Apples and Almond Butter

When people find out I'm not only a Vegan but, about 70% of my diet is Raw Vegan, they have a million questions and comments. One question: What do you eat "raw"? I also often hear comments like, I can't do that, it’s too complicated it takes too long. Well, here is an example of something a raw vegan might eat as a snack or part of a meal. And it’s not complicated and does not take long at all! 

You ready?! 

Recipe: 

Sliced organic apples with raw almond butter
.

Raw almond butter simply means its fresh made, not pre-packaged. Yes, you can make almond butter, peanut butter, and any nut butter yourself! I make mine at my local organic market they have a machine right on the premises, I pour in the almonds and creamy, gooey almond butter comes flowing out! :)  You can also make your own nut butters using a food processor or blender right at home.

 Try it! It's yum!

#ChristineInProgress

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

It’s fall, one of my favorite seasons! I love the sweaters and cuddling on the couch under my favorite blanket, I love long walks in the brisk air and playing in the leaves and I love everything pumpkin!  So it was only fitting that I would find a way to make a healthy vegan pumpkin related treat that I could enjoy with minimal guilt! I’m not so sure that I am the first person to come up with such a thing, so if you have other healthy pumpkin related recipes (shakes, smoothies, desserts etc.)  and you would like to share please do leave them in the comments!

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie Recipe: 

You can use canned (organic) pumpkin puree or you can use a fresh pie pumpkin, pie pumpkins are the little ones and they are best because they are nice and sweet. I don't like to use the large pumpkin for this recipe... the one pictured was just for looks, we will be using that one for a roasted pumpkin dish and for seeds!

8oz pumpkin, canned or fresh
10oz coconut or almond milk
Dash of Cinnamon- I actually like cinnamon, so I used a little more than a dash, it was more like a spoonful. :)
Dash of Pumpkin pie spice (if you can’t find pumpkin pie spice - use a little allspice or nutmeg)
Dash of ginger (if you don't have ground ginger on hand, a single clove is also nice)
Ice
Blend all the ingredients till silky smooth and serve!

Bonus:
You can really take this smoothie to another place with a little dollop of vegan whipped topping... I found a recipe for a great one on the Healthy. Happy. Life. blog. It uses coconut milk!!

You can get that recipe here:

How-to: Whipped Coconut Cream from Coconut Milk

 

Happy Fall!!     Enjoy!