About Me

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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.

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 entrées 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