Wrapping up the Raw

Ok, so we did strict raw for 10 days!!  I can honestly say I would have cheated at least once everyday without Jimmie.  He has a tough competitive spirit and can not quit anything he starts, which is good for me!!  Anyway, there were moments of hunger, boredom with our options, etc. but honestly we felt great and was worth the few pounds we lost and the new recipes and things I learned about sugar substitutes!  I have always loved baking and since I have been married have come to love cooking in general.  Of course it helps when your awesome husband will help and do the dishes.:)  I am lucky that way.  One magazine I found last year has really been a game changer* for me.  Of all the things I have made there are generally very few things I change and we have only put one thing on the "just ok" list.  All other things have been made more than once!  Check out Clean Eating if you are needing a new batch of recipes.  Here are the things I will be making in February:

Picadillo Chowder(made for my sweet friend Kayle&froze some for us!)
Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Mediterranean Vegetable, White Bean & Feta Penne
Country-Style Beef Soup & Green Pepper Soup
Chewy Mocha Dream(Gluten-free & only 56 calories!)

All from the February Edition!!  We will see what ends up as keepers.

This is out of an old issue, but when making a meal for Kayle that would be Gluten free I found a cookie that is awesome.  I don't usually go for the hot out of the oven cookies, but this one is best that way!

Almond Butter Cookies










*phrase I must have picked up from Jamie!!

Pudding!! Raw Style

Pudding that all mom's MUST make!!

This pudding is so easy and so tasty!!   I would say, just go ahead and double the recipe.

Chocolate Mousse-by Jennifer Cornbleet

1/4C pitted medjool dates, soaked(about 30 min)

1/4C pure maple syrup or agave nectar

1/2t vanilla extract(optional)

3/4C mashed avocados(about 1& a 1/2)

1/4C plus 2T unsweetened cocoa or carob powder

1/4C water

Place dates, syrup, vanilla in food processor until smooth.  Add avocado and cocoa until creamy.  Might need to stop and scrape the sides a few times.  Add water and process briefly.  Will keep for 3 days or 2 weeks in the freezer.

Raw Update

We have turned a corner.  By the end of day 2 I think we were both feeling unsatisfied and just wanting to eat something crunchy or hot!!  We woke up today though(day 4) and had an awesome cereal and were feeling better and ready to tackle the next 10 days.  There is NO way I could do this without Jimmie.  I have seen how easily I want to quit things!  The only thing we really have changed our mind on was the Chili, was good the first time but just never sounded good after that.  We have however tried two Chocolate Mousse recipes that we love!!  That has been a staple after every meal.  I will post those soon, but one thing that would be easy to try and not too weird is Muesli.  We have no idea what that means or how to say it, but it was great!!

MUESLI

1/2 C rolled oats

2 T raisins

1T chopped raw almonds or walnuts

2 t raw sunflower seeds

2 t agave nectar, raw honey, or whole cane sugar

1/2 C Almond Milk

1/4 C fresh blueberries, strawberries, banana, etc.

Tomorrow we are going to try Spinach Apple Soup.  Aaron recommended this, so I am sure we will like it.

SPINACH APPLE SOUP

2 C spinach leaves, tightly packed

1/2 apple, peeled and chopped

1/2 C water, plus 1/4 C water to thin if needed

1t fresh lemon juice

Dash salt

1/2 ripe avocado, chopped

1)Place spinach, apple, water, lemon juice, and salt in blender and process until smooth.  

2)Add avocado until smooth.

3)Add remaining 1/4 C water to thin if needed and blend briefly.

Serve Immediately

For a side we will have bell peppers with a black bean spread.  Just put the beans in the food processor with a little salt and olive oil.

Have a great weekend, challenge yourself and make something new!

HAITI

Haiti-A country you can not visit and forget.  We love Haiti for many reasons and did before we ever even went to visit.  Our friends there amaze us and encourage us to lean into the Lord.  They have seem many miracles.  Many were shown this day last year when the earth shook.  Please continue to pray for Haiti and leave an encouraging word for at least one group there loving the beautiful people of Haiti.

Sweetest little boy that I held as long as he would let me!

Livesay Family
Real Hope for Haiti
Ben and Lexi