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Showing posts with label free recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label free recipes. Show all posts

9/16/2012

Super Powered Green Juice

Super Powered Green Juice
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 lb organic carrots
  • 1 bunch organic kale
  • 7 pears
  • 1 tsp wheatgrass (optional)
  • 1 tsp spirulina (optional)
  • 1 tsp msm (optional)
Makes about 35 ozs
 
Put it in your juicer ... and juice it! 

No juicer? No problem! Blend in your Vitamix. Then strain through a nut milk bag or a paint strainer bag...and pour in your storage container. For detailed instructions on making juice in the blender click here.
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Some Health Benefits

Kale: like other members of the brassica family, contains health-promoting phytochemicals, sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol that are appears to protect against prostate and colon cancers. Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol has been found to be an effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent through its action of potentiating "Interferon-Gamma" receptors. Borecole is very rich source of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These flavonoids have strong anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, it is also rich in Vitamin A. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, it helps prevent retinal detachment and offers protection against "age related macular degeneration disease" (ARMD) in the elderly. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Foods rich in this vitamin offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers. It is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet helps limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 100 g of fresh leaves contain 120 mg or 200% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals. This leafy vegetable is notably good in many B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, vit.B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body. It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for cellular oxidation and red blood cell formation. Kale provides rich nutrition ingredients that offer protection from vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers.
Pear: A pear is one of the highest-fiber fruits. Providing 25 percent of the daily value of fiber for women, and 21 percent for men more fiber than that in a large apple or 1 cup of strawberries. Because most of the fiber is in the skin, you significantly reduce the fiber content of a pear if you peel it prior to consumption. Pears contain numerous minerals, the most abundant of which is copper. One large pear provides 21 percent of the daily value of this mineral, which is important for healthy nerves, blood vessels and bones. One large pear also supplies 6 percent of the daily value of potassium. Potassium is important for proper fluid balance and muscle function. According to the American Heart Association, potassium is an important nutrient for those with high blood pressure, because it can offset the negative effects of sodium. Like many fruits, pears contain vitamin C. One large pear provides 13 percent of the daily value for women, and 11 percent for men. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that assists with collagen formation, iron absorption and the production of norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood. One large pear contains 10.3 mcg of vitamin K, which provides 11 percent of the daily value for women and 9 percent for men. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin important for normal blood clotting and strong bones. You absorb fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamin K, better if you consume them with healthy fats. Because pears are low in fat, you can increase the absorption of the vitamin K in the fruit by eating it with peanut butter or a handful of nuts.  

Carrots: Did you know the carrot is a root vegetable? It's sweet and succulent taste is  rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and dietary fiber. They are exceptionally rich source of carotenes and vitamin-A. 100 g fresh carrot contain 8285 mcg of beta-carotene and 16706 IU of vitamin A. Studies have found that flavonoid compounds in carrots help protect from skin, lung and oral cavity cancers. Carotenes are converted in to vitamin A in the liver. Beta-carotene is the major carotene that is present in these roots. Beta carotene is one of the powerful natural anti-oxidant helps protect body from harmful fee radical injury.  In addition, it also has all the functions of vitamin A such as vision, reproduction (sperm production), maintenance of epithelial integrity, growth and development. Carrots are rich in poly-acetylene anti-oxidant falcarinol. Research study conducted by scientists at University of Newcastle on laboratory animals has found that falcarinol in carrots may help fight against cancers by destroying pre-cancerous cells in the tumors. Fresh roots are also good in vitamin C; provide about 9% of RDA. Vitamin C is water soluble anti-oxidant. It helps body maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gum. Its anti-oxidant property helps body protect from diseases and cancers by scavenging harmful free radicals. This root vegetable is especially contain good amounts of many B-complex group of vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that acts as co-factors to enzymes during substrate metabolism in the body. It also has healthy levels of minerals like copper, calcium, potassium, manganese and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. 

Spirulina: Spirulina is the common name given to a family of blue-green algae produced by a class of cyano-bacteria called “Arthospira”. It is abundant in both fresh and sea water. Spirulina benefits come mostly nowadays as a type of dietary supplement that comes from a type of microscopic alga, which is shaped like a spiral coil. Spirulina is cultivated from all around the world and is used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food available in tablet, flake and powder form. One of the most important of all spirulina benefits is that it has an unusually high amount of protein, which is an almost complete protein that contains 18 of the 22 amino acids the body needs. It is of a superior quality when compared to plant protein. It is also rich with several different types of essential fatty acid, and contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It is also a source of such minerals as potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium (selenium benefits), sodium, and zinc. The most important and popular spirulina health benefit that comes with regular supplementation is undoubtedly weight loss. Spirulina weight loss has become quite a popular diet food; it is natural, it has all the major vitamins, amino acids and nutrients required by the human body and it has a very high protein content (60-70% of its body weight is pure protein). It is also free of carbohydrates and sugar. As a result, it acts as a potent appetite suppressant reducing body weight over time. Of course, if you are using spirulina weight loss as a magic pill remedy it will not work by itself but it should help you in diminishing your hunger while eating a completely natural food. It has also been shown to help correct anemia for undernourished children, it also be effective against melanosis and keratosis caused by chronic arsenic poisoning. Spirulina is also found to protect against hay fever, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Also, another one of the spirulina benefits is that it is a rare source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which is otherwise only present in mother’s milk. This particular amino acid helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It also improves cardiovascular health in general. Spirulina is known to help contain the effects of type 2 diabetes. Regular Spirulina supplementation is known to lower blood sugar levels. It also improves the antioxidant potential in people, which decreases muscle breakdown and exhaustion after exercising and improves overall health. However despite all these benefits their are a few (mostly minor) spirulina side effects you might want to learn more about in my other post. However, the only real side effect you probably have to worry about is that spirulina also contains an amino acid called, phenylalanine, which should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder, which prevents the body from metabolizing this particular amino acid, making it to build up in the brain causing damage. And although very rare it may sometimes contain a type of toxin called microcystins, which can cause liver diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, as of yet no standard exists to regulate its safety, however as mentioned it is an extremely rare toxin, so as long as properly tested there is no need for an alarm. As you can see theirs definitely a lot of benefits linked to spirulina so it might be a supplement you want to add to your diet when looking for the best multivitamin that can compliment your eating habits! 
Wheatgrass: Contains most of the vitamins and minerals needed for human maintenance. It is a whole meal and a complete protein with about 30 enzymes and is approximately 70% crude chlorophyll. Wheatgrass is also an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, sulphur, cobalt, and zinc. The many detergent factors of wheatgrass juice will drain the lymph system, which carries away many toxins from body cells. When an imbalance exists--sore tendons and joints, degenerative disease, etc--there is a natural build-up of mucous in the lymph in that area. Wheatgrass juice will break down the mucous and allow it to drain. Wheatgrass is a powerful cleanser and may start an immediate reaction with toxins and mucus in the stomach and thus may cause nausea...if too much is taken. Chlorophyll will bring toxins stored away in cells or fatty tissues into the bloodstream. If you're new to wheatgrass juice, its best to start with a 1-ounce shot glass serving and work your way up. Drink on an empty stomach. Keep refrigerated and drink the same day. The starch of the wheat berry is stored energy which when converted to simpler sugars is a quick energy source. It is especially good for athletes because it is a juice and assimilated in 20 minutes. Wheatgrass picks up 92 of the 102 minerals in the soil and contains all vitamins science has isolated. Because one ounce of juice equals two pounds of produce nutritionally, it naturally shuts off the appestat in the brain. It helps in weight control. The nutritional value of wheatgrass Juice is so high that many people don't feel those "cravings" that lead to overeating.



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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:
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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know! 
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8/08/2012

Kale/Apple/Beet Juicy Juice

Kale/Apple/Beet Juicy Juice
INGREDIENTS
  • 12 organic kale leaves
  • 3 beets
  • 4 apples
  • 1 tsp spirulina
Makes about 35-40 ozs 
 
Put it all in your juicer and juice!
As per the norm...No juicer? No problem! Blend in your Vitamix. Then strain through a nut milk bag or a paint strainer bag...and pour in your storage container. For detailed instructions on making juice in the blender click here.
This is seriously a great cup of red juicy juice! Try it! It tastes like fruit punch! mmmmgood!
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Some Health Benefits 

Apples: are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber such as pectin actually helps to prevent cholesterol buildup in the lining of blood vessel walls, thus reducing the incident of atherosclerosis and heart disease. The insoluble fiber in apples provides bulk in the intestinal tract, holding water to cleanse and move food quickly through the digestive system. It is a good idea to eat apples with their skin. Almost half of the vitamin C content is just underneath the skin. Eating the skin also increases insoluble fiber content. Most of an apple's fragrance cells are also concentrated in the skin and as they ripen, the skin cells develop more aroma and flavor. Apples are rich in antioxidant phyto-nutrients, flavonoids and polyphenols. The total measured anti-oxidant strength (ORAC value) of 100g apple fruit is 5900TE. The important flavonoids in apples are quercetin, epicatechin, and procyanidin B2. Apples are also good in tartaric acid that gives tart flavor to them. These compounds help protect the body from deleterious effects of free radicals. In addition, apples are a good source of B-complex vitamins such as riboflavin, thiamin, and pyridoxine (vitamin B-6). Together these vitamins help as co-factors for enzymes in metabolism as well as in various synthetic functions inside the body. Apples also contain small amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and calcium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure; thus counters the bad influences of sodium. 
Spirulina: Spirulina is the common name given to a family of blue-green algae produced by a class of cyano-bacteria called “Arthospira”. It is abundant in both fresh and sea water. Spirulina benefits come mostly nowadays as a type of dietary supplement that comes from a type of microscopic alga, which is shaped like a spiral coil. Spirulina is cultivated from all around the world and is used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food available in tablet, flake and powder form. One of the most important of all spirulina benefits is that it has an unusually high amount of protein, which is an almost complete protein that contains 18 of the 22 amino acids the body needs. It is of a superior quality when compared to plant protein. It is also rich with several different types of essential fatty acid, and contains Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin A and Vitamin E. It is also a source of such minerals as potassium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium (selenium benefits), sodium, and zinc. The most important and popular spirulina health benefit that comes with regular supplementation is undoubtedly weight loss. Spirulina weight loss has become quite a popular diet food; it is natural, it has all the major vitamins, amino acids and nutrients required by the human body and it has a very high protein content (60-70% of its body weight is pure protein). It is also free of carbohydrates and sugar. As a result, it acts as a potent appetite suppressant reducing body weight over time. Of course, if you are using spirulina weight loss as a magic pill remedy it will not work by itself but it should help you in diminishing your hunger while eating a completely natural food. It has also been shown to help correct anemia for undernourished children, it also be effective against melanosis and keratosis caused by chronic arsenic poisoning. Spirulina is also found to protect against hay fever, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Also, another one of the spirulina benefits is that it is a rare source of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) which is otherwise only present in mother’s milk. This particular amino acid helps reduce bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. It also improves cardiovascular health in general. Spirulina is known to help contain the effects of type 2 diabetes. Regular Spirulina supplementation is known to lower blood sugar levels. It also improves the antioxidant potential in people, which decreases muscle breakdown and exhaustion after exercising and improves overall health. However despite all these benefits their are a few (mostly minor) spirulina side effects you might want to learn more about in my other post. However, the only real side effect you probably have to worry about is that spirulina also contains an amino acid called, phenylalanine, which should be avoided by people with phenylketonuria, a metabolic disorder, which prevents the body from metabolizing this particular amino acid, making it to build up in the brain causing damage. And although very rare it may sometimes contain a type of toxin called microcystins, which can cause liver diseases, including cancer. Unfortunately, as of yet no standard exists to regulate its safety, however as mentioned it is an extremely rare toxin, so as long as properly tested there is no need for an alarm. As you can see theirs definitely a lot of benefits linked to spirulina so it might be a supplement you want to add to your diet when looking for the best multivitamin that can compliment your eating habits! 
Beet root: Beets are highly nutritious and “cardiovascular health” friendly root vegetables. Certain unique pigment antioxidants present in root as well as top greens have found to offer protection against coronary artery disease and stroke, lower cholesterol levels in the body and have anti-aging effects. The root is rich source of phytochemical compound Glycine betaine. Betaine has the property of lowering homocysteine levels in the blood. Homocysteine, one of highly toxic metabolite, promotes platelet clot as well as atherosclerotic-plaque formation, which can be harmful to blood vessels. High levels of homocystiene in the blood results in the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and peripheral vascular diseases. Raw beets are an excellent source of folates; contains about 109 mcg/100 g (Provides 27% of RDA). Folates are necessary for DNA synthesis in the cells. When given during peri-conception period folates can prevent neural tube defects in the baby. It contains significant amounts of vitamin-C, one of the powerful natural antioxidant, which helps body scavenge deleterious free radicals one of the reasons for cancers development. The root is also a rich source of niacin (vit.B-3), pantothenic acid (vit.B-5), pyridoxine (vit.B-6) and carotenoids, and minerals such as iron, manganese, and magnesium. In addition, the root indeed has very good levels of potassium. 100 g fresh root has 325 mg of potassium or 7% of daily requirements. Potassium lowers heart rate and regulates metabolism inside the cells by countering detrimental effects of sodium. 
Kale: like other members of the brassica family, contains health-promoting phytochemicals, sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol that are appears to protect against prostate and colon cancers. Di-indolyl-methane (DIM), a metabolite of indole-3-carbinol has been found to be an effective immune modulator, anti-bacterial and anti-viral agent through its action of potentiating "Interferon-Gamma" receptors. Borecole is very rich source of beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These flavonoids have strong anti-oxidant and anti-cancer activities. Because beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A in the body, it is also rich in Vitamin A. Zeaxanthin, an important dietary carotenoid, is selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes where it is thought to provide antioxidant and protective light-filtering functions. Thus, it helps prevent retinal detachment and offers protection against "age related macular degeneration disease" (ARMD) in the elderly. Vitamin A is required for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin and is essential for vision. Foods rich in this vitamin offer protection against lung and oral cavity cancers. It is one of the excellent vegetable sources for vitamin-K. Vitamin K has potential role bone health by promoting osteotrophic (bone formation and strengthening) activity. Adequate vitamin-K levels in the diet helps limiting neuronal damage in the brain; thus, has established role in the treatment of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease. 100 g of fresh leaves contain 120 mg or 200% of daily-recommended levels of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, which helps body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen free radicals. This leafy vegetable is notably good in many B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, vit.B-6 (pyridoxine), thiamin, pantothenic acid, etc that are essential for substrate metabolism in the body. It is also rich source of minerals like copper, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure by countering effects of sodium. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Iron is required for cellular oxidation and red blood cell formation. Kale provides rich nutrition ingredients that offer protection from vitamin A deficiency, osteoporosis, iron deficiency anemia, and believed to protect from cardiovascular diseases and, colon and prostate cancers. 
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PLEASE NOTE! This sites content (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business(es) (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used: 
-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------
This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!
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11/06/2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Raw Spicy Creamy Squash Soup

Spicy Creamy Squash Soup
With winter slowly creeping upon us, its that time of the year where we want comforting warm foods. Nothing can be more comforting and warming than a nice bowl of soup. You don't have to buy canned soups with all of the preservatives, sugars, salts and GMO's. You can make your own healthy soup from fresh fruits and veggies.

For those of us who prefer our veggies raw, one might think we don't get the luxury of warm foods. This recipe is to prove that thought wrong! You can still eat raw and have warm foods like soup. If you turn your Vitamix blender on high it automatically warms up the food for you. The difference is, it doesn't heat it past 115 degrees, so you still get all of the wonderful nutrients in your veggies, even when making soups. 

I chose to make a squash soup because I really wanted a "creamy" soup that was rich in flavor. Since I hadn't had squash in a while and because its "in season" (meaning its in abundance and on sale), it was the winner for the soup recipe. I got this squash for $1.00. So basically this entire meal is about $1.50 if you include the spices added in...and I think I'm probably guesstimating $.40 cents over.

Because it has seeds, butternut squash is technically a fruit; Therefore, it has a sweet undertoned taste, that really kicks the spices up a knotch for this recipe. Not to mention the nutritional and health benefits of this fruit is amazing. It's rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. It's low in fat and provides dietary fiber, thus making it heart healthy. It provides a good amount of potassium, which we all need for bone health. The greatest thing about this fruit to me, is that it has a good amount of B6. As we know the "complex" B-Vitamins are essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems. Can you believe I got all of that for a $1.00? Who said going raw was  expensive? *smile*


Anyway...enough of my rambling on...I know you want the recipe now...so here it is...


INGREDIENTS
1 large butternut squash
2-3 cups water
3 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 large garlic cloves
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp curry
2 tbsp onion powder (or dried onion flakes)
1 tbsp braggs liquid aminos
1 tbsp parsely
1 tbsp coconut oil
3 tbsp hemp powder
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp black pepper (optional)
1 tsp sea salt

Please Note: This soup is spicy. If you don't like spicy food, you can always omit the black pepper and cut the cayenne in half or even just add a pinch. You can always add more if you need it...but you can never take it out once its in there.


MAKING THE SOUP
Peel the squash with a potato peeler. Chop it into pieces. I didn't remove the seeds from mine, but feel free to do so if you wish. Put it in the Vitamix Blender. Add the Water. Blend...begin blending it on low and gradually turn it up to high so that you can puree all of the squash and liquify it. Once its liquified, put all of the remaining ingredients in. Blend on high for about 5-10 mins. Be sure to stop intermittently and push all of the spices down so that its thoroughly mixed throughout. 

Notice while blending in the Vitamix on high that it warmed your soup for you? No stove necessary! You now have soup! Pour some in your serving bowl and eat!

This recipe should be about 4-6 servings (or more)...depending on the size of the servings and the size of the squash you used. My Vitamix was filled to the 64oz capacity. This soup lasted me a week! Lunch for a week and for $1.00. Really, you can't beat that! It took me about 10 minutes (if that) to make this meal.


TIP: 
(a) Storage options: Get some glass jars and fill them with this. You can easily fill 5 of them and you now have your lunch ready to go and for the entire week! 
(b) You can freeze some of this soup and have it handy for those days when you just don't feel like doing anything.
(c) This soup is so creamy, it makes a great sauce for zucchini pasta.

Spicy Creamy Squash Soup
PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:
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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!
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Copyright © 2011 Veg Vivaciously All Rights Reserved.
 
 

 

9/26/2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Vegan Coconut Pie

Vegan Coconut Pie
I am absolutely cocoNUTs about Nutiva products. I realized after making this pie, exactly how cocoNUTs I am. They really are the ones that got me embracing coconut oil and all the things you can do with it.

After using the oil in smoothies and various other un-cooking plant based dishes, I decided to actually try baking with it. Then after deciding that I wanted to kick it up a notch and make a coconut pie! 

I realized after baking this pie, I hadn't used my stove in about nine months! Funny how time flies when you're having Un-Cooking fun! Luckily for me... my stove still worked!

Anywho...I created this vegan coconut pie. Hope you enjoy it!


Pie Filling
1 pack silken firm tofu
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 cup coconut milk
2-3 teaspoons organic vanilla extract (non-alcoholic)
½ cup coconut nectar

¼ cup tbsp sugar in the raw/turminado sugar
2 cups raw coconut flakes (unsweetened)

Pie shell
1 cup raw pecans (pre-soaked)
2 tbsp sugar in the raw/turminado sugar
2 tbsp coconut nectar
2 tbsp coconut flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger powder
 Please Note: (a) Pie shell ingredients for the bottom. Please double the entire pie shell ingredients for a shell that covers the bottom and goes up on the sides. (b) Pie shell tastes like a gingerbread cookie. It really compliments the overall pie taste. If you don't want that "gingerbread" flavor, then simply exclude the ginger powder.

MAKING THE PIE SHELL
Ginger Pecan Pie Shell
Take the pecans and put in the food process. Process until all the pecans are crumbly. Add the other dry ingredients, then the wet ingredients. Making sure its processed well. Should look crumbly like a graham cracker crust before its patted down.

Take all the ingredients and place it on the bottom of your pie dish. Pat down firmly until its evenly flat. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes in the oven.

Take out after 10 minutes and let it cool before adding your pie crust. (It will cool while making your pie filling *wink*) 

Please Note: I like a thicker crust on the bottom. So I did not go up on the sides of the pie shell pan.

MAKING THE PIE FILLING
Pie Filling
Take all of the ingredients for the pie filling and put them in your blender and blend until its smooth and creamy. Then pour it on top of your cooled pie shell.
Optional: Sprinkle a little coconut flakes on top.
Ready for the oven!
Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes in the oven. 
Please Note: Pie will NOT be completely done! It will still be a bit custardish. Don't worry, this will solidify in the refrigerator.

Take out of oven to cool. Then place it in the refrigerator to sit and settle for at least 2 hours before diving into it!

Enjoy!
This was after an hour of refrigeration. I couldn't wait for it to set completely. *smile*




PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:
-------COPY BLURB BELOW-------
This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!
-------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------


 
Copyright © 2011 Veg Vivaciously All Rights Reserved.
 
 



9/19/2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: NOT-cho's!!! (a vegan alternat...


So it's game season and we're all looking for healthy snacks to munch on while watching the game. One of my favorite snacks are nacho's. I love to eat them watching movies and the games. It's an oldy but goody. I remember when I first started implementing a plant based foods into my diet, I really thought about all the foods I loved, and thought that I wouldn't be able to maintain a consistent plant based diet because that would mean I'd have to give up cheese (For more on my cheese addiction click here). Ironically, all of the foods that I love contain cheese. Until finally, it hit me! Why couldn't I have the same foods? I mean, why couldn't I make the same things, except veganize it! So that's exactly what I started doing with a lot of things. Not-cho cheese being one of many...Let me tell you this cheese recipe tastes like the real thing. I promise you when I made it Angels came down from heaven and sang to me!

Not-cho Ingredients:
  • Chips of your choice. (the chips I used in this pic are red bean and rice chips.)
  • 1-15 oz can of organic red beans
  • 1-15 oz can of organic black beans
  • 1-15 oz can of organic corn
  • 1/3 finely chopped onion or 1 tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 1/3 finely chopped bell pepper
  • 1-2 tbs cumin
  • 1/2 tsp himilayan salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 curry powder
  • Not-cho cheese (see below for detailed recipe)
*If you're anti-can goods, feel free to use frozen. But, for intents and purposes of this blog, I'm going for simplicity---something both female and male friendly (that's right fella's this is so simple even you can prepare it) and I actually used cans---see pic below. 
Organic can goods
First we're going to make the cheese...*drum roll please*...


NOT-cho Cheese
Not-cho Cheese Ingredients: 
  • 1 cup raw organic cashews (pre-soaked)
  • 1/4 cup braggs amino acid
  • 1/4 - 1/2 cup water (depending on how thick or thin you want your cheese)
  • 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1 cup roasted red pepper 
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp crushed red peppers or jalapeno peppers (optional)
Making the Not-cho cheese
Throw all of the ingredients into your blender. (Because we're trying to liquify nuts, its best to use your blender. If you have a hightec blender, it'll take you about 1 min.) Blend, then put the cheese into a bowl and let it sit to the side until you're ready to top your not-cho's off.

Note(s): Makes about 15 oz of cheese. To make more double entire recipe. To make your cheese hot, just keep the blender running for a while, it will automatically heat the cheese up.
Beans and Corn Mix with Bell Pepper, Onion and Seasonings
Making the corn & bean mixture for the Notcho's
Rinse and drain your corn and beans. Once drained put into a bowl, add your seasonings the bell pepper and the onion. Let it sit to the side until you're ready to top your chips.


NOT-cho close up
Making your Not-cho platter
  • Place your chips on your plate.
  • Place the corn and bean mixture on top of the notchos.
  • Drizzle with as much not-cho cheese as you like.
  • Eat!
NOT-Cho Close Up
For those of you who are really watching your weight...here's a little something just for you! If you feel this is just way too "junk food" like for you...throw some lettuce, tomatoes and avocado on it and turn it into a taco salad! Either way enjoy the movies and the games in a healthy way!

Taco Salad

PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:
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This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!
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Copyright © 2011 Veg Vivaciously All Rights Reserved.
 
 




9/12/2011

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Raw Vegan Lasagna


When I first decided to give plant based foods a try, the first home made meal I made was lasagna. I mean, I had dibbled and dabbled in the decadent raw vegan desserts for about a year before I decided to make plant based foods a complete part of my lifestyle. So as I was strolling down memory lane, I thought I'd share this recipe with you this week. Trust me, you'll be impressed at how simple this lasagna is to make and how lovely tasting it is.

RAW TOMATO SAUCE INGREDIENTS
  • 7 oz sundried tomatoes
  • 3 tomatoes
  • 1/2 green pepper
  • 1/2 red pepper
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1 tsp celtic sea salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp basil
  • 1/2 tsp thyme
  • 1/2 tsp sage
  • pinch of morgoram
  • a few pieces of jalepeno peppers
  • a few dashes of nutritional yeast
RAW VEGAN CHEESE INGREDIENTS
  • 2.5 cups of raw cashews (pre-soaked) 
  • 2 large cloves of garlic 
  • 1/2 tsp celtic sea salt
  • 1 tsp parsely
  • 1/2 tsp of onion powder
  • 1 whole lemon (juiced) 
  • 2/3 cups of water
  • 1 pint of portabella mushrooms (marinated over night in olive oil, water, celtic sea salt and pepper)
LASAGNA PASTA AND LAYER INGREDIENTS
  • 2-3 raw organic zucchinis
  • 5 oz of raw organic spinach

MAKING THE RAW VEGAN TOMATO SAUCE
  • Take all of the ingredients, throw them in your blender or food processor and blend/process until its thick but smooth like a paste. 
  • Put in a bowl.
  • Let it set in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your lasagna.
*To see how the tomato sauce should look click here.
    TIP: Remember, you're not cooking this, so you want your sauce a little thicker than normal so that it will set correctly in the lasagna. Not too thick, but not runny either. If it's too runny put more sundried tomatoes in...if it's too thick, put more tomatoes or add a lil water.

    MAKING THE RAW VEGAN CHEESE
    • Take all of the ingredients (except the mushrooms), throw them all in your blender or food processor and blend/process until thick and creamy like cheese. 
    • Put into a bowl. 
    • Drain, rinse and chop your marinated mushrooms to desired size. I typically like them finely chopped. Then fold the mushrooms into the cheese. 
    • Let it set in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your lasagna. 
    *To see how the cheese should look click here.
    *To learn how animal cheese is not good for you, click here.

          PUTTING TOGETHER THE RAW VEGAN LASAGNA
          Prep: Before you can begin to put the lasagna together, you need to make your raw vegan pasta. This is done with zucchini. I simply took a potato peeler, peeled off the outer green layer and discarded it, using only the white of the zucchini. Then I continued to peel thin layers of the zucchini until there was nothing else to peel. Took about 5 mins. Then I marinated the zucchini for about 2-3 hours at room temperature in olive oil, celtic sea salt and a lil black pepper.

          When you're ready to assemble your lasagna...
          • Take the tomato sauce and line the bottom of your casserole bowl with a little bit of it. Spread the tomato paste all around the bottom. This will help your lasagna not to stick. 
          • Then put your first veggie pasta layer (the zucchini) down. Make sure you place each zucchini piece close to each other and cover the entire contents of the bottom of the pan. 
          • Now top with your cheese mixture. You only need a thin layer of cheese. Don't be tempted to lay it on thick. Trust me, you'll still taste the cheese if you use a thin layer. This cheese is thick, creamy and tasty and trust me, you don't want too large of a section of cheese...so be careful to spread it as thin as possible. 
          • Then layer with your spinach. Cover all of the cheese with your spinach leaves. 
          • Lastly, repeat the layering process...tomato sauce, zucchini, cheese, spinach, until there is either nothing else to layer, or until your pan is full. 
          • Let it sit either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least an hour.  
          TIP: If refrigerated. Be sure to then sit it out at room temperature for at least 20 mins before eating. 


          THEN DEVOUR!!!
          This was my actual dinner plate...served on a saucer.
          Eating with a plant based diet, you'll find you don't need as much to eat as you did before. The reason is because you're getting ALL of the nutritional value of the foods you eat. You're not cooking them out and you're not using processed foods that cover them up and over power the nutrients with toxins. Thus, getting fulfilled with less.


          PLEASE NOTE! This site (including but not limited to: all food, hair and skin care recipes; tips; tutorials; writings; and, downloads) are absolutely free to the public! Because it's free, I ask one simple favor in return, as your token of appreciation for my humanitarian effort...I realize you may want to share and maybe even use Veg Vivaciously's content in your business (including but not limited to: blog(s), e-zine(s), website(s), free publication(s), etc). You can, as long as you (1) do not charge a fee; (2) cite the direct link of the Veg Vivaciously content used; and, (3) include the verbiage below with the Veg Vivaciously content used:
          -------COPY BLURB BELOW-------
          This content was originally from Veg Vivaciously, a website that teaches healthier alternatives one veggie at a time. You can get your FREE (food, hair and skin care) recipes, tutorials and other writings and tips directly at www.vegvivaciously.org. PLUS you can stay connected and join the Veg Vivaciously community on Facebook, Twitter and/or even download the Veg Vivaciously Toolbar and/or Phone App to stay in the know!
          -------COPY BLURB ABOVE-------


           
          Copyright © 2011 Veg Vivaciously All Rights Reserved.