Monday, February 16, 2009

Thai Slaw

It's the dead of winter here on the East Coast, which is typically when people crave heavy, warm, comfort foods. However, I'm of the opposite line of thinking, and crave things that make me think of warm weather.

I found this slaw recipe on The Daily Raw Cafe and immediately bookmarked it. I had all of the ingredients stocked in my pantry, so I gave it a go. I made a few moderations to the original recipe, and let me tell you - it's absolutely delicious. The dressing is quite fantastic, and I think it would be wonderful as a regular salad dressing or as a dipping sauce for spring rolls.

The recipe literally took me about 20 minutes to make, so this is one you should file away for when you have limited time but want something tasty. I also think this would be a great twist on the traditional coleslaws for those upcoming barbeques and spring get-togethers!

Thai Slaw

Thai Slaw
A variation of a recipe from the Daily Raw Cafe
Serves 4

Dressing
1/2 c raw almond butter
1/4 c coconut oil
1 tbsp agave nectar
Zest and juice of one lime
1 tsp minced ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tbsp crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp salt

Slaw
4 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
2 cups red cabbage, finely shredded
1 cup carrot, finely shredded
1 tbsp fresh mint, minced
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced

Combine all dressing ingredients in a small food processor. Process until well combined. In a large bowl, combine all slaw ingredients. Pour dressing over slaw ingredients and toss well. Allow to rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving, although overnight is best. Enjoy!!

Saturday, February 07, 2009

Indian Avocado Spinach Dip

There are few foods I love more than Mexican and Indian foods. I seriously think I could eat either or both of these everyday for the rest of my life without a problem. So this dip is right up my alley, with the combination of the Avocado and the Indian spice.

This dip couldn't be any easier to make. There are only 3 ingredients other than spices, and there's no added fat so you can simply enjoy the freshness of the vegetables. If you're tired of schlepping the same old spinach artichoke dip to parties, give this dip a try for a tasty and interesting twist!

Oh, and this recipe is completely raw for all you raw foodies out there!


Indian Avocado Spinach Dip

Indian Avocado Spinach Dip

2 avocados, cut in half and scooped out
3 cups packed baby spinach leaves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/8-1/4 tsp salt
Freshly cracked pepper

In a food processor, combine avocados, spinach, and lemon juice until creamy. Add garam masala, salt, and pepper and pulse until well combined.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Fun with the Dehydrator: Raw Lemon Macaroons

I'm not much of a sweet person, but if I do crave something sweet, it's usually either an oatmeal cookie or something of the lemon family. I love lemon meringue pie and lemon squares, so to make a lemon macaroon was a no-brainer for me.

The best part about this recipe is that you can easily just refrigerate these after making the batter and have a no-bake chilled cookie, so if you don't have a dehydrator, you can still enjoy them! I also believe, although I haven't tried it, that you could easily bake these in the oven on a very low temp for an hour or two.
If you're looking for more of a traditional macaroon baked in the oven, try these Coconut Cardamom Macaroons.

Raw Lemon Macaroons

Lemon Macaroons
2 cups shredded coconut
1/2 c coconut butter
2 tsp vanilla
1/4 c agave
1/2 c cashews, ground into flour
Juice and zest from 2 lemons

Mix all ingredients together. If using the dehydrator, form into mounds and place on dehydrator tray. Dehydrate at 115 degrees for 12 hours, until they are nice and crispy on the outside, yet still moist on the inside. Enjoy!

Monday, February 02, 2009

The beginning of another week...

It's been 2 weeks since I posted. Wow. To be honest, I've been so busy with work and life that I haven't had the time to post any new recipes. Combine that with the fact that now when I get home from work, it's too dark for great pictures, and you find yourself with an empty blog.

Not to say I haven't been cooking, though. I've actually been using the dehydrator like a crazy person and creating new recipes. Although I realize this is an appliance that many homes don't have, it's been fun learning and discovering new things to make in it.

I'm going to post a vegan dehydrator recipe or two this week, and then I'll be back next Monday with some new vegaquarian recipes. I also have a cookbook giveaway waiting in the wings, so be sure to check back.