitchen this morning to make my own version...

Peppermint Mocha Almond Latte

1 cup almond milk
Dash of vanilla
1 tsp agave (or more)
1 heaping tablespoon raw cocoa
2 drops peppermint extract or fresh mint to taste
2 drops of coffee extract

Blend until warm in a vitamix or on your stove top until it is warm to the touch.

Pure happiness and a fraction of the cost of a latte at the coffee shop!

Staying Raw During the Holidays

Everywhere I look there is a reminder that the holidays are fast approaching and for some they are already here as they make their way to office parities and such.

Keeping on the low and trying to stay raw at this time of year can be very difficult for me and maybe for you too.  My family and friends are big on making sweet treats for the holidays and some of my favourite savoury dishes too.

So how do you get around it?

I'm planning to continue eating 80% raw this holiday by following these simple guidelines that I put together for myself.

Here are My Staying Raw for the Holiday Guidelines

• Never go to a party hungry, have a nice big raw salad before you leave so that all the cooked comfort foods do not tempt you.
• Bring your own raw treats and while everyone is enjoying the yule log, you are enjoying and staying raw by having your own dessert.  In fact bring some to the party so that you can share with your non raw friends.  You would be surprised on how quickly they will go.
• Cocktail party no worries, make a batch of your favourite Raw cocktail by mixing fresh juices and berries with your favourite kambucha, add some sparkling water and enjoy.  
• Nori rolls, stuffed mushrooms, cucumber rolls, and so much more can be made and brought as appetizers.
• Offer to make and bring the salad and/or the veggie platter to your party and make your favourite raw dip to share with friends and family

Here is one of my favourite seasonal treat for the holidays!

Walnut Stuffed Figs

12 dried figs

12 walnut halves

Raw Honey or Agave
Cinnamon

Cut figs in half and place a walnut half on each half, warm in your dehydrator or for a few minutes in your conventional oven (at the lowest setting) before serving, place on your favourite holiday dish or platter, drizzle with a small amount of raw honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

FIELD TRIP!

I don't go shopping very often but today is the day I have to go pick up my supplies for a workshop that I'm holding next weekend.

My list is vast, but I'm sure I will find what I need.

I'm on a mission with my husband and daughter to find everything on my list!

I'm so excited about this workshop. It is my first and I am a bit nervous!  It's a unique workshop for it will be hands on.  I have a great group of women signed up and ready to try their hands on making raw food! Some have tried raw food others are just curious and would like to know more.  They will get right in there with me in my raw food kitchen as we make everything from hemp milk to raw lasagna! I have a feeling it's going to be noisy in my kitchen but it is going to be a whole lot of fun.   :D

The added perk....they get to take it all home with them so they have wholesome raw meals for the next few days!

Oh man, I wish I had an opportunity to take this workshop when I first started getting interested in raw food. It would have made life a bit easier and there probably would have been less waste as some of the recipes I tried where pure flops!

First yoga, then off I go on my shopping adventure!

Simple Hemp Creams

Smooth and creamy and ideal to top off your favourite raw desserts or as the cream in a raw Rose sauce for your zucchini spaghetti.

I prefer to make a small amount to be used up in a couple of days.

Here are a couple of suggestions for you!

Simple Hemp Cream
1/4 cup raw hemp hearts
1/2 cup filtered water

Blend in your high speed blender until smooth and creamy, filter through nut milk bag and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake as cream may separate during storage.

The following are great creams to top your favourite raw desserts 

Strawberry Cream
1/3 cup raw hemp hearts
3-4 fresh ripe strawberries
1/3 cup filtered water
1 tbsp agave
1 tsp vanilla

Blend and filter through nut milk bag

Cinnamon Cream
add 1/2 tsp cinnamon to Simple Cream recipe
1 tbsp agave

Great for raw apple desserts

Maple Cream
1/4 cup raw hemp hearts
1/4 filtered water

Blend and filter through nut milk bag

Add and mix in 1/8-1/4 cup maple syrup



From my raw food kitchen to yours!
Fortunata

Incorporate More Raw into Your Day with Ease!

Home, after taking a mini break to visit my dear cousin in Phoenix, Arizona.

During my visit I introduced her to raw food and how to incorporate raw eating into her day with ease so that it becomes a lifestyle change and not a "diet".

Easy, baby steps, will get you going!

• Incorporate kale into your mixed greens and enjoy a big helping with simple dressings for lunch or as a side at diner.
• Be creative and try a new vegetable into your salad, or use it in something that you normally would make, for example; jicama in your nori rolls instead of cooked rice.
• Breakfast fruit bowls with your favourite seasonal fruits, nuts, seeds, dried fruits such as raisins or dates. Top off with a nut butter of your choice and enjoy.
• Add some green into your smoothies, spinach, romaine lettuce, kale...what ever you have on hand!
• Make your own sprouts or just buy them and add them onto what ever is on your plate.

Start here and who knows where it will take you!

Raw Travel Snack

Packing my bag and getting ready to take a small trip to visit family for a few days!

As a snack for the flight I'm packing myself some raw pecans, almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins and of course a few organic chocolate covered almonds, just for any chocolate cravings that may hit on the flight.

But first off to teach my Sunday afternoon yoga class!

Ciao for now!

Have a Raw-some Friday!

Kick off your Friday with this great Choco-nutty Green Smoothie.

Recipe:
1 large handful organic baby spinach
1 cup almond milk
1 tsp vanilla (optional)
2 tsp organic raw cocoa powder (more if you really like a deep chocolate flavour)
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
1/2 cup frozen cherries

Add all ingredients into a blender, blend until smoothie and enjoy!

Raw Polenta - Success!

Getting up early in the morning, always in some way or another, seems to get my creative juices flowing.  When I worked in research it was those early morning commutes and times in my office where I battled the issues from the day before and how to overcome them.

This morning after weeks of battling how in the world can I make a raw polenta without using my stove I went into my kitchen and let instinct take over.

I wish I can share this recipe with you right now!  It will have to wait until I test drive it a few more times to make sure that it will work for you too!

Here is a couple of pictures of the final product!

As you can see it is thick and creamy, just like polenta should be! Can't wait to top it off with some yumminess for todays lunch!

 

Love How Good I Feel. How about you?

I just love how good I feel when eating and maintaining a raw food diet.  As I mentioned in previous posts that my diet consists of 80% raw pretty much most of the time with odd days being 100% raw.  On occasion I will not have a raw day at all and I do pay the price for it the next day.  Feeling lethargic and heavy and not happy in my tummy.

The 80% raw and 20% cooked just seems to work for me best.  I'm a bit curious about my readers and would love to hear about what works for you?

So please comment below and tell me about your raw food diet and how you feel.

I know you are out there!

Cheers!

Why Did I Wait This Long?

Ever since I started eating raw I have always purchased my almond milk due to the lack of owning a nut milk bag and I guess time too.

I have looked for nut milk bags at our local health food store before with no success and the only place I've seen them is at other whole foods stores that are not so local. So unless I was going in that direction.....

On Friday, during my weekly shop, I looked again but could not find them on the shelves.  While checking out I asked the cashier if she knew if they had any.  She said are you looking for these as she walked over to a table and area of the store that I don't always go to and picked up a bag.  YES!

I purchased two one for making nut milks and the other perhaps for sprouting very small seeds.  Love my small sprouter but when it comes to small tiny seeds they just go right through the strainer.  I've read that they are great for sprouting as well.

I soaked my nuts over night...I just had to say that ☺ and this morning I'm going to be making my first homemade batch of almond milk. To peal or not to peal that is the question...I'm going with not peeling the almonds to gain the most flavour.

Raw Almond Milk
1 cup almonds soaked overnight
3 cups filtered water
1 medjool date for a touch of sweetness (optional)

Place all ingredients into a high speed blender, blend, strain through a nut milk bag and enjoy.

OH my what a difference....Don't know why I waited so long to make my own!

Wrap It Up Please!

Love my salads but when I can wrap them up and eat them with my fingers I like them even more!

Bet you would shock the server at your favourite Thai restaurant if you asked this question!

Thai Mango and Cabbage Salad to go please, and can you make it a "wrap"?

Oh and a side of something zesty to dip them in too!

Mango and Cabbage Salad Wrap with Zesty Peanut Dipping Sauce

Mango & Cabbage Salad Warps
1/4 green cabbage, shredded
1/4 red cabbage, shredded
1 whole green mango, julienne
1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 large red or orange sweet pepper, thinly sliced
handfull of cilantro, chopped
Rice paper rounds to wrap

Zesty Peanut Dipping Sauce
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
1 lime juiced
1 or 2 pinches of cayenne pepper
1-2 tsp agave, to taste
Himalayan salt, to taste
Filtered water to thin out to a dipping sauce consistency

Makes 10-12 wraps

1 Creamy Pineapple Coconut Green Smooth to Go Please!

If you haven't already guessed, I love my green smoothies.  Especially on a crazy busy day where I don't really have any time to sit around and enjoy breakfast at the dining table.

Smoothies are a great way to get a lot of fruits and veggies in right away.  Nutrient dense and satisfying.

This morning my smoothie to go was a Creamy Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie that was light and filling and really made my drive into town so much more enjoyable.

Here is the recipe for you to enjoy as well!

Creamy Pineapple Coconut Green Smoothie

1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple 

1 cup or large handful organic baby spinach

2 cup plain almond milk

1 tsp (heaping) chia seeds soaked

1 tsp coconut butter not oil

Place all ingredients in your blender and blend until smooth and creamy!

Yum!

Start Your Day with Lemon Water

I just finished a 3 day raw food cleanse and feeling great!

I noticed the last time and really confirmed it this time through my cleanse that lemon water in the morning is quite refreshing, clean and purifying. I really don't know why I didn't keep this practice going from the last time but I plan to do so from now on.

I only used room temperature water and I think that is the main thing for me because I really don't like ice cold water.  On a cold morning, which today it isn't, I will warm the water and it is quite nice.

I have noticed by just starting my day with 32 oz of lemon water that it sets the precedence for my day.  Becoming more aware of what I am eating and making choices that will serve my body and not necessarily my cravings.  Making a big difference in my energy level and in my yoga practice.

Here are a few reasons why you should start your day with lemon water:

• Boosts your immune system
• Aids in digestion
• Balances pH
• Acts as a gentle natural laxative
• Helps with weight loss

Raw Polenta Update

I know some of you are eagerly awaiting the raw polenta recipe.

I did give it a go using organic corn meal and I have to tell you it was not pleasant.  The taste was okay but the corn meal remained gritty even when soaked heated in the dehydrator.

ah, NO!

This is the ugly when trying to develop a new recipe.  Next go around I think I'm going to use frozen organic corn kernels to see how that works out.

I'll post the results as soon as I have them.  Fingers crossed that it will be a recipe that I can share with you then.

Namaste

Thanksgiving Green Smoothie

Woke up this Thanksgiving morning to a chocolate craving.  Have no idea why, must have dreamt about chocolate without having any awareness that I did so.

To satisfy that craving I made myself a green smoothie that I think I'm going to call a Green Monkey.  Not that a monkey is green or that it loves chocolate but the banana in this smoothie and maybe the peanuts would be an awfully nice treat. And besides, it is green, the smoothie that is! :D

Green Monkey

In your high speed blender add the following ingredients:
1 ripe organic banana
1 large handful of organic baby spinach
1 cup True vanilla almond milk (Silk)
1 tbsp organic raw cacao
1 tbsp natural peanut butter

Whirl till well blended and enjoy!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheers!

Raw Polenta

Polenta is an italian word for cooked corn meal.  The dish is prepared by cooking either a fine or coarse corn meal in either a vegetable or chicken stock until it is thick and pasty.  It is then cooled, sliced and either baked or pan seared and topped with a tomato or eaten as is.

In my family polenta was only made with a vegetable stock and often we added chopped broccoli into it making a very hearty dish.  We did not add any toppings and ate it hot.  As it cooled it would thicken and my brother and I would just run our spoons over the cooled surface, scoop it up and gobbled it down.

Yesterday all my child hood memories of this dish came rushing back. While spending the day with my my mom and dad, my mom went into her garden and picked fresh broccoli crowns and tender leaves from her organic garden and made polenta for diner.  This of course was the cooked version and now I would like to create a raw version to enjoy.

Of course the raw version will require raw corn.  Fresh or frozen is the question or shall I start using an organic corn meal?

Some research is needed here for I do not know if corn meal is heated or if it is prepared with naturally dried corn then cracked or ground.

I might have to prepare my own if I want to start with a dried corn meal rather than a mash.

Stay tuned...I'll post a raw polenta recipe as soon as I can!

P&J Smoothie

Inspired by Susan's P&J smoothie recipe, I put one together this morning for breakfast and it was yummy. Tasted chocolatey without any chocolate in it! That works for me!!! :D

1 cup organic spinach
1 tbsp natural peanut butter
12 frozen black cherries
1 cup vanilla true almond milk

Whirl in a high speed blender till smooth and enjoy!

Go ahead add a spoonful of raw cocoa!  I'm going to next time!  

Raw Pumpkin Scones for Breakfast!

Served with a maple cashew cream.

H-E-A-V-E-N-L-Y!

Raw Pumpkin Scones with Maple Cashew Cream

Date and Pumpkin Scones

It's pumpkin season! Wahooo

Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin scones
Pumpkin muffins
Pumpkin soup
Pumpkin cookies

All yummy as baked versions now to make raw versions!

This morning I headed into the kitchen bright and early and made a batch of pumpkin scones.

This is what they look like before heading into the dehydrator!  Can't wait to give them a try, but I will have to wait a few more hours yet to munch on these babies!

Raw Date & Pumpkin Scones

Have a rawsome weekend everyone!

How About a Nice Tall Glass of Pumpkin Pie!

After my morning walk I was really craving something that says fall for me!  With all the stores decked out in fall colours and pumpkins I have been craving pumpkin pie for the past few days!

On my way home I dropped by the local grocery store and picked up a pie pumpkin to experiment with.  No better way to develop a new recipe or maybe two but to simply have fun in the kitchen.

A little thought, some exploring in my cupboards, using my trusty vitamix (high speed blender) I whipped up a green smoothie that hit the spot and satisfied my craving for one of my most favourite pies!

Here it is for you to enjoy too!

Pumpkin Pie in a Glass

2 handfuls of spinach
1 cup vanilla almond milk
1 tbsp shelled hemp hearts
1 tbsp raw pepitas
1/4-1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend (if you don't have it then add nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves to taste)
2 medium medjool dates
1/4 cup raw pie pumpkin (softened but not cooked in warm water for 20 minutes)

Blend till smooth and enjoy!

Yummm,  I think I'll have to make another one for my afternoon treat!

Pumpkin Pie Green Smoothie

Creamy Cucumber Dressing

Happy Friday Everyone!

Thought I'd share this awesome Creamy Cucumber Dressing that I made yesterday with you! 

If you like cucumbers as much as I do, you will love this very light and refreshing dressing on your salad greens and vegetables!

Enjoy!

Creamy Cucumber Dressing

1/2 cup soaked, drained cashews (soaked for 2 hours at room temperature or overnight in refrigerator)

1/4 cup shelled hemp seeds

3 inch length of english cucumber, peel and all.

6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or more to taste)

2 green onions, chopped

1 teaspoon agave

A Sprig of fresh dill. 

Filtered water to thin to desired consistency

Himalayan salt or sea salt to taste

Place all ingredients into a high speed blender and whirl to smooth.

Pour over your favourite salad fixings and enjoy!

Organic Field Green Salad with Creamy Cucumber Dressing

Holy Kale Batman!

Kale, kale, everywhere!

My hubby took a trip out to the organic farm this morning while I was teaching my power yoga class and picked up some kale for me.

Nice big box filled with beautiful crisp Kale for some awesome kale chips and kale salads!

I love kale....a few years ago you couldn't get me to even come near kale.  Now I can't stop eating it!

Did you know why kale is so good for you?

Here is the low down from the MindBodyGreen website:

Raw Food on the Go!

Wednesdays are a very busy day for me.  Lots going on and not a lot of time for food prep.

Meals on a day like to day consist simply of fruits and vegetables, nuts (almonds, walnuts), seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), and a definite must is a large green smoothie to get me through the day.

No time to waste...gotta run and make myself a nice post workout ginger spiced carrot juice!

Have a great Wednesday everyone!

Raw Food- September Reset

After 31 days of raw this past August I jumped off the raw food diet a bit more than anticipated.  :((

As in my 28 days of Raw last February I came to the same realization that 100% raw is not for me.  Kudos to those who can eat 100% raw all of the time.  

Not disappointed at all in this discovery because with everything in life balance is the key.
For me, a balanced diet is so important!

My balance is 80% raw and the other 20% cooked hardy vegetarian dishes.

Whats yours?

Day 26 of 31 Days of Total Rawness!

Enjoying a hardy bowl of raw granola with slices of bananas and apples before I hit the hiking trails this beautiful Sunday morning with a friend.

It's just been a crazy busy last couple of days and haven't really had the time to be in my raw food kitchen as much as I have wanted to be.  So yesterday I cheated a bit and enjoyed a roasted veggie sandwich while on a road trip with friends.

This week is a doozy too so I'll have to make sure to prep lots of veggies for the week and get cracking on sprouting buckwheat, lentils and other seeds.  It's quite warm these days so they won't take too long to sprout, that is for sure.

Hope you are all having an rawesome Sunday!

Day 23 of 31 Days Total Rawness

Finding it is starting to get difficult to come up with new ideas on my own as to what to eat on a particular day....but love how encouraging my hubby has been!

My fall back meal plans are usually the things that are easy to make, light but yet hardy.

Here are a list of my favourites and what I have been enjoying these past few days since my last post:

• Smoothies are a plus, especially for breakfast.  Easy to make and can throw anything in them!
• Kale Salads, light but very filling and so darn good for you too.  
• Tomato and cucumbers are a must, especially because they are in season and are the main ingredients in my Italian Tomato & Cucumber Salad!  I just brought home a few baskets of tomatoes from my parents garden that I'm going to dehydrate.  Yes...this poor little dehydrator has been working hard for me for the past few weeks! 
• Zucchini, zucchini and more zucchini! Love my zucchini spaghetti diners with either a fresh raw marinara sauce or basil pine nut pesto sauce.
• Fruit...all kinds and particularly what is in season.
• Raw crackers with guacamole! Yum
• Raw veggies with a hummus.
• Raw chili with fresh local corn!
• Almonds, walnuts, and seeds!  I think the squirrels are getting a bit jealous. ;D

What am I C R A V I N G?  A big bowl of 9 bean soup...go figure!

Hope you are having a rawsome day!

Day 20 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

I have to admit that my zucchini plant has been very good to me this year and I'm enjoying zucchini a lot over these past week or so.

For diner tonight, I'm kinda thinking that I would like to have something mexican perhaps a raw chilli or even tacos.

Yes, these are meatless and totally raw, using raw almonds as the meat and lettuce as the taco shell.

Not sure which I'm going to make for tonight but either one will definitely hit the spot!

Here are some pics that I took awhile back of both my raw tacos and chilli!

Have a totally raw day everyone!

Day 18 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Brrr, its a chilly morning here.

On mornings like this I really enjoy a bowl of sliced apples and bananas topped with almond butter, granola and a drizzle of honey!  Opps no bananas in the house so this morning so it will have to be apples!

Have a great Saturday everyone!

Quick Breakfast
1 organic apple, your choice in variety.
1 medium organic banana
1-2 tablespoons of raw almond butter
1-2 tablespoons of raw sprouted buckwheat and quinoa granola with nuts, dates, raisins.
1/2-1 teaspoon honey drizzled on top

Quick, easy and yummy!

Day 17 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

It's Friday....and today I'll be heading out to my favourite whole food market to pick up some staples for making my raw granola.  While there, I think I'm going to have to try their sunburgers. I've heard that they are really good.  I know I can make my own, but it is always nice to enjoy a truly raw meal out without.  Besides this always inspires me to make my own with my own special twist.  :o)

Have a totally rawsome Friday!

Day 16 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Half way there!  Really missing a bowl of 9 bean soup though!  That is one of the ways I get my protein in.  Unfortunately it is a cooked soup recipe so for the next 2 weeks it will have to wait as I continue on my 31 days of total rawness.

The last two days have been really busy with spending time with families as I continue to fulfil my teaching commitments.  Meals have been light and on the go.

Today things go back to normal and have a bit more time to prepare more complete raw meals.  Yay

Just checked my small garden and today there are several zucchini ready to be harvested and enjoyed.  My favourite is zucchini spaghetti with raw marinara sauce.  Last week my dehydrator was humming for several days as I dehydrated a basket of tomatoes perfect to make this marinara sauce today.

I also have some string beans left.  With them I will prepare them into a raw marinated string bean salad with baby grape tomatoes and basil dressing.  This will be a totally new experience for me because I've never made a raw string bean salad before.  I'll let you know how it all turns out and will post the recipe if it turns out great.

Have a totally rawsome day everyone!

Day 13 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Almost half way there and today I buckled.  Yes, I folded the cards and had a cooked lunch.  It consisted of a bowl of roasted red pepper and tomato soup.  I know, I know I could have easily made this at home on my vitamix but the thing is, I wasn't at home.

This morning when I left to teach a yoga class I had no intention of eating lunch out, but as it was a friend of mine whom I haven't seen in almost a month or so called me up to invite me to a tea.  No problem tea I can definitely handle but since she didn't have her car and I had to pick her up and go to the our local favourite cafe, it ended up being lunch time.  When we went in, she said lets have a bite.  I  did mention that they really didn't have anything there for me, but I knew I was putting a damper on our   get together.  So I folded and said okay...I'll have a bowl of soup.

So there you go...I buckled and had something cooked.

At first I was upset but then as time went on I just forgave myself and moved on.

Watch me as I jump back on the wagon and go full steam ahead.

Breakfast today consisted of raw cinnamon granola with almond milk
Diner: large tomato cucumber salad with green onions, oregano and olive oil.  Raw crackers with avocado guacamole.
Snacks: fresh fruit, handful of raw nuts, and one of my delicious raw chocolate chip cookies

Day 12 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Feeling a bit off today, more tired than anything.  Woke up in the middle of the night by my dog Ginger as she was laying by our bedroom door pawing the door in her sleep. Once awake, it was very difficult to get back to sleep.

It's been another day of on and off rain here and the humidity level quite high so my poor dehydrator has been working overtime trying to dehydrate tomatoes.  They will probably be ready sometime tonight.  I'll just keep checking every couple of hours.

As for raw food today...well I'm feeling a bit lazy today and don't have the energy to come up with something new in my kitchen, so I'm keeping it easy with my raw food prep too.

Easy raw granola for breakfast, large kale salad with walnuts for lunch, and spiralized zucchini spaghetti for diner with marinara sauce.

My snacks today consisted of a green superfruit smoothie with added protein and fresh fruit this afternoon.

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!

Day 11 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

As promised here is a picture of my newest raw cookie.  Looks like macadamia white chocolate cookie but its not!  Sorry to disappoint.  I know who much we enjoy chocolate.

These cookies are such a delight.  A burst of pineapple in every bite with the crunch of macadamia and the creaminess of cashews.  Yum!

Day 10 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

It's raining again here and that is not going to dampen my spirits!

Did I mention I like rainy days?  I think I did yesterday, didn't I?  I just love how things just seem to slow down for me on a rainy day.

I'm so excited to tell you about a new cookie recipe that I developed yesterday.  Not sure what to call these cookies yet but they are delicious.

Made with raw cashews and macadamia nuts, fresh sweet pineapple and coconut these will be great with a cup of tea while enjoying a good book on a rainy day, just like today.

No photos yet as they are still in the dehydrator.  I'm trying to achieve a crisp cookie texture so more dehydration time is required.  Taking a small piece of my sample cookie at the front of the dehydrator, I was pleasantly surprised at the burst of sweet pineapple flavour.  So light tasting and I love the creaminess from the combination of macadamia and cashew nuts.  Not overly sweet but sweet enough to tame the cookie monster in me!  P-E-R-F-E-C-T!

This recipe is definitely a keeper!

I'll post a photo once they come out of the dehydrator.  Stay posted!!

Have a great Friday everyone!

Day 9 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

It's raining!

I love rainy days, they give me an opportunity to relax and enjoy the comfort of my own home.  I feel blessed that I can do that and not have anywhere to go but commit to two very important things in my life other than family.  My health and my yoga practice.  Everything else fits into place on it's own and no need to tamper iwthit

As you probably have figured out by now, I'm constantly looking for something new to come up with.  Today it's a new cookie recipe.  My raw chocolate chip cookies are a huge success with my friends and family but now I think it's time to come up with something that is, shall I say, fancy and a real treat to enjoy with a cup of afternoon tea.  I'm thinking of something a little more decadent and light tasting.


Check in tomorrow to find out what I've made and how they have turned out!

Day 8 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Busy morning and early afternoon so I'm keeping it light today.

Just got back from visiting my parents who live in the city.  My mom has an amazing garden growing this year.  Came back with a basket full of various varieties of tomatoes and a small basket full of fresh basil.

Over the next couple of days I'll be dehydrating the tomatoes so that we can enjoy them over the winter months. Since it is still early and there will be more coming, I will be making a pesto with the basil and storing it in the freezer.  Quick and easy to use during the winter months as well.

No new recipes today, I'm going to be enjoying what is left of my sprouted quinoa salad and my maple sausage rounds that I made and dehydrated yesterday.

By the way the sausage rounds turned out okay, just in case you were wondering.  Before I share that recipe with you I'll have to optimize it a bit.  I think I added too much cumin for my liking!  They are good thought and with a drizzle of maple syrup, I sure can't complain.  ;o)

Day 7 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

I'm pumped!

There has been a change in my plans today which frees me up to go create something new in my raw food kitchen.

My hubby has been so supportive.  He loves what I'm doing for myself and others and encourages me every day to continue.

With his encouragement I just recently became one of 20 lifetime members of Russell James' Raw Chef Academy.  Allowing me to continue on my raw food journey but also an opportunity to meet and work with Russell in developing my skills as my own raw food chef.

Inspired by Russell's  kilted sausage recipe, today I'm going to try and make my own version of my hubby's favourite maple flavoured sausage rounds.

Day 7 and I'm loving how I'm feeling!

Ready to join me for one day and eat more raw?

Day 6 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

Wow, it's already been 6 days!

I have to admit that this time around going 100% raw is so much easier.  Not sure if it's because of all the fresh local organic produce or if it has been more an attitude change.  I kinda think it is a bit of both.

I'm a firm believer that if you let your instinct guide you, you can create some amazing stuff.  Doesn't have to be complicated. It just has to be a lot of fun.  This is what I'm doing while experimenting and developing my own recipes in my raw food kitchen, having fun!

Today i'm going to be putting together a raw sprouted quinoa salad for diner.  I just hope that the quinoa which is currently sprouting is ready to tonight.  I can just begin to see some of the seeds form small sprouts.  It doesn't take long from this point but if it's not ready...no big deal.  Back up diner menu...Raw Food Yogini's gourmet crackers with cashew cream cheese served with a side of carrot sticks, cucumber slices and raw beet hummus!

Hope you are having fun too!

Day 5 or 31 Days of Total Rawness

Sunday and I'm taking a day off.

No teaching
No cooking...he he he  I mean prep work (no cooking when eating 100% raw)

Just relaxing and enjoying the day with easy meals and watching some great tennis.  That is if it doesn't rain.

Easy meals today like raw sprouted buckwheat granola, home made raw crackers topped with slices of veggies or hummus, lots of fruit and lots of raw fresh veggies and of course raw snacks (my raw kale chips and raw trail mix).  Yup it's going to be a relaxing day.

Below I would like to share with you my recipe for last nights stuffed peppers.

Raw Stuffed Pepper

Raw Sprouted Quinoa and Zucchini Stuffed Peppers 

2 small sweet bell peppers (colour of your choice)
1 zucchini (cubed)
1/2 cup soaked and peeled almonds (chopped)
1/2 chilli pepper (I use jalapeño in most of my recipes)
1/2 cup sprouted quinoa
1 tsp pumpkin seed oil
Salt to taste

Marinate peppers with tamari for several hours at room temperature to soften.
If sprouted quinoa is dry, soak for a warm water to soften
Place all other ingredients in a bowl, salt to taste and let marinate for 30 minutes until ready to assemble.

Remove peppers from marinade, mix quinoa into veggie mix, stuff peppers and enjoy!

Delicious!

Day 4 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

It's day 4 and the rocket boosters have been started!

I love the energy I feel by the end of the 3rd day when I shift my diet from 80 to 100% raw.  Can't believe how after a busy day I'm not all that tired in the evening and when I fall asleep it's a deep sleep.  Feeling totally refreshed in the morning and ready to go.

Thank goodness because it's going to be another busy day today.

Today in my raw food kitchen I'm going to make stuffed purple peppers that I picked up at the organic farm.  Not sure what I'm going to be using for the stuffing part just yet but that's the beauty about having fun in the kitchen.  For now...better get the peppers into a marinade to bring out more flavour.

Have a great Saturday everyone...and if you haven't been to a local farmers market recently....make today your day.  Who knows what gems you'll find!

Day 3 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

It's Friday!!!! Yuppie!!!!

Why so happy?  I'm heading to my favourite organic farm to see what they have for me this week!

Wish list:
peppers
kale
eggplant
peaches
plums
tomatoes
onions

and anything else that speaks to me while browsing.

hmmm, I'm thinking of raw stuffed peppers for diner, that is if I get home in plenty of time to get them in a marinade.  If not it will be a raw pizza topped with thinly sliced marinated peppers, onions, and kale.

The stuffed peppers will have to wait till tomorrow!

Have a happy Friday everyone!

Day 2 of 31 Days of Total Rawness

I'm still on a high note from yesterday.

Noticing that when waking up early and going to bed late it is of utmost importance to space out meals and snacks so that I eat every couple of hours.

Today in my raw food kitchen I'm going to make a few batches of my raw crackers so that when the munchies do set in I'll have something available to satisfy any hunger pangs.  I love my raw crackers, unlike the baked variety a few will do.  Spread on some cashew cream cheese or some guacamole and voila.  They are great for road trips as well or when I know I'm going to be away from home for the day.  Great snack food along with a fruit or two.

Hmmm, since the dehydrator will be on I might as well make a batch of raw chocolate chip cookies as well.  You know for those times when you just need to have a cookie with your cup of tea! ;)

Off I go with my strawberry banana smoothie in hand to get going on my raw sprouted buckwheat crackers!  and the cookies of course!

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup of almond milk
1 splash of vanilla
1/2 scoop of green vibrance
a few ice cubes

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and whirl until smooth and creamy!

Yum

31 Days of Total Rawness - Day 1

Here it goes 100% raw for 31 days in one of the years most abundant months for fresh local vegetables and fruits.

6 months ago in February I decided to commit to my raw diet and eat raw for 28 days.  Yes, there was some struggles and I discovered what worked best for me was to maintain a diet consisting of 60-80% raw, especially in the winter.

So you are probably wondering why I'm doing this again.

This time there are a couple of differences.  Living in Southern Ontario we are blessed to have a green belt that provides us with a lot of fresh local produce at this time of year.

Yesterday at the St. Jacobs market we picked up some naturally grown baby orange and red beets.  These little beauties are so sweet on their own so dressing them up in a salad doesn't really take all that much.

Here is the Raw Food Yogini's Recipe for Raw Beet Salad.

Raw Baby Beet Salad
2 cups sliced baby beets
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion
4-6 walnut halves

Dill Vinaigrette
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (Braggs)
1/2 tsp cold pressed pumpkin seed oil
1 tbsp chopped dill
1/2 tsp agave
2 tbsp lemon juice
salt to taste
Mix till salt is dissolved, add to beets and onions and toss.

For best results allow the salad to sit for a couple of hours stirring occasionally to bring flavours together!

Enjoy!

Orange & Red Beets

Raw Baby Beet Salad
with Walnuts

Road Trip- St. Jacobs - Here We Come

So looking forward to our road trip today to the St. Jacobs farmers market!

My mission is to pick up as many local farm fresh items for my first week of 31 Days of Total Rawness.  I love heading to this farmers market, there is so many farmers and vendors that come to sell their produce and products at this market.

It's always an adventure to head out to any local farmers market...you just never know what little gems you might find.

More later its time to head on out! :o)

31 Days of Totally Rawness - Its that time again.

Some of you followed me in February when I went from 80 to 100% raw for 28 days.  Well it's 6 months later and I'm ready to do it again!  With all the earth's bounty available during August, it will be interesting to see what new recipes I come up with.

I invite you to join me for one day, two or maybe three.  Who knows what you may find and where this will lead you!

100% raw not your thing...no worries...how about just adding more raw food to your diet.  One meal or maybe 50% of whats on your plate.

What do you have to lose? Absolutely nothing!

What can you gain? Better health and a great way to enjoy local fruits and vegetables.

Win, Win!

Join me and lets get this blog really going!

Who's in?

Whats for diner tonight?

Zucchini Raw-violi stuffed with a macadamia nut ricotta of course!


Here they are ready to go into the dehydrator to get warmed up for us to enjoy.

Buon Appetite

Macadamia Ricotta Zuchini Ravioli

Taking a Trip to the Local Organic Farm

I'm so excited to head out to the local organic farm to look at what new gems I can find in their market! I love going there, they have such a beautiful display of flowers, herbs, and vegetable plants.  Some very common varieties and others not so common.

Every time I wander throughout their garden I get inspired to create something new.  Not sure what I will find on their tables today but I am secretly hoping to find those sweet round zucchini!

Have a totally raw Friday everyone!

Round Zucchini?

Returning from a yoga class I stopped into a local organic farm to pick up kale and other organic produce for our week and I noticed these gems at the corner of the table.  Labeled as round zucchini, I was intrigued.  I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them!

I sure hope I find some more on my next visit.

Nice!

I think I need another dehydrator!

My poor little 5 shelf dehydrator has been humming away these last few weeks.  Dehydrating herbs for the winter months, flower peddles for teas, crackers, crackers and more crackers and now with a huge batch of kale chips for me and a few of my clients.  Awaiting in the wings is another batch of kale and crackers which will need to be made as well.

When I bought my dehydrator I never imagined that I would be using it this often.  Now it only makes sense to up grade to a bigger model.  Perhaps one that has a built in timer as well.

Just pondering whether to sell my small model or if I should just keep it and have both going at the same time.  I could easily fill both several times a week with kale chips, crackers, cookies and breads!  Yup, I think that is the best solution...keep my small one and invest in a larger one sometime this summer.

Italian Oregano Ready for Drying

Sitting on my back patio yesterday I noticed that the Italian oregano plant that my dad planted for me and my family in our garden many years ago was ready for harvest.  I love a sprinkle of dried oregano in my salads throughout the summer months and through the winter as well.  

I also use oregano in some of bread and cracker recipes so it's such a nice thing to have available especially since it is homegrown, organic and particularly because it reminds me of my father.  I can still remember him seeding this particular patch when we first moved into my home 23 years ago.  Every year in the spring when the first few leaves pop up after the long winter, my heart glows.  And every time I open the oregano jar to sprinkle it in my salads or into my raw cracker dough it embraces me with it's aroma!

Today I will be drying another batch along with a few sprigs of rosemary that my mom has given me from her garden!

Thanks Mom and Dad!
Love you both!!!!

Fresh, Organic Italian Oregano

Yay! More Raw Sprouted Items Now Available!

It's been so hot and humid here, great for sprouting grains easily but unfortunately dehydrating is another issue.  The dehydrator works overtime when the air is so water heavy these days.

Really craving some granola this week my mission was to sprout some grains and then proceed to put them together a combination of dried fruits and spices to make myself a batch of breakfast granola.  I just find that granola sticks to my ribs, just like old fashion oatmeal.

While visiting a friend after our long weekend, we popped into the local whole food store and explored their raw food shelves.  Well, I have to say there wasn't that much that interested me.  The only granola they had was an apple cinnamon flavour...which is okay...but if i'm going to have apples and cinnamon I want the fresh non dehydrated deal!  Dried apples for what ever the reason are not my favourite thing.  Give me a fresh apple any day, but dried...no thanks.  My other choice, which seems to be a big in a lot of health food stores, is a chocolate granola.  Ok, don't get me wrong.  I love chocolate, but not for breakfast, maybe dessert.

Feeling a bit disappointed I proceeded to explore the rest of the store. Looking for inspiration in the isles.  My friends daughter was asking a few questions regarding raw food and also about other items in the store. She was particularly interested in almond milk and what it tasted like.  I was pleased when she decided to give it a try. I told her not to buy the tetra pack version but the fresh kind! Much better tasting and great for smoothies and such.

I'm always looking for raw dry ingredients for various recipes, so off I went into the bulk section...I asked everyone to keep an eye and look for anything raw.  There, to my surprise, wearing a big yellow "NEW" sign was exactly what I was looking for.  Raw sprouted buckwheat! I wouldn't have to worry about sprouting my own to make my granola and I could put a batch together in an instant! A much bigger and pleasant surprise is when my friends husband yells out...hey they have sprouted quinoa here too!  I was in heaven.  My two main ingredients now available in bulk!  YAY! (add some jumping up an down here with a huge grin on my face).

I'm totally loving the fact that more raw sprouted items can be found in local markets!

Raw Food Yogini-Breakfast Granola

Don't know what to do with all the lettuce from the garden?

Cold Thai Salad Wraps!

Fill the rice wrap with plenty of fresh organic lettuce, cucumber, carrots, sprouts, avocado, and a sprig of coriander (cilantro).

Serve with a great almond or peanut dipping sauce.

Whats Un-cooking Today in the Raw food Kitchen?

It's totally raw Friday and it's going to be a hot and muggy summer's day!  Having no air conditioning in our house, I got up very early and opened all the doors and windows to let the cool breeze in.

It's going to be a busy day in the Raw Food Yogini's kitchen today!  I have orders of raw crackers to fill and since the dehydrator will be the only thing humming, I'm going to fill any vacant space with wild edible flower pedals.  Great to accent a cup of tea or perhaps a new recipe!

Better get cracking and get out there to pick some flowers before the heat of the day takes hold!

Have an awesome "totally raw Friday" everyone!

Perfect for the Cookie Monster in Me!

I just had one of those days, where all I wanted is chocolate and cookies!

Not wanting to break into my husbands stash of baked cookies I made my own raw version.  I didn't have raw chocolate chips handy so I folded and used the commercial ones that I had in the house.  I will have to find a raw chocolate chip version in the future or I may just have to make my own!

Unleash the cookie monster in you and enjoy one of these cookies!

From my raw food kitchen to yours,
Have a great long weekend everyone!

~Fortunata
The Raw Food Yogini

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use raw chocolate chips if you can find them, if not just use the regular dark chocolate ones you can find in any local grocery store.

1/3 cup raw almonds

1/3 cup raw pecans

1/3 cup raw hazelnuts

1/3 cup shredded coconut

2 tsp vanilla

3 tsp coconut butter

6-8 medjool dates

1/3 cup chocolate chips

Put all ingredients in a food processor except chocolate chips and process until crumbs can be pressed into a ball.

Transfer crumbs into a bowl and chocolate chips, mix and then press into cookie shape of your choice.

Place on dehydrator sheet and dehydrate 2 hours @ 140 degrees followed by an additional 3 hours at 115 degrees. 

Cookies are ready when they appear dry on the outside.  Store in a dry cool place or fridge!

Raw Food Yogini's Chocolate Chip Cookies