About Me

My photo
I live on purpose. Meaning, I have a purposeful life. Nearly 28 years in every branch of the United States Army. Successful business owner, Avid student, Insightful teacher, Staunch Advocate, Fierce competitor and overall Social butterfly. I am a full-time teacher and student, I give as good as I get while continually evolving into what I will actually be known and remembered for once I no longer grace the visible plane. Learning vicariously through the actions of others has served me well, and helped me to get immersed in a vast arena of pursuits over the years. I cherish my internal solitude, while nourishing my social butterfly nature. I simply. . . AM! As said by Yoda. . . Do, or do not do. There is no try. So, Eat live to live well, sing like you're in the shower, dance like no ones watching, love like you've never been hurt and eat the rainbow without counting calories.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

A holiday recipe from Rick

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup or brown sugar
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality (take one shot).
Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality
pour one level shot and drink.
Turn on the electric mixer.
Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one peastoon of sugar. Beat again.
At this pointit’s best to make sure the Cuervo is still ok, try another shot just in case.
Turn off the mixerer thingy.
Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cupof dried fruit.
Pick the frigging fruit off the floor.
Mix on the turner.
If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaters just pryit loose with a drewscriver.
Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.
Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who geevesa sheet.
Check the Jose Cuervo.
Now shift the lemon juice and strain yournuts.
Add one table.
Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you canfind.
Greash the oven.
Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fallover.
Don’t forget to beat off the turner.
Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish theCose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the wishdasher.
Cherry Mistmas and enjoy the Ookcies !
Rick

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

The Master Cleanser Updated 5 jan 2011

THE FOLLOWING PROCESS IS GIVEN SOLELY AS A SUGGESTION; ANYONE WHO VOLUNTEER TO FOLLOW IT DOES SO ON THEIR OWN.  SINCE EACH PERSON NATURALLY REACTS DIFFERENTLY, EACH INDIVIDUAL MUST USE THEIR OWN JUDGEMENT AS TO IT'S USE.

Happy New Year and welcome to the RAW FOOD FOR LIFE YEAR!

I found the book by Stanley Burroughs about 11 years ago and have followed the protocol whenever I felt my body needed a jolt in the right direction and during each change of season.  When I was told I had an abnormal pap smear (I did the master cleanser).  When I had a diagnosis of anemia and later tumors, i did it those times too.

When I feel not quite right or just sluggish.  I  found that it was best when I just gave myself regular intervals and time frames in which I treated myself to a thorough cleansing and this is the method I selected over many, many others.

So 2011 is facing me and I am on my transition eating protocol already, mainly fresh fruits and plenty of distilled water with a few drops of adya clarity added.  I will do before and after pictures and we'll see how long my body wants to cleanse this time.  maybe 5, 12, 22, or 30 days.

There is a website that hosts a group master cleanser, I just might login with them so I can have a validation and documentation of my progress along the way.

The happiest of new Years.  Check out the site if you would like to join in too.

All you have to lose is compacted feces, bad skin and sluggishness and some weight.

Usually every new year I do the master cleanser, a detoxification and vitalization process that has the remarkable side effects of weight loss, strength and clarity of mind.  This year will be no exception.   Enjoy your results...It's a;ways amazing for me.


Follow the diet for a minimum of 10 days according to the book by Stanley Burroughs.

The recipe follows:

2 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon or lime juice (about 1/2 lemon)  
2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (not maple flavored syrup)
1/10 Tsp cayenne pepper (red pepper)
8 ounces of distilled water (medium hot)

Combine the juice, maple syrup, cayenne in a 10 ounce glass or cup and add medium hot water.  If the whole days worth is made in advance, the water can be room temp.  Only use fresh lemons or limes, the canned, frozen or bottled juices don't have the necessary enzymes and nutrients.

TAKE FROM 6 TO 12 GLASSES OF THE LEMONADE MIX DAILY DURING THE WAKING PERIOD.  As you feel hunger, have another glass of lemonade.

Nothing else should be taken during the full period of the cleanse.

* Do not take vitamins or minerals at all during this process.
*  If you are very overweight, use less maple syrup, if underweight, add a little more.
* Grade A, B, or C of the pure maple syrup can be used, C - the darkest, is preferred but all will work just fine.* you may also zest some of the lemon peel (if organic) to add to the cleansing and laxative effect.
*Adding the cayenne is needes as it break up mucous and increases warmth by building the blood.
* mint tea may also be taken occasionally in small amounts (without sweetener) as a change of taste and also assists in the cleansing.  It's chlorophyll helps as a purifier, neutralizing many unpleasant mouth and body odors that sometimes occur during the cleanse.
* Never vary the amount of lemon juice per glass.  About 6 glasses of lemonade a day is sufficient for those looking to reduce.

As this is a cleansing process, the more you can assist nature to eliminate poisons, the better.  If your system feels upset, it is because you are not eliminating sufficiently.
You must still have two, three or more bowel movements per day even though you are not having solid foods.  This is needed to ensure the compacted wast that is being loosened is being immediately eliminated and being reabsorbed into your tissues.  The better the eliminations, the better the results.


1-  The pre-cleanse starts with a herbal laxitive both morning and evening for a couple of days as you cut out meats, dairy and processed foods.  If this is not sufficient to clean out the intestinal tract, then use a salt-water flush upon rising and the herbal laxative tea in the evening. This step is NECESSARY in order to remove the toxins that have been loosened by the lemon juice cleanse.

2 -For your day one through 10 (or more) on the cleanse, use the lemonade mixture daily as your sustenance.  Immediately upon rising (if you can, you will need about an hour and a half) take a internal salt water bath.  This is a method of clearing the entire colonic tract without any harmful side effects.  Also upon retiring for the evening enjoy your herbal laxative tea before bed.

Salt water flush: 1 full quart of lukewarm water and add 2 level teaspoons of uniodized SEA SALT.  Regular salt will not work properly or give the desired results.  There will likely be several eliminations and this process may be taken anytime there needs to be a cleansing of the digestive system.  Again, if the daily SWF is not possible on the days not, take the additional cup of herbal tea in the morning as well.

+++++++       ++++++++        +++++++++

* from the website:  www.therawfoodsite.com

Master Cleanse and Raw Food, what's the connection?

Health, weight loss, energy, detoxification, vitality, positive mental attitude, and longevity are some of the reasons people choose to eat more raw fruits, nuts, seeds and vegetables than cooked food.
A more positive mental attitude was the most surprising result for me. I had a very positive mental attitude to begin with. However, when I began eating more raw fruits and vegetables and then did the Master Cleanse, I discovered that it is man's natural state to have a positive mental attitude.
As for making it easier to switch to a raw food diet, I recommend doing the Master Cleanse. It's an easier way to move to a raw food diet. Hundreds of people have discovered that detoxifying from unhealthy food additives and the consumption of more food than the body can successfully eliminate, removes the cravings for food that's not good for you.
Why don't more people eat a raw food diet? It's difficult to give up cooked food. 

Most adults are aware of feeling sluggish and tired after eating Thanksgiving Dinner. In our society, too many of our meals create this effect. The tired, sleepy, sluggish feeling is due to the energy the body must redirect to digest and process your meal.
Worse yet, this tiredness comes on top of a lack of energy that tends to pervade our lives. Where is the energy that we felt when we were teenagers? Can it be that the tiredness we feel after a heavy meal is just another face of the general lack of energy we live with from middle age onwards? Sadly, most people do not even notice the slow increase in lack of energy, depression, and irritability until they do the Master Cleanse and/or begin to eat nourishing raw fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts and juice. Then, they are uniformly amazed at all the energy they gain.
Then there is the problem of weight loss. According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, "$100 billion is spent annually in the United States for the treatment of [diseases related to overweight] and an almost equal amount is spent yearly on diets and low-calorie foods and drinks, exercise programs and other weight loss treatments which, even if successful, offer only temporary relief."
A serious study of nutrition and diet will show you that fat is the body's defense against toxins. The reason more and more Americans are having trouble being overweight is that Americans are eating more and more cooked, processed, artificially colored and flavored food. These "foods" contain substances that do not nourish your body. They entertain by smelling, looking and tasting good. Unfortunately, they do not build strong, healthy bodies.
Does anyone seriously believe that a diet of only fast food hamburgers, milkshakes, french fries and cookies will actually nourish the body? I doubt it—except for the very young, who are growing up with the handicap of no nutritional education.
I hope the information on this website and the books above will help you achieve a level of vibrant good health that amazes you and those you live with.
Yours in Health,
detox diet
Peter Glickman



WOW! and people think that I am crazy to nourish my body instead of continually poisoning and depleting it. I choose to be well,  and eat live!

I am Chef V. Su'Rae. . .  and I am RAWsome

Monday, December 20, 2010

from The raw food site dot com

Green Smoothies

For those with a Vita-Mix, put in the ingredients below and blend for 15 to 20 seconds.
Ingredients:
  • 2 handfuls of spinach, mixed greens, kale or turnip greens
    (Yes I know, you don't want to eat any of those. Me, too, but in a green smoothie with all the other stuff, you won't even taste them.)
  • 1 banana
  • 2 ripe mangoes without the skin or pit (or 2 peaches, a cup of blueberries, strawberries, pitted cherries, or an additional banana)
  • 2 cups of refrigerated spring or distilled water

Fruit Smoothie

For those concerned about their protein in the morning or wonder what to have instead of eggs to start their day, this smoothie makes a wonderful start.
Ingredients: Soaked flax seeds, Banana, Fresh or frozen fruit and water (dates and grated orange rind optional)
  1. Place 1-2 heaping tablespoons of soaked Flax Seeds* in your blender.
  2. Add 1-2 cups of water.
  3. Turn on high speed until the seeds turn thick and "goopy." Add more water if needed.
  4. Add one peeled banana.
  5. Add frozen or fresh fruit. If you didn't add frozen fruit and want it chilled, add ice cubes.
  6. If you want it sweeter, add 4 - 6 soaked dates without the pits.
  7. If you want a nice orange tang, add a bit of grated orange rind.
  8. Mix and match any fruits you like:
    Strawberries and bananas;
    Peaches, strawberries and bananas; or
    Peaches, pineapples, bananas and coconut.
  9. Add raw (unroasted) carob powder to any smoothie.
* I keep a container of flax seeds soaking in the refrigerator just like other people keep milk or eggs on hand. I also keep a small dish of soaking dates in water to use as a sweetener.

Veggie Dip

This dip can be made thinner to use as a creamy salad dressing or thickened with veggies for a pate to spread on carrots or crackers or to roll up in lettuce leaves or nori seaweed sheets. Take a pint container to work with you along with your favorite veggies and/or lettuce or kale leaves.
Ingredients:
  • Water (start with ¼ cup and add more to make it easy to blend the nuts until smooth)
  • Cold-pressed olive oil (start with 2-3 Tablespoons and add more to desired creaminess)
  • Sweet: raw cashews 7 ounces (or soaked and drained almonds, pecans, etc.)
  • Sour: lemon or lime juice
  • Spicy: fresh-grated garlic (the longer the garlic is in the mixture the stronger it gets), fresh-grated ginger root, chilies, cayenne pepper, or some sliced jalapeno pepper
  • Bitter: fresh cilantro (or your fresh or dried herb of choice), or poultry seasoning
  • Salty: Celtic Sea Salt, dulce (a dried, salty seaweed) and soy sauce, tamari or shoyu (These are just three grades of the same thing.)
Mixing:
  1. Blend the nuts until finely ground in the food processor or blender.
  2. Add a bit of water slowly until a thick "goop" forms.
  3. Add a few cloves of fresh garlic and slices of ginger root.
  4. Add some olive oil, Nama Shoyu (aged soy sauce), Celtic Sea Salt and blend.
  5. Taste. If too sweet, add some lemon or lime juice. If too thick for the blender to handle, add more water.
  6. Then make adjustments for sweet, sour, spicy, salty, and bitter using the above ingredients or substitutes. (I found that the chilies, garlic, salt, soy sauce, lemon juice and ginger were key for balancing the sweetness of the cashews or nuts.)
  7. For extra spicy, add 1 whole chopped jalapeno pepper or other chili pepper.
  8. Blend and at the end, add dried or fresh basil or cilantro or your favorite herb. (If you blend too much at the end, the green herbs will turn it an unappetizing greenish beige.)
  9. Serve with raw veggies (carrots, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, radishes, green beans, sliced sweet potatoes, tomatoes, jicama—a Mexican root that is firm like a water chestnut—bell peppers, cabbage, etc.) or with dehydrated flax crackers.
This can also be used as rich, creamy salad dressing. Just add more water and salt, if needed. This dip gets thicker when it sits in the refrigerator. You can always add more water and stir before serving.
Optional ingredients (add to the blended mix or just chop into the dip):
Grated horseradish, chopped spinach, chopped bell peppers (any color), mashed avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced or diced green onions, or red onions.
Ideas:
Try emphasizing one herb for a dominant flavor (dill, basil, tarragon, etc.).
You can add carrots if you're using a food processor and make it into a paste and use it as a spread on crackers, rolled up in nori seaweed sheets (used for sushi rolls) or on lettuce leaves as a "green burrito."


Raw Ice Cream

If you have a sweet tooth or love ice cream especially late at night or have kids that love ice cream, this is a fast and easy recipe. My grandson loves to make it whether for breakfast, lunch or dinner or for a quick snack.
Ingredients: Nuts, bananas, frozen fruit
  1. Place a handful of raw (not roasted) cashews or soaked, then drained, raw almonds in the food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth. (You can leave the mixture slightly grainy for more texture in the ice cream.)
  3. Add a bit of water (1-4 tablespoons) to make it into a thick cream.
  4. Add chopped frozen fruit. (See below for ideas.)
  5. Add a banana, frozen or not, to make it thick, smooth and sweet.
  6. Taste and adjust sweetness, frozenness and creaminess by adding more of the above ingredients, dates, etc.
  7. Serve right away. If you want the ice cream firmer you can place it in a container in the freezer until it is as thick as you like. If there is any left over, store it in the freezer in a covered container. Allow time to thaw when you want to eat it again.

Mikey's Milkshake (Unbelievably good!!)

Makes 6 services
Soak 2 cups of fresh pecans (about 1/2 pound) for about 5 minutes, rinse them, soak them another 5 minutes and rinse them again.
Then put into a Vita-Mix (or powerful blender):
  • 8 pitted dates
  • A level teaspoon of Celtic Sea Salt (or to taste)
  • 2 - 3 teaspoons of honey (or to taste)
  • 1 and 1/2 vanilla beans (optional)
  • 5 - 12 macadamia nuts (make it creamier!!)
  • Refrigerated cold water to total 60 oz.
Turn on low until the nuts are ground up. Then whip it on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes.

What do I usually eat on my raw food diet?

Q. Peter, I am on day 14 on my cleanse and plan to go 40 days. I have lost some weight and hope to lose more before my 40 days are up. On the website, you say you ate 100% raw and lost quite a bit of weight. 40 pounds in 6 months or something like that. I was wondering if you could give me an idea of what you ate on an average day when you did that. I am planning on doing 100% raw at home and then eat SAD occasionally, e.g. dinner with a friend. I think that you can probably eat unlimited fruits and veggies as they are so low in calories. I am planning on using nuts and seeds as my protein. That is where I am concerned. I tend to go a little overboard with those because I love them so much. Did you limit those and how much did you do per meal? Any ideas and a sample menu would really be appreciated!
A. First, I should say that my wife has been a professional chef and went raw 6 months before me so she made a number of delicious things for us to eat. Her cashew dip (Veggie Dip recipe above) routinely gets raves. Breakfast is usually a green smoothie (See Victoria Boutenko's Green for Life book for recipes and its amazing results). I liked to make salads with varied greens, kalamata olives, pepperoncini, sunflower seeds, raisins, crushed tomato (I like the flavor of a tomato crushed by hand better than sliced.), olive oil, lemon juice, sea salt, carrots and celery. I do the olive oil, sea salt and lemon juice to taste. It's important to alternate various kinds of greens as eating exclusively one kind, such as spinach or romaine, can create mineral imbalances or even kidney stones.

The thing you need to know about preparing raw food as opposed to cooked food is that cooked food or prepared foods always taste the same. Pasta always tastes like pasta. Not true of fresh tomatoes or pepperoncini. Sometimes more flavor, sometimes less. So measuring is out. Tasting is in.

Always try to ensure you have all five flavors in dishes: sweet, sour, salty, spicy and bitter (usually herbs). They don't have to be intense, but just a little of each really enlivens the taste.

The next thing to know is that when you transition to raw vegan from cooked food, you generally want complex prepared dishes, like the veggie dip or maybe the veggie dip done so that it has a thicker consistency and with tomatoes or avocados and rolled up in nori seaweed (like that used for sushi). Put some Nama Shoyu (organic aged soy sauce) on it!!

After a month or two, I just wanted an apple with soaked almonds that had been re-soaked in Nama Shoyu to make them salty; or raisins and soaked almonds with some kalamata olives and pepperoncini; or a glass of fresh carrot-apple juice. Or apple-fennel juice—unbelievable!

Evening or 4 pm snacks were sometimes figs or dates with soaked almonds. Every once in a while, sliced apples with raw almond butter and sea salt. Wow! (Don't depend on almonds as a daily food as they are very high in calcium and can throw off your mineral balance.)

About using nuts and seeds for protein: greens such as spinach have a great deal of protein by weight as well as being great sources of calcium and magnesium. You should try to include dark greens each day. Your protein requirements are much less when you are getting vegetable protein. Also, the best nuts are almonds and they should be soaked for 12 to 24 hours before eating. Most nuts have enzyme inhibitors that prevent them sprouting unless they are soaked for a long time. These same enzyme inhibitors will inhibit your complete digestion if you don't soak them off. You'll see the tannic acid in the brown water that you pour off. Seed typically don't require soaking.

You want to be sure you eat greens for the reasons above, oils (avocado, olives or olive oil, coconut oil, etc.), and sweets (dates, raisins, sweet fruits). The sweets are required for complete digestion of the oils!
There you go.

Detox and clenasing and fasts, Oh my!

http://chetday.com/21day.html

This was a real challenge to me.  But it made a GREAT difference in my life as well as my relationship with food and how to not concern myself with the awkward beliefs of others.  This what brought me to the realization that I can only live for me and what is good and right for me may not be so for my friends or relations.  This is where I came into the realization that I could not possibly share my life with a pure carnivore.  They would have to be vegan, vegetarian or RAW.

My next great thing is the Master Cleanser.  I LOVE (absolutely) this process.  Yeah, for some it is taxing and pulls on their deepest fears. (many, many Americans)  have a fear (deeply embedded) of starvation or lack.  This is a reason why we often accumulate SO MUCH STUFF.  Look at teh 21 December post or at the other blog:  www.upgrade101.blogspot.com.

The master cleanser, what can I say

http://therawfoodsite.com/

They host a raw food/Master cleanser process.  I find it helps greatly when people have like minded individuals to share an experience with.

GET on board and let's get RAW in 2011!  The Stuttgart group is RVVC (Raw, Vegetarian, Vegan & Curious).  We will kick it off together.  If you are interested in a 1 day shut in during Jan I'm up for it..

Saturday, December 11, 2010

The Movement to Reverse diabetes Naturally

http://www.rdnmovement.com/

There are astronomical numbers of arthritis, diabetes, cancer and a myriad of "so called" incurables.  What if they were curable for those that did the right things in the right order and at the right time?  What if you could stop the process of degeneration for chronic ailments by using nutrition or herbs.?

Despite what you believe in right now.  I refuse to fathom that a body that can build itself from a sperm and a egg, that can make a scab to close a would and heal the damaged site, a body that can breathe on it's own, continue it's heart beating and sleep when it's tired and awaken when its refreshed cannot remove a plague from itself if the HOST (the current consciousness *YOU*) will just stop putting things into the vessel that are KNOWN to kill it.

We were meant to have life and to have it abundantly.  This does not necessarily mean financial, but quality of life. Health, energy, vibrancy.  All this and more are possible, I believe if the right things are done to HELP THE BODY DO WHAT IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO! Just Live.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Great Recipe with Cashews


Cashew Mignardises

Mignardises are cute little bite-sized desserts that are typically served in high-end restaurants. With this recipe, you don't need a big wallet to enjoy the best mignardises around.
 
Feel free to play around and substitute with similar ingredients; for example, if you don't have easy access to cashews or cashew butter, try using pecans or almond butterinstead.
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 cup raw cashew butter (or the equivalent in freshly ground raw cashews)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or raw honey
  • 3/4 cup raw cocoa powder
  • Seeds from 1 vanilla bean
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)
  • Any coatings that you enjoy, like shredded coconut, sesame seeds, chocolate nibs, or more chocolate powder
Directions:
 
1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
2. Pour mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 4 hours.
3. Use your hands or a melon baller to make small balls out of mixture.
4. Roll balls in shredded coconut, sesame seeds, or any other coating that you enjoy - anything goes, so don't hesitate to bring out chopped dried fruit or your favorite spices.
 
Enjoy these healthy mignardises - talk about a healthy alternative to conventional desserts!
 
Posted by Dr. Ben Kim, this recipe was adapted from a similar version found in: Great Chefs Cook Vegan

Themes for the new year VVRC Club of Stuttgart

The official kickoff for the Vegetarian, Vegan, Raw & Curious Club of Stuttgart needs a theme for the overall year and a series of monthly themes that we can base our activities on for each meeting.

Of course sampling the treat the members bring to each meeting and swapping those recipes will be the highlight, we still need a lot of great ideas for the themes.  As a suggestion for the type of things I have in mind is

For 2011 -  "Enjoy Eating for Fun in Two Zero One One". 

for a monthly theme 

Little Italy (all Italian types)


It looks green but does not taste green


Legumes and Tofu and Pears, Oh my

So, these are just a few I came up with.  Let's get plenty more and have a blast with it.  Today is the Best Day Ever.  Make it so.

I am Chef V. Su'Rae

and I am RAWsome!!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

OMEGA 2300 HP Blender

Whoo-Hoo, this baby rocks.  Okay, I like it.  two things. 
thing one, it is quieter than the Vita-Mix.
thing two, I absolutely adore the shape and the size of the beaker.

So, this blender comes in 110V (220V is being manufactured) - Can't wait.
Hits you at about $330.00 w/shipping. $250 to $350 lower than Vitamix and Blendtec.

I believe it comes in colors too, the one I used I bought for a colleague of mine and she LET me use for the class, I had an unfortunate event with my Vita-Mix a few days ago and I thought I was sunk!!  But, Jenn came to the rescue.  Yay!! Jenn!!!

SO, if you are interested in getting these in AAFES here.  Let the manager know that you WILL pay $300.00 for a HP blender.  Let your friends know, let everyone that needs a modification to their diet know, even tell those that you would not think would even know what a smoothie is (LOL) that this HP Blender ROCKS!!  It can make everything from soup to Ice Cream. 

Please look at the previous posts for plenty of recipes, as well, sign on as a follower so you can get in on all the RAWsomeness that STUTTGART can stand from the Divine Chef V...

As I sign off for the night I would submit to you, If you don't know what you're eating, who does then?

Eat to live. 

Also check me out on FaceBook.  Eat live to look good in the RAW!!

I remain. . . RAWsome!

Last Raw Intro Class of 2010

Wow, was this an adventure or what?  In the words of David "Avocado" Wolfe. . . I had the Best Day Ever.  The food was grand, the class was engaged and I had two young ladies (under 15) that seemed to really enjoy quite a few of the delicacies prepared. (yep, that was pretty good for me).

So, one of the recipes for this class that were requested was the brocco-flower crunch..

broccoli florets taken down small (bite size)
Cauliflower taken down small (bite size)
soaked almonds (chopped) or pine nuts
crasins
red onions
diced bell peppers (various colors)
diced turnips/kolrabi
diced curly parsley (enough for amazing color)
Olive, Peanut, grape kernel or almond oil (judge according to amount of other items)
Rice vinegar or your favorite (to add a bite and nice flavor once it sets up)
sea salt just a dash
juice of half lemon (give or take - adjust to taste)
Sweetener (agave, coconut crystals, Stevia....your choice) just enough to have a hint of sweetness to balance the vinegar, onions, and the cranberries tartness..

Do all your dicing (place in a container w/lid) and then add the vinegar and oil.
let this sit for 1/2 hour or so this starts to soften and marinate the broccoli
then add the nuts and crasins. 
Refrigerate until ready to eat (if you can)

Eat, Eat ans enjoy..

Monday, November 15, 2010

Smoothies from the Boutenko family

http://www.rawfamily.com/recipes

Green Smoothies for Beginners

Basic Balance
Victoria Boutenko
1 mango
1 cup kale
1 cup water
Yields 1 quart

Rocket Fuel Smoothie
Victoria Boutenko
2 cups green or red seedless grapes
3 golden kiwis, peeled
1 ripe orange, peeled, seeds removed
1 small leaf of aloe vera, with skin
5 leaves red leaf lettuce
2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Morning Zing Smoothie
Victoria Boutenko
½ bunch dandelion greens
2 stalks celery
½ inch fresh ginger root
2 peaches
½ pineapple
Yields 2 quarts

Parsley Passion Smoothie
Sergei Boutenko
1 bunch fresh parsley
1 cucumber, peeled
1 Fuji apple
1 ripe banana
1–2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Savory Green Smoothies and Soups

Mediterranean Soup
Victoria Boutenko
3 cups spinach
3 stalks celery
1 sprig oregano
1 sprig thyme
1 red bell pepper
1 large avocado
1 cucumber
1 jalapeño pepper
1 lime, juiced
2 cups water
Enjoy with dulse leaves or flakes
Yields 3 quarts


Soup Gazpacho
Victoria Boutenko
3 leaves kale, stems removed
1 bunch basil
3 large tomatoes
2 stalks celery
1 red bell pepper
1 large avocado
1 lime, juiced
1 cup water
Yields 2 quarts



Thai Soup
Sergei Boutenko

2 cucumbers
1 large avocado
1 lime, juiced
3 cloves garlic
6 leaves curly kale, stems removed
½ teaspoon dried turmeric powder
½ inch fresh ginger root
2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts



Cucumber Dill-icious Soup
Valya Boutenko

2 cucumbers
½ bunch dill
1 large avocado
5 leaves dinosaur kale, stems removed
2 stalks celery
1 lime, juiced
3 cloves garlic
Yields 2 quarts



Green Puddings

Kent Mango Bliss
Victoria Boutenko

2 Kent mangoes
1 bunch chard, stems removed
1 pear
1 banana
Serve with kiwi.
Yields 3 cups



Green Pudding
Victoria Boutenko

1 bunch fresh parsley
5 grape leaves
½ pineapple
1 Abbot pear
1 orange, peeled
1 cup water
Yields 2 cups



Persimmon Pudding
Victoria Boutenko

3 fuyu persimmons, peeled, seeds removed
3 cups baby spinach
1 ripe banana
Yields 2 cups



The Pear-fect Smoothie
By Katya

2 d’Anjou pears
7 leaves purple kale, stems removed
1 leaf aloe vera
1 banana
Yields 2 cups



Applesauce
Valya Boutenko

4 apples
1 banana
1 head romaine lettuce
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups water
Yields 3 cups

Green Smoothies for Body Care

Aloe Facial Cleanser
Valya Boutenko

½ cucumber
½ avocado
1 large leaf aloe vera, with skin
Apply on skin as a sunscreen, or after sunburn, or to improve overall skin health. Keep on skin 10–30 minutes, then rinse off.
Yields 1 cup

Super Green Smoothies

Victoria’s Favorite Dark Green
Victoria Boutenko
1 bunch dandelion greens
4 Roma tomatoes
3 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Heavy Metals Be Gone
Valya Boutenko
1 bunch cilantro
2 cups stinging nettles
1 bunch fresh parsley
3 stalks celery
1 lemon, juiced
2 mangoes
Yields 2 quarts

Green Smoothie Monster
Victoria Boutenko
4 leaves kale, stems removed
4 leaves chard, stems removed
½ bunch fresh parsley
1 leaf aloe vera
½ bunch dandelion greens
3 pears
1 banana
3 cups water
Yields 2 quarts


Dark Green Love
Victoria Boutenko
1 bunch dandelion greens
1 medium cucumber
3 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Green Smoothies for Adventurous Souls

O-mega Aphrodisiac
Victoria Boutenko
3 cups wild purslane
1 small watermelon
3 limes, juiced
Yields 2 quarts


Revitalizing Energizer Smoothie
Victoria Boutenko
6 young grape leaves (they contain resveratrol, which triggers longevity genes)
3 leaves dinosaur kale, stems removed
2 mangoes
1 pint strawberries
2 cups orange juice
Yields 1 quart


Summer Splendor Smoothie
Sergei Boutenko
4 leaves chard, stems removed
3 stalks celery
1 head fresh parsley
6 apricots
3 peaches
½ vanilla bean
Yields 2 quarts


“Bitter Delight” Cocktail
Victoria Boutenko
1 large leaf aloe vera, with skin
4 leaves chard, stems removed
3 cups chickweed
1 banana
1 peach
1 pear
Yields 1 quart

Green Smoothies for Children

Miner’s Lettuce Smoothie
Sergei Boutenko
3 cups wild crafted miner’s lettuce (wild edible)
2 ripe pears
½ pint blueberries
2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts

Coco-Tango
Sergei Boutenko
Thai coconut, meat and water
5 leaves kale, stems removed
2 nectarines
2 peaches
1 mango
Yields 2 quarts


The Laughing Gorilla
Valya Boutenko
½ head romaine lettuce
2 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen
2 oranges, peeled, seeds removed
1 mango
2 cups water
Yields 2 quarts
Warning: consumption of smoothie may
result in spontaneously occurring, extremely
contagious gorilla laughter



Emerald Applesauce
Aletha Nowitzky
4:5 apples
1 bunch fresh parsley
½ inch fresh ginger root
Yields 3 cups

Green Smoothies for Pets

Poochie’s Gourmet Green Smoothie
1 cup kale
1 banana
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kelp (granules or powder)
Add some torn nori sheets; dogs love it!


Fluffy’s Delight
1 cup wheatgrass clippings (or any other grass, not sprayed)
1 cup water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 capsules fish oil (pour on the smoothie, in the bowl)
Pinch of catnip (optional)
Yields 7 servings: You may freeze it in an ice-cube tray and serve it by the cube.

To the world you might be one, but to one you might be the world

There are regular trials and tribulations that are just a part of life that makes a chosen path of dietary sustenance almost difficult to maintain.  Divorce, death, moving, transition, new births and the list can go on..  This is where the table turned for me because I watched as both my parents and my two oldest siblings died from things I know could have been reversed with simple and consistent dietary changes..

Sure I maintain MY dietary choices more often than not, and sometimes that includes a cupcake that my 5 year old granddaughter stuffs into my mouth.  Sometimes it's the burnt toast and fruit loops that my 9 year old grandson makes me for breakfast..and sometimes its what my daughter-in-law cooks, because she wants to impress me, and do something nice.  so, I say. . . Live fully, love completely and eat to live.  100% raw is great for some and not attainable to all.  Continually upgrade your choices and the quality of your life and health will improve..On to the story

The story as I recount it to my relatives. . . 

Every year around now, I remember the boys being excited we were planning a trip to California for Christmas in 1993.  After that trip was over, my whole life and family dynamic would change forever.

I recall one day while at work in the Barbershop, my sister called to tell me that our mother had died. I wasn’t surprised or upset as much as relieved she had suffered terribly. And Dad had passed two years earlier. On that clear, cold January morning, standing in Allentown, Pennsylvania, I was struck with the realization and the pain of learning that sometimes there isn't any more.
No more hugs or kisses, no more time to put it off till the Summer, No more I'll do it for you next week, no more lucky moments to celebrate together, no more phone calls just to say hi, no more drives across the country to visit a mom or dad since they don’t travel anymore. No more 'just wait a minute.'
Sometimes, what we don't even realize is that what we care about the most goes away.
Never to return before we can say good-bye, sorry or say 'I Love You.'

I know my mom knew I loved her and would miss her dearly. I know my 2 sons, my nieces Andrea and Carla, and my nephew Craig, even my great nieces Destinee and Takyia although babies then, enjoyed that cross country hike and the time spent that last week of my mother’s life in California at my sisters house over the Christmas Holiday.

Yes, on that morning, after that call I realized that I was the youngest of five adult children of Rosetta Stewart. I realized that, one day my two sons would too know this feeling of having run out of time.

So in 2011 and beyond, while we have it .... it's best we love who and what we can for as long as we can. Care for the people and the things in our lives that matter.

Fix things when they’re broken, and facilitate healing and take good care of people and things when sick.
This is true for relationships of all types; marriages; and friendships; relatives near and far; and children with bad report cards; in-laws and out-laws; and dogs with bad hips; and aging parents and grandparents; lots of things that have added meaning to our lives over the years.

We keep them because they are worth it, Because on some level we cherish them, they matter!
Some things we keep --like a best friend from years ago a classmate we grew up with, that favorite pair of jeans or that now mangy old dog. There are just some things that make us happy, no matter what.
Since that January phone call almost 17 years ago, I've gotten the same call about my Sister Janyce and my Brother Gary.  Yep, sometimes there is just no more.  

Now, I am one of three living children of Rosetta Stewart.  I probably have over 45 nieces and nephews, many I have never and probably will never have an opportunity to share a life with but, still, I'm here. 

I received this from someone who reminded me that to them, through thick and thin, I was a 'KEEPER'! (I know its because she likes my RAW Chocolate concoctions).

Then I thought about my life and situation. I thought about my “Keepers”.

Sometimes we just need to let folks know that; Just because you don't ever see me, does not mean I am not there. Just because you hardly hear from me does not mean that I don't care.

Life is a beautifully woven tapestry of friendships, hardships, loves, hates, joys and disappointments. I've been a giver of these tapestries and I've also received...

Today, to you all, I give this; for my friends, co-conspirators, colleagues, students and teachers in the life of RAWness.
Eat (Raw fruits and vegetables), Drink (Smoothies and Distilled water), and be merry all the time (even while making short dietary deviations without guilt), For tomorrow is not promised.


The Divine Ms. V

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Holiday RAW Feas-travaganza

Holiday RAW Feas-travaganza on 19 December at 1300  A full 5 course meal exalting the richness of the Gourmet Raw side of eating.  two entrĂ©es will be available.  One Vegetarian and one Raw....MMmmm, MMmmm good.  Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entree and dessert.

I am literally going over what the menu will be this whole weekend.  Perfecting my non-eggnog as well as my confetti salad.  I am so excited..
 
$30.00 person,  RSVP and payment due in advance..RSVP by email.  You can make payment at my office on Kelley or with me in person..  Can't wait to see you all there if you can make it.  Please let any Vegetarian or curious friends you have know this is the ONLY Whole food, nutritionally sound holiday dining experience in the Stuttgart Military community!
This RAW-somely delectable Holiday Munch will be served in A beautiful space surrounded by a wooded setting very close to Patch Barracks.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Un-cooked Truth

Choosing a lifestyle of eating uncooked foods for their nutritional value is totally not appreciated by the masses.  I've had experiences that have gone from the crazy looks, flat out ignorant comments to people pleading for my advice when they get told they have a disease and they will die sooner than they planned or have to get something cut off.

I attended a seminar with David Avocado Wolfe and he said that "You know we have really gone too far when people are advised by their medical doctor to cook lettuce in order to eat it".  

Similarily, I read just today a warning that "If one would change to a un-cooked diet of fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts and berries, that they should see their Medical doctor for tests to determine how deficient in nutrients they are after eating such a way."  I thought I would scream with amazement..

The truth is if you are in a place where your health and daily function is physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally intact and complete, then keep on trucking.  Do you to the fullest.  However, if you have nagging aches and pains, allergy symptoms, overuse ailments, profound health issues, weight gain or unexplained loss.  If you have trouble sleeping or waking up rested...then maybe you might give un-cooking a chance.  The only thing you have to lose is preservatives, artificial ingredients, and colors; plastics, calories, mucus, pus, and the random killing of what we call livestock.

Start out slowly.  A smoothie mixed with fruit, nuts and vegetables.  Sprinkle in a little wheat germ or marine phytoplankton with a base of natural green tea or raspberry leaf tea....and VOILA!! an amazing nutritional meal, in moments for pennies.  Okay, nickels or dimes probably.

BlueBerry Smoothie
4 brazil nuts (soaked)
12 almonds (soaked)
2 cups distilled or filtered water
2 soaked dates
1 cup frozen organic or fresh blueberries
1 large banana
1 medium apple
1 medium zucchini
1/2 tablespoon cold pressed flaxseed oil
2 tablespoons of a super green powder of your choice

If you have a high speed blender then you an add all items, blend till smooth and serve.  If not then you will need to place the nuts, water and soaked dates in the blender first. Blend well and and put the resulting liquid through a strainer. Return strained liquid to the blender and add the other ingredients (chopped), blend well till you have a fabulous smoothie.  Drink and enjoy