The BEST Raw/ Vegan/ Paleo Brownie, ever.

Seriously, My husband will tell me that most "healthy" desserts I make taste like shit, but he said this one was very delicious.  That means a lot. This brownie is so healthy that you could eat it for breakfast.

*If you want this to be raw make sure that you use only raw cacao powder and raw nuts.

Ingredients
-1 8oz package of dates
-1/2 cup of coarsely chopped almonds -these will be added during the last step
-1/2 cup of unsweetened/dried coconut
-1 cup of GOOD cocoa/cacao powder -dont buy the cheap stuff, you can add extra cocoa powder if you'd like your brownie extra dark!
 - 1 1/2 cup of pecans (or cashews- pecans are preferable)
-1 1/2 cup of walnuts
-2 pinches of salt
-1 T coconut oil (optional)

Directions
1. In a vitamix or food processor add the coconut, walnuts, pecans/cashews, cocoa and salt together. Blend on high until powdery.
2. Add the dates in one at a time until all are blended in the mix.  The mix should resemble a crumb cake like topping (see picture below) add more dates if it isn't crumby enough.
3. Pour out mixture into a parchment/wax lined 9x9 pan.
4. Fold half of the chopped almonds into the mixture.
6. Press mixture down into pan until flat. Sprinkle the rest of the almonds on top.
7. Refridgerate until 20 minutes before you're ready to serve.  This should keep for a week in your refridgerator and 6 months in your freezer.
8. Cut into equal parts with a sharp knife while cold, and this is important-- SERVE at room termperature!  You can also freeze the pieces individually and grab one out of the freezer when you want a sweet treat. Enjoy!

Raw Kale Salad

First off, not that anyone is reading this blog, but I've been MIA.  I've actually been cooking and creating A LOT, just not taking pictures of it or writing down recipes...  I'm excited to post some new things soon, once I take some pictures and write down the amount of everything that I add instead of eye-balling it...  In the mean time, here's something really simple and really delicious.

Kale is in right now, super in, the super food of the year.  I've always liked kale and would eat it in my juice/smoothie or sauteed.  Then, I thought I'd try it raw.  Raw Kale is BY FAR my favorite way to eat it- with a nice dressing and some fruit.

Here's one of my favorite ways.

Ingredients
-A bunch of kale, stems removed and roughly cut
-1 fresh orange, sectioned.
-2 tbsp of unsweetened coconut
-2 tbsp of unsalted pepitas
Dress with:
-1 freshly squeezed lemon
-1 tbsp of olive oil
-a handful of roughly chopped cilantro
-salt to taste

-you can also change the fruit up and add strawberries, apples, or pears.

Make Your Own Coconut Milk!

I've done this three times now, and every time it gets easier.

Why did I decide to make my own coconut milk?  1- I love coconut everything 2- The coconut that you buy at the store containes BPA, guar gum, and sugar...Ew.  3- I like trying out new things. 

I've been very, very happy with the outcome.  Home made coconut milk DOES NOT taste anything like store bought.  It's earthy and rich flavor is worth the extra effort.


Ingredients
1 Coconut
3-4 Cups of Water
Water from inside of the coconut

Steps-

1. Buy a coconut. I buy mine for .99 at the asian market.
2. Drill or hammer  a hole in the coconut and let the water drain out into a cup.
3. Cover the coconut in a towel and smash it with a hammer.
4. Remove the meat and rinse it to make sure it's nice and clean.
5. Put the coconut meat in your blender and blend it up for a minute.
6. Bring 3-4 cups of water (depending on how thick you want your milk) to a simmer (not boil)!
7. Add coconut water that you drained, plus warm water, plus coconut meat to the blender and blend for  a few minutes.
8. Pour mixture through a cheese cloth.
9. Squeeze cheese cloth as dry as possible (wear gloves if the mixture is especially warm- do not burn yourself).
10. Store in a mason jar or air tight container, Refrigerate and enjoy (within the next week)!!!

Total cost- .99
Total time- 20 minutes, less for a pro.

**If you want your milk to taste a bit milder, add 2 tablespoons of agave of a few dates and blend it.  A little bit of sweetness goes a long way with this.


Here is your picture tutorial!

Coconut Butter Recipe

When I saw this product, I immediately wanted to make it.  I ventured out to find a coconut so that I could make my own coconut milk, too...  But Shop Rite of South Philly and the Reading Terminal Market both failed me.  Instead, I bought unsweetened coconut to make just coconut butter.  Here's what I did.


Ingredients:
2 Cups of Unsweetened Coconut Chips
**optional - 1 tbsp of coconut oil to make it smoother.


Directions:
Put coconut chips/shredded coconut in a vitamix blender or food processor on high for 10-15 minutes, constantly scraping the sides as you go.


Result- delicious coconut butter.  Best served warm or at room temperature.  Use as a flavorful spread on your favorite sandwich or cracker..  Or, add to a salad dressing or smoothie for extra flavor.  I love coconut, don't you??