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 manna

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:

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WEEKLY FITNESS TIP: Making Time in a Hectic Schedule to Exercise

When I first started working out, my number one excuse was "making time" for working out. I really didn't have the time. I've never been a morning person so getting up earlier than I need to begin my day was out of the question. To fit exercise into my already crazy schedule when I was already praying for at least 6 more hours in a day, was next to impossible, or so I thought. 

I learned rather quickly to break up my workout in intervals. I know this sounds crazy, but I would break my exercise routine up into three 20 minute workouts. Sometimes even four 15 minute workouts. Who said the hour workout had to be all at once?

• In the morning, I would get to my office, shut the office door and I would stretch and do some maneuvers while sitting in my seat at my desk! Afterwards, I would sip on a cup of green tea.

• For lunch, I would walk, then eat. At this time I was a beginner, so I would only walk a half mile or so, strolling, not speed walking. My point was to move, do something, even if it was just a stroll through the park. Then I would come back to work and eat my lunch at my desk. (walking tips here)

• In the evening, I would stretch again, or try to do wall pushups, crunches on the edge of my bed...something right before bed. I would even bend over or lunge while sweeping and vacuuming...again, whatever it took to get my exercise in. Sometimes, I would even do stress yoga stretches, which helped me sleep like a baby.

As silly as it sounds, these little things really got me into working out. While I didn't see fast physical results, I noticed the difference in my temperament, attitude, behavior, I was able to sleep much sounder than before, and I would even wake up a little more rejuvenated than previously too. 

After doing this for about 6 months, I eventually bought a pedometer and started monitoring my walking. When I realized how far I've come by evaluating myself, it just made me want to kick it up a notch. I started walking to work, the store, taking the stairs...just doing what little bit I can to get my work out in. The next thing I know, I was uping my half mile to a mile then to a mile and half, then to two now I can walk at the very least 7 miles without it being a chore.

If I can do it, you can to! Just remember, DO NOT compare yourself to other people. Compare yourself to you! Think about where you were yesterday, last week, last month, last year and where you are today, where you want to be...and compare that. Here's a link from Womens Health Magazine and Fitness Magazine with a series 20 minute workout routines to help get you started. 

There will never be another you, so remember, no matter how hectic your life...make yourself a priority. This is you loving yourself.

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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WEEKLY FITNESS TIP: I Think I Plateaued!

So you've come to a point in your lifestyle change where you feel you're doing everything right and you just don't understand why you're not losing the weight? We've all been there, the best thing I can say (and I realize this is nothing you've never heard before) is to be patient with yourself. We've all been there.  I've literally gone through the pity parties because my body is not looking like a female body builder's when I know I work out and eat right...and have often worked out like a body builder. Again, we've all been there. Here's some things I've learned along the way, hope it helps you, as it helps me.

Love who you are. You've come a long way. Rome wasn't built in a day. I realize this may sound harsh but think about how long it took you to get your body to the point where you felt you needed to get fit. That didn't happen overnight, so we shouldn't expect to lose it all overnight. Appreciate where you are at. While it may not be where you want it to be, it's better than where you once were.

Evaluate Yourself. Think about why you haven't lost any additional pounds. I mean are you eating oreo's, fried foods and potato chips and thinking you're going to just shed the pounds? True story: When I first started working out, I would literally be at the gym every day for an hour or two. Then come home and have high fat foods. Why? Cause I just worked out and I EARNED IT! How silly of me to think I can continue to eat unhealthy foods and burn fat. When really, all I was doing was canceling out my entire work out! I'm not saying starve yourself, but get creative, find a healthier option of the foods you like. For me, I had to learn to reward myself in other ways...cause obviously food just wasn't going to cut it.

Mix up your routine. You may be doing everything fine and your body may be adapting well. If this is the case, it might just be time to mix up your exercise routine. Studies show that if you mix up your routine doing low to high to medium to low to high impact exercises (mixed up routines), you tend to burn more fat and keep it off! Or at least that's what Shaun T say's...Umm...I'll let you know in 60 days...

Take a break. I actually take a frequent break from the high impact work out routines and just walk or do yoga. Its still exercising and its good for me. But it gives my body a break while also allowing me to get use to doing "something" (working out) every day. Please Note: Taking a break does not mean veg out in front of the tv...it means do something relaxing, where you're still getting exercise. But its something that doesn't stress your body out.

Sleep. Are you getting enough sleep? Many don't realize how important sleep is. Aside from the obvious reasons: Harvard researchers indicate, "Several studies have linked insufficient sleep and weight gain. For example, studies have shown that people who habitually sleep less than six hours per night are much more likely to have a higher than average body mass index (BMI) and that people who sleep eight hours have the lowest BMI. Sleep is now being seen as a potential risk factor for obesity along with the two most commonly identified risk factors: lack of exercise and overeating. Research into the mechanisms involved in regulating metabolism and appetite are beginning to explain what the connection between sleep and obesity might be."

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Reference: Harvard Healthy Sleep Research

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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DID YOU KNOW: I love Ginger and Peppermint Tea

I absolutely love ginger and peppermint tea. Peppermint tea, I've loved all my life, since a child. I grew up drinking it. However, Ginger tea and I had a torrid love affair and let's just say we still have a strong passionate relationship...

Did you know that these two tea's are very medicinal, though? I mean the healing properties they both have are outrageous! It's amazing that when we pay attention to what our body needs and likes, it will gravitate us to those things we are suppose to have to refuel it. I didn't start drinking these tea's because they are good for me. I started drinking these tea's because they are amazingly tasting tea's and I noticed how my body reacts to each one.

But enough of that, I'm sure you all want me to get on with it already and just tell you how these teas are good for you...so here goes...

Ginger Root Tea: 2 cups water, 2-3 inches ginger root, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1-2 tsp raw honey bring to boil and drink.

Ginger root is an ancient medicinal root that is known for its healing powers with headaches, nausea, menstrual symptoms, arthritis, colds, flu, digestion, upset stomach, colic, diarrhea, heart conditions, motion sickness, inflammation...and is even known to help in the chemotherapy nausea side effects.

Contrary to peoples comments on the taste of raw ginger. Fresh ginger root is more sweet than spicy (hot)...its been my experience that the more bad (spoiled) the root the more spicier it is.  Don't get me wrong, I mean, I wouldn't bite into this to cure that sweet tooth! It has a kick! But its not like drinking a bottle of tobasco sauce.

Peppermint Tea: 2 cups water, mint leaves (with stems)...boil (optional: raw honey to taste)

Peppermint is known for its tummy soothing properties. But aside from curing an upset stomach, its great for sinus, headaches, relaxing muscles, clearing skin, fighting arthritis and even gingivitis! It promotes better breathing and is known to be an anti-cancer agent.

Of course as the name indicates, this tea will have a peppermint taste. It's light, not a heavy tea. I think everyone will love peppermint tea. Enjoy! XOXO

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.

 

DID YOU KNOW: Raw Vegan Brownies Are Good For You

That’s right! Those Raw Vegan Brownies we made a few days ago, and devoured…are actually good for us! You can eat these little chocolatey delights with no guilt. Listed below are the 10 ingredients used to make them and how they are good for you.

PECANS are rich sources of many phyto-chemical substances that may contribute to their overall antioxidant activity, including polyphenolic antioxidant ellagic acid, vitamin E, beta-carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. Research studies have been suggestive that these compounds help the body remove toxic oxygen, free radicals; thus, protecting the body from diseases (i.e., cancers) as well as infections. Pecans are an excellent source of vitamin-E. Vitamin E is a powerful lipid soluble antioxidant, required for maintaining the integrity of cell membrane of mucus membranes and skin by protecting it from harmful oxygen free radicals.  These nuts are packed with many important B-complex group of vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, and folates. These vitamins functions as co-factors for enzymes during cellular substrate metabolism.

WALNUTS are an excellent form of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Many seem to think you can only get these fatty acids from fish, but you can get it from nuts too.  Walnuts contain no cholesterol and are an important source of dietary fiber and protein and are considered to be the “meat” nut. They are also a good source of many vitamins and minerals including potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin B1, B6, folate, and vitamin E. Research has found that eating regular amounts of walnuts reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. With a 7:1 ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated fat, walnuts are one of the highest naturally occurring sources of polyunsaturated fats.

RAW HONEY contains essential vitamins and minerals including riboflavin pantothenic acid, niacin, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium and zinc. Some of the minerals make up to 1-2% of the recommended daily value by USDA guidelines. (To learn more about Raw Honey...CLICK HERE.)

RAW CACAO POWDER comes right from the cacao bean. So you get all of the raw minerals, antioxidants, and neurotransmitter rejuvenating properties of this raw cacao bean! They are full of Magnesium, Iron, Chromium, Anadamide, Theobromine and the antioxidants it has is through the roof! It has polyphenols, catechins, and epicatechins! Raw cacao powder has more 540% more antioxidants than in blueberries! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)

DATES are rich in dietary fiber, which prevents LDL cholesterol absorption. It’s a great form of a natural laxative. The fiber content helps to protect the colon mucous membrane exposure time as well as binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. They are a great source of Vitamin A and have great antioxidant properties that are known to help great vision. A few other nutrients dates have are: iron, potassium, copper, beta-carotene, and last but certainly not least…this little fun packed fruit is rich in B-complex vitamins and Vitamin K!

RAISINS are a top source of antioxidants. They are full of potassium and dietary fiber, including inulin to promote digestive health. They help fight dental plaque and gum disease, are low in sodium and naturally fat and cholesterol free. It’s even said that eating raisins help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. These dried grapes contain natural fruit sugars, a good source of energy.

MESQUITE POWDER has a low glycemic index of 25. So it actually balances out any sweetness and sugars that are in foods to prevent that sugar “spiked” high that one typically gets from sugars. It has a high protein content is a good source of lysine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc. And its natural caramel taste is used as a flavor enhancer.

COCONUT OIL is filled with over 90% saturated fats…but wait! Don’t freak out on me…hear me out. Not all fats are bad, some are good fats that our body needs. These fats simply go in…and then come right out. They don’t sit and accumulate more fat. Coconut Oil is full of medium-chain triglycerides, which are supposed to assimilate well. Its loaded with Vitamin E, Vitamin K and minerals, namely iron. Not to mention, many often use coconut oil as a method for losing weight, as it carries the fat out of our body with it, while filling our body with healthy fats. While this is naturally fat, its cholesterol free! (To learn more about Raw Cacao, please read my previous post on 8 Ancient Superfoods That Promote Good Health.)

COCONUT MANNA is a great replacement for cream, butter, milk or yogurt.  It’s healthier for you too. It has 50-55% Lauric Acid, 16% fiber, 7% protein and filled with nourishing medium-chain fats that are cholesterol free. These fats will do your body more good than harm.

HIMALAYAN SALT is a pink beautiful salt that, unlike iodized salt, contains 84 minerals and trace elements. The major nutrients in this salt are: potassium, calcium, magnesium sulfates and iodine.  The advantage of using this salt is that the essential minerals and nutrients aren’t taken out. So you get these minerals and nutrients in its natural form.

By the way, if you're reading this and wondering, "What brownies, is she talking about?"...well the recipe was in last week's Recipe of the Week, Raw Vegan Turtle Brownies. (Click Here for the Recipe) 

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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RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Raw Vegan Teriyaki Garden Burger With Raw Vegan Mayo and Raw Vegan Bread!

I'm new at making video's, I realize that may have been a bit too fast for many. So I typed out in detail the recipe for you below. Enjoy!

APPLE FLAX BREAD

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 Red Delicious Apples (peeled) 
• 1 tbsp raw organic extra virgin coconut oil  
• 1.5 cups of ground flax  
• ¼ cup of water

Put ingredients into a food processor and mix it together until it forms a dough texture.  Spread evenly in Dehydrator. Dehydrate until its ready. You'll know when its ready because your bread should be flexible. You do not taste the apple. This tastes like regular wheat bread.

TERIYAKI GARDEN BURGER

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 rib celery     
• 2-3 Tsp red bell pepper
• 2-3 Tsp green bell pepper
• 2-3 Tsp yellow bell pepper
• 2 tbsp of hemp powder
• 1 cup shredded carrots           
• 1 whole tomato
• 8 pcs of sun dried tomato
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 cup sunflower seeds (pre-soaked)  
• 1 cup broccoli w/stems
• 1 cup spinach
• 1 cup of kale
• 1 large portabella mushroom  
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 ½ onion       
• 1 tbsp jalapenos
• 2 garlic cloves 
• 2 inches of ginger
• 1 cup flax seeds, ground         
• ¼ cup raw organic agave
• 1 tbsp parsley
• 1 tbsp cilantro
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 3 tbsp cumin
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp nutmeg  
• 2 tbsp celtic sea salt

With the exception of the ½ onion, 1 rib of celery (you are going to hand chop these and fold these in later.) Put all of these ingredients into the food processor. Take it out, put it in a bowl and fold in the onion and celery. Form into balls and refrigerate for an hour. This helps it to set with all of the ingredients.  Then make into patties. And put it on the dehydrator.

(optional) TERIYAKI SAUCE

INGREDIENTS:

• ¼ cup raw organic agave
• 1 inch ginger
• 1 garlic clove

Blend sauce ingredients. Top burger patties with the sauce before dehydrating. Sprinkle patties with raw organic sesame seeds.

*This recipe makes at least 15 nice size burgers. I Dehydrated mine, but for those who don’t care for dehydrated burgers can sun bake them. Those who don’t care for sun baking or dehydrating can turn it vegan by stove baking or stove frying them.

GREEN GODDESS MAYO

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 garlic
• 2 inch pc of ginger
• 1 avocado
• 2 tsp of sesame
• 3 tbsp of raw organic agave
• 1 tsp of celtic sea salt
• 1/4 cup of coconut milk
• 1tsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1 dash of nutmeg
• 1 pinch of cayenne

Blend and let sit in refrigerator until use.

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Put the mayo on the bread. Add a little lettuce and tomato and top with the teriyaki garden burger. You will love it and want more! 

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.