Basil Cashew Pesto

Basil Cashew Pesto

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to find fresh basil at a local gardeners market for a great price. I bought lots so that I could make basil pesto, for the first time ever. It was so easy and it turned out pretty well. Fresh herbs are always magical to work with, but here’s what’s special about basil. A study done in Russia a few decades ago showed that basil alleviates depression. They put a basil plant on the nightstand of people who had been diagnosed with depression and that was enough to alleviate it. I remember reading about that as a teenager. I think it was my first exposure to the concept of aromatherapy. Since then I can’t smell fresh basil without being reminded of that study, and noticing how happy I feel. Making your own basil pesto has the double advantage of that beautiful ‘happy’ aroma and lots of tasty, creamy basil pesto as a result. Read more »

Raw Vegan Blueberry Ice Cream

Raw Vegan Blueberry Ice Cream

Blueberries are a superfruit. They are extremely high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties which combat oxidative stress and inflammation that many experts believe are involved in all the major killer diseases as well as age-related conditions like arthritis and memory loss. In fact, blueberries are considered the ultimate memory food. Bananas contain potassium and fiber. Avocados are high in good heart-healthy fats, and lutein, an antioxidant that’s great for your eyes and skin. All tremendously healthy foods to eat. Blend them together and you’ve got one of the most delicious and satisfying desserts ever. Well I think so anyway. I ate the whole lot of this myself for dinner. Isn’t it every child’s dream to eat dessert for dinner? As adults we can do whatever we want, but usually don’t because we know it’s not healthy for us. Well, go ahead, now you can live the dream and know you’re still eating healthy! Read more »

Marinated Portobello Mushrooms

Raw Diet Recipes: Marinated Portobello Mushrooms

If you love sauteed mushrooms but hate the taste of them raw, and are trying to eat a raw vegan diet, then this recipe is for you. Using a dehydrator, olive oil and spices, you'll be amazed at how you can totally transform the taste of raw mushrooms to so closely resemble sauteed mushrooms.

Keep the temperature setting of your dehydrator at 115 degrees F or below, and you won't destroy any of the important enzymes in raw food, but the warmth is enough to change the texture and taste of the food, similar to cooking at higher temperatures. In the case of mushrooms, these are every bit as delicious as sauteed mushrooms. Read more »

Super C Fizzy Antioxidant Refresher

Super C Hydrating Fizzy Refresher

This is one of by favorite refreshing pick-em-up drinks. I drink it nearly every day and I really miss it when I don’t. This is one of my ‘happy foods’, combining red bush tea (also known as rooibos) and the fermented wonder-drink kombucha. Rooibos tea is high in minerals, loaded with antioxidants and very hydrating, making it a great isotonic sports drink. Combine the hydrating properties of Red Bush tea, the vitamin C and antioxidant properties from superfoods camu camu and lemon, and the energizing zing of kombucha and what have you got? Why a Super C Fizzy Antioxidant Refresher of course! Okay, enough silliness. But seriously, this tasty beverage always lifts my spirit as well as my energy levels. It’s quick and easy to make, but so good for you. Give it a try, and let me know what you think. Read more »

Minted Lemon Tea

This versatile drink makes a delicious, refreshing summer drink chilled over ice, as well as a warm and relaxing winter drink. Great for soothing sore throats. Read more »