Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Hemp Crunch Bars

Hemp might just be my favorite food on the planet. I am repeatedly amazed by its flavor and nutritional profile, and I truly cannot get enough of it. As a growing teenager and an avid runner, the high-calorie, nutrient-dense qualities of this bar, as well as it’s simplicity to make, are why this is probably my favorite raw recipe that I have created. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have, especially since it’s my first electricity-free recipe!

Ingredients
4½ tablespoons hemp seed butter
¼ cup millet pops, (they're made with the same process as buckwheaties)
3 tablespoons unhulled (much higher calcium content) sesame seeds, coarsely ground
1 tablespoon raw, local, humanely harvested honey, (I like wildflower or sourwood honey for this recipe)
4 teaspoons ,or so, agave nectar
5 small dates, I LOVE Barhi dates
½ packet green foods powder, I use either Vega or Amazing Grass Green Superfood
3 tablespoons hemp protein powder
3 tablespoons sun-dried goji berries
¼ cup chopped walnuts, soaked 6 hours, drained, and dehydrated for 6 hours
any other pinches and dashes of supplements, I added some dolomite calcium powder and some peruvian maca root
¼ teaspoon ground mace or nutmeg

Preparation
With a fork, mash the dates, honey, and agave into a rich, thick paste in a large mixing bowl.

Add remaining ingredients, saving the dehydrated walnuts and gojis for last. Stir really well with each ingredient being added.
Spread onto perforated sheet of some sort (I just used my dehyrator tray) into four equal bars or eight equal squares and leave on the counter, covered, for 3-4 hours to dry. It could also be done in the sun if you live in SoCal (unlike me… argg…). Eat any time you need a boost of energy.

These are perfect for runners, as the millet and dates provide high-quality carbs while the protein and fiber content stabilize glycogen levels.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Nutmylk: A Raw Staple

Nutmylks are dairy analogues made with simple ingredients like almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.; a sweetener (usually) and/or some sort of spice or flavoring; and water. They can be just as nutritious, protein-and-calcium-rich, and delicious as dairy milk if not more so. Here is a basic recipe for this standard raw beverage, done up almond style (almonds can be replaced with any preferred nut or seed):

Basic Almond Mylk

1.5 cups filtered water
1/3-1/2 cup almonds, soaked for 6-8 hrs.
1-2 tablespoons agave nectar, or 2-4 dates (optional)
dashes of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, peppermint, and/or vanilla (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a blender until completely smooth. If desired, one can strain the mylk through a fine mesh sieve. Enjoy with breakfast, over cereal, or as a key ingredient in raw "baked" goods.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Hello!

I am Zach, a teenager from North Carolina interested in spreading the gospel--okay it's not that profound, but--of raw, vegan, and live foods to as many people as are willing to listen. Raw foods are, to me, a resurgent wave of long past that is making a comeback, but this time in a fresh, enlightened, and feasible manner. With organic and local farming booming at the moment, what better time to take advantage of the healthful, flavorful, diverse, and safe (when purchased locally and organically) produce that there is out there. We can lessen our dependence on fossil fuels, improve physical and mental issues, and truly become "one with nature". Please enjoy the forthcoming recipes, ideas, questions, etc. regarding this truly unique subject.