Happy New Year! [Don't Forget to Start it With a Green Smoothie Challenge ;)]

I want to wish all of my readers a very happy and healthful New Year!  May the goals you set be fulfilled and may your health improve by leaps and bounds.  May the New Year be filled with warm friendships, loving relationships and a joyful heart. 

To all of you!

vegan Tiramisu

To help you start off the New Year right I have issued a 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse [Challenge]. Go to the link, read all about it and make sure to join the rest of us in it. 

Happy New Year!

Green Smoothie Recipes and Musings

If you have not yet read about the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse [my Challenge to you], make sure to visit the latest post and join the revolution.  A lot of readers and health seekers have already responded and we will start rocking it out in the next few days.  Don't miss your opportunity to start the New Year off on the right... meal ;)

As I am typing this post I am drawn to the kitchen--my senses are overwhelmed with the most amazing smell of freshly made borsch--a Russian soup gone vegan :)

I am planning to gobble it up with freshly made whole wheat bread [DELICIOUSNESS!].

If you are a raw foodie and still want to taste the goodness of this soup, your prayers have been answered.  I have a raw vegan borsch recipe just for you!  Go to this thread for it. 

I also have to tell you that I am super psyched because I was notified that I won an herb basket from Raw Epicurean--one of my favorite raw vegan bloggers. I even did a little dance in my office chair this morning when I got her e-mail. See the goodies that I am getting: 

There are more goodies coming my way than what you see in the image!  

If you don't yet follow Raw Epicurean's blog, make sure to add it to your feed!

A little too much excitement for one day?!  Nah! I can handle more.  And to share my excitement here are 3 Green Smoothie recipes for all those who love their bodies and want to treat them to the best food out there. 

Orange Ginger Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 3 extra large collard greens leaves
• 1 banana
• 2 oranges, peeled and seeded
• 1 inch of ginger root
• 1 tbsp raw honey

Pear Chard Green Smoothie

• 2 cups water
• 1 banana
• 2 ripe pears, seeded
• 3 large leaves chard greens

Green Warrior Green Smoothie

• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup George's aloe vera
• 2 pink lady apples
• 1 large head Romaine lettuce
• 1 tsp Blue-Green Algae [by Health Force Nutritionals]
• 1 tbs raw maca root powder
• 2 tbsp hemp seeds

As you can imagine, having had these for the last few days, I am feeling fabulous! I am full of energy, need less sleep and up to a lot of mischief. If you want to feel the same way make sure to join me on the 3-day Green Smoothie Challenge.

3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse [Challenge]

Hello, lovely people. It is me again, and I am up to mischief.

With holidays almost behind us our waistlines are expending and I thought it is about time we I did something about that. So, I decided to challenge as many people as possible to a 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse. Why? To help them get started on a health quest and jump start much needed healing and detox in their [our] polluted bodies!

There was a time in my life when I went from a perfect size body to being over 40 lbs overweight due to stress, lack of sleep and poor eating. You can read about it HERE.  But then I got tired of being tired, not feeling well about myself and sick of being sick, so I took matters into my own hands.  The Transformation was amazing.  Check it out: 

Between the both of us we lost 90 lbs!

Ever since then I have been on a mission to help others do the same thing!

DETAILS: 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse

WHEN: We will kick off the cleanse on Monday, 1/3/2011. 

WHAT: We [all who sign up to participate] will consume ONLY Green Smoothies for 3 straight days!

WHY?

Standard American Diet {SAD} is filled with processed and chemical filled foods. Our bodies become overwhelmed with pushing that junk through and get tired, worn out and backed up. Literally! The chemical waste gets built up in our system making it hard to properly digest even nutritious foods, let alone the junk that feels our tables on a daily basis.

The goal of the cleanse is to loosen up some of that junk and get it out of your system, kick starting it to better digest and process nutritious foods that I hope you will start eating after the cleanse. The cleanse will help you start eliminating properly [to be plain you will have better bowel movements, thus expelling junk out of your body; remember WASTE=WEIGHT]. It will also get some of the toxins built up in our body out and you might even lose a pound or two in the 3 days.

I have done this challenge with many health seekers before. Everyone who participated to date experienced a lot of positive change in their bodies and even their mind--cleaner body means a more alert mind! I am going to include a few of their testimonies at the end of this post.

HOW?

I will be with you all 3 days. No, not in person, of course, but I will stay in touch with all participants via e-mails and videos.

The only things that you will need to participate in this cleanse are:

1. a blender: quality of blenders vary, but for this challenge any blender that can blend fruit and greens will do [more details in the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse e-guide];

2. a 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse e-guide. The guide will cost you $7 but trust me it's an investment worth making. You can find all details about the guide and testimonies of those who used it HERE. The guide is filled with tips, ingredient lists, and 30 recipes to help you during the cleanse. It will also tell you what to expect during the cleanse. You can click the above mentioned link to read about the guide and get a personal copy, or click on the bottom right below to purchase your own guide. The Guide is available for immediate download, just make sure to follow link in the e-mail you get.

 $7

3. Fruit and green leafy vegetables--there is a comprehensive list in the e-guide that will help you make decision on which fruit and greens to buy.

That's it! Once you make the decision to do it and get equipped [getting items 1-3] I will be in touch with you via e-mail and videos to cheer you on.

I would strongly encourage you to also subscribe to my bi-weekly Newsletter so you can receive exclusive recipes and tips for health and weight loss. You can do it by following this LINK.

Can Anyone Do the Cleanse?

YES! If you have health issues, however, it might be a great idea to talk to your doctor first about concerns you might have. I would also suggest that expecting and lactating mothers avoid cleanses. They can successfully add at least 32 oz or more of green smoothies to their diet and slowly eliminate harmful foods. However, doing a cleanse might be harmful to the baby, because the toxins will be leaving their bodies in concentrated amounts.

Will I Starve?

I can assure you that unless you are skipping meals you won't!! Green smoothies are filled with nutrition and you will get an array of nutrients and vitamins. Details of what to expect during the cleanse can be found in the e-guide.

I like to Work Out, Will I Get Enough Protein on the Cleanse?

Totally!! I actually encourage people to work out during the cleanse, even if moderately, to encourage better oxygen supply. You will get all necessary protein that you need for muscle building.

To read more on the topic of protein read these two Newsletter I sent out my Newsletter Subscribers. They should put your mind at rest.

Myth Buster #1: Protein, Part I

Myth Buster #1: Protein, Part II

[You can start receiving your own bi-weekly Newsletter copy by following this link and filling in your information].

So, Where and HOW do I Sign Up?

1. Get a copy of the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse e-guide

 $7

2. Subscribe to the Newsletter

3. Send me an e-mail and let me know that you are in

After that I will be in touch with you.

What Can I Expect After the Cleanse

I am glad you are asking. I will be staying in touch to let you know what you can do to continue on the path of health after you jump start your body and get some of the toxins out.

Meanwhile you can also start following this blog: Eat Healthy! Be Happy! Vegan Recipes and Living. You can visit the blog as often as you need--it is filled with recipes, tips and insight; you can also sign up for it to be delivered to your favorite on-line RSS feed reader [such as Google Reader] or directly to your Inbox--you decide.

What Others Said About 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse

I promise you that these people are real and they truly participated in the 3-Day Cleanse :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really had an easy time with the 3-Day Cleanse. I felt great!

Recipes were very helpful to get through the 3 days—not much to think about.

2 months later: I am still doing green smoothies. People are saying I look like I’m losing weight and looking younger :-) I really am losing weight!!! I notice that my hair is shinier also. I now have Green Smoothies at least 5 out of 7 days each week! I love it when I'm working, for breakfast and for dinner.

~ Nina M

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I enjoyed the guide—it was helpful. I was already following your 30-day Green Smoothie Cleanse, so this helped me to take it to another level.

I experiences some detox during the Cleanse, but also benefited from a 3 lbs weight drop.

Green Smoothies fit perfectly into my life—so easy to make and take with me in the morning. Not to mention that they are refreshing and tasty—better than my old morning habit.

Now I am beginning to not be able to think of my life without my daily dose of green.

~Kristin

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I enjoyed the Green Smoothie Cleanse and I appreciated your e-guide—it was helpful to know what ingredients to use and what to expect. The guide answered a lot of my questions. It was easy to read; well laid out; lovely bright colorful pictures. I liked the way you explained all the different ingredients.

During the cleanse I felt lighter physically. I felt like I could think more clearly, experiencing less mental fogginess. I felt like I had tremendous energy on day one!

I am now inspired to add more greens to my diet and to eat healthier, because I saw how much energy the greens gave me! And they helped with mental clarity as well.

~Natasha

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I loved the 3-Day Cleanse and found the guide to be incredibly helpful. I have been drinking green smoothies in the morning for breakfast or in the afternoon for lunch pretty consistently for a year. The guide taught me so much more. It added another layer of knowledge. I broadened my ingredient list to my everyday smoothie making.

When I started the Cleanse, I had just come back from a 12 day vacation and the Cleanse was perfect timing. I felt bloated, lethargic and had gained about 5 lbs. The 3 days brought me back to my normal self. Lost the weight and felt great!

Honestly the best thing about the challenge is the effect of the increased knowledge! Thank you.

~Jessica M.

[There are more testimonies inside the Cleanse Guide!]

So Are You IN?

Let me know if you decide to take charge of your health and weight and look and feel fabulous this coming year.

To read the entire story of my health quest visit ABOUT ME page on the blog.

Wishing you a Great and Healthy, Confidence Filled New Year!

Guest Post: Looking for Foods with Unprocessed Vegan Ingredients?

Hi, gang!  Hope everyone is doing well and staying well during the onset of the winter season.  If you have not yet read how I stay well and fight flues and colds, you absolutely MUST to protect yourselves. I promise you that what I talk about is tried and true--I just got over a cold in less than 48 hours myself!  YES, you can beat a cold in 2 days NATURALLY!  You can read following articles to learn the trick of the trade: Comfort Food--Vegan Bread Pudding, Staying Well During the Flu and Cold Season and Treating Colds and Flues Naturally. It is certainly not something your doctor will tell you about, but it sure works like a charm every time. 

Today I would like to introduce you to Cindy Cullen. Cindy is a graduate in Restaurant Management and also a formally trained chef, who created the site CulinaryArtsCollege.org to share her graduate life experience. As students couldn't find the right Culinary college for themselves while trying to make a career in Hotel Industry, so Cindy created this site to inform them about the educational process, their degree options, some pitfalls to watch out for, and what to expect when attending a culinary arts college. As a well trained chef she is acquainted with different cooking styles and recipes of different regions. She also has the passion to write about different culinary art colleges , foodie people and food available around the world.

Cindy contacted me a few weeks ago and we started to talk about her writing an article about Unprocessed Vegan Foods--a theme right up my alley.  It was very refreshing to hear a mainstream chef understand vegan diet, so I wanted her to write an article and offer a scrumptious recipe to my readers, which she was excited to do.  When I read the article I was tickled pink--Cindy shares same views on eating unprocessed whole foods as I do!  So, without further ado, here is Cindy. 

Looking for Foods with Unprocessed Vegan Ingredients?

Some people are born vegans, and for some it’s a choice they make as they grow older and assume responsibility for their well-being and health. I belong to the second category – I took the vegan route soon after college. It was more a decision based on health reasons than a conscious effort on my part – I was a near-vegetarian all my life, and when I became allergic to dairy, I decided to become vegan. However, turning vegan did not really improve my overall well-being, simply because I was eating too many foods that were processed. 

The trouble with processed food is that:

• They’re stripped of all or most of their natural nutritional value

• Additives like salt, sugar are included, both of which are not good for your body

• Preservatives and chemicals are used to increase the shelf life of processed goods

Most of us buy processed food because they’re convenient; they save us the trouble of cooking full meals, and they’re delicious because of all the additives. But if you’ve sworn off processed food and are a vegan, don’t worry that your food choices are limited. There’s much you can do and much you can make:

• For starters, don’t look for ways to spice up the taste of your food – if you’ve sworn off dairy and meat, don’t go searching for dressings that purport to be “creamy” yet “dairy-free” and soy that’s processed to taste like “meat”. You’re only fooling yourself into thinking you’re eating healthy. 

• Avoid buying ready-to-eat foods, even those that have the vegan sign emblazoned on them. Cook all your meals at home where you’re in control of all the ingredients. And if you don’t have the time to cook every day, make large batches every weekend and freeze them in smaller sized portions. 

• Choose organic, local or seasonal vegetables and fruits – they may be a more expensive, yet they’re fresh and free from pollutants and chemicals that are as bad as the chemicals in processed food. 

• Don’t eat out unless you’re sure your food is completely vegan – some dishes have butter, cream or grated cheese added to them, and these are dairy products as well as processed food. 

• Add spices like turmeric, sage, rosemary and thyme to your food and reduce the amount of salt – a dash of lime is tasty too and much healthier than salt. 

• Learn how to make sauces, gravies and dressings from scratch – it’s easy once you start making them, and you avoid all the preservatives that are present in the store-bought alternatives. 

• Don’t buy ready-made juices and soft drinks – make your own smoothies at home from fresh fruit. 

• Browse the web for innovative recipes that don’t use processed or non-vegan ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment. When it comes to food, anything goes as long as it’s edible and healthy.

Just to help you along, here’s a simple vegan salad recipe that’s made out of unprocessed ingredients. You will need:

• One cup cooked wholegrain pasta (if you don’t want pasta, you can replace it with boiled chickpeas)
• Four cloves of garlic
• Two cups of chopped basil
• A few walnuts
• Two chopped ripe tomatoes
• Six to eight ounces of silken tofu
• Salt to taste

Mince the garlic and nuts in the blender; add the tofu, basil, salt and a few tablespoons of water and blend thoroughly. Toss the pasta (or chickpeas), tomatoes and the sauce, sprinkle a few nuts and chopped basil on the salad, and serve.

When you boil the chickpeas, don’t throw away the drained water – instead, use it to make vegetable stock that you can add to your soups and to thicken your gravies. 

_______________________________________

I don't know about you, but I am salivating just reading this recipe.  I will have to make it this week for sure!

Thank you, Cindy!

Folks, Cindy welcomes your comments under this post. 

Merry Chrismas, Y'All!

I want to wish all of my dear readers a wonderful Christmas!  May it be centered around the person whose birthday we will be celebrating--Jesus.  May we not forget in all the hustle and bustle what this holiday is about.  Remember to share your joy with others and spread good cheer to all. 

My hubby and I decided to stay home this Christmas and enjoy each other's company.  He requested THREE (!) desserts :

• apple pie
• upside down apple cake
• and tiramisu

This is a recent photo taken at a Christmas party. We reconnected with our college friends.

There will also be a salad, green smoothies in the morning, and a main dish will be vareniki [sort of like potato ravioli, aka pirogi]. 

I know it does not sound very traditional, and it is not.  When it comes to food, although I strive to honor tradition when appropriate, I tend to go by what we feel like eating that special day. 

I was thinking that if I get done making all delicious meals early tomorrow I might be up for a last minute, before Christmas giveaway.  I am thinking about giving away a few copies of my Delicious Guilt Free Vegan Desserts e-book and the 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse.  What do you think?  But I do have to get done with all of my cooking first :)!

Announcing Organic Body Care Product {Vegan and Raw!}

Introducing

Vegalicious

Organic Skin Care

raw  /  chemical free  /  cruelty free  /  vegan

The Story
For a long time, and especially since I changed my diet to vegan, I dreamt of a chemical free world: chemical free food, chemical free soaps, chemical free personal care products, chemical free lotion.  Better yet, make it organic; and to top it off make it raw [read about the benefits of raw products here].

I desperately wanted a product that was organic, cruelty free, vegan and raw [with living enzymes still intact].  It seems like it's a long list and a lot of wishful thinking, I know.   I tried different things and different options, but all of the pre-made lotions sold at stores had either too many additives or were not meeting other criteria on my list.  For a while I used coconut oil by itself as my lotion, and it worked great.  However, when the winter months rolled around it seemed that my skin soaked it up in seconds and my hands were left dry.  

At the same time my husband was looking for a solution to brown spots on his face, due to shaving, and he looked to me for an answer.  So, my search began to make one product that can be used for everything that we both needed and that was organic, chemical free, cruelty free, 100% vegan and, hopefully, raw.  It also had to be a product that could be used on the entire body, face included--I am a minimalist by nature and like as few little jars in my bathroom as possible.

After a few tries I came out with a perfect mix.   An all-over-body-cream was created that met all of our criteria.  It can be used by both of us and we love it.  My hands and face have not been dry since--they actually feel smooth and silky now, and my husband loves moisturizing his face, his head, his hands and his entire body with this cream. 

I am excited!  And now, to spread my joy, I would love to offer this product to all the people who are looking for the same thing as we did--personal care product that does not cover up a problem, but resolves it and leaves you feeling great: soft hands, smooth face, and a happy wallet--due to the richness of this cream you will need to use very little of it.  It will last you a while.

Now you can order your very own 

VEGALICIOUS ALL-OVER-BODY-CREAM

Sizes and S&H

1 oz $10.00 2 oz $18.00 Priority Mailing $5.00

TO ORDER Using PayPal [click on the LINK for detailed instructions]:

1. choose your size
2. click on ADD TO CART button
3. on the next Screen click on Continue Shopping
4. you will be taken back to this screen where you can choose S&H
5. once you have chosen S&H click on ADD TO CART
6. on the PayPal screen you can adjust number of items you would like to purchase
7. I will ship up to 2 [five] 2 oz items for ONE S&H charge to the same address; if you need more than that, please contact me and I will give you a custom quote on S&H
8. if you would like to treat someone else to this wonderful cream, mailing it directly to them, you will need to make a separate purchase
9. If you need expedited S&H please contact me for a quote

Items will ship within 1-2 days of the cleared payment.  Priority Mail takes 1-3 days to get to your house.

Happy shopping!

Limited Time Offer
As a Thank You to everyone who reads my blog and purchases this new organic body care product I would like to offer a very special bonus, valid for the remainder of this month only:

1. anyone who orders a 1 oz jar of the cream will receive a 3-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse e-guide [value $7] free;
2. anyone who orders a 2 oz jar of the cream will receive a Vegan Guilt Free Dessert e-book [value $10] free;
3. anyone who orders two [2] or more 2 oz jars of the cream will receive both of the guides [value $17] free!

Ingredients and Benefits:

Shea butter--raw, certified organic shea butter forms a breathable, water-resistant film and is the leading natural product for moisturizing. Used as a wonderful base for many cosmetic recipes.  Shea butter used in my lotion is hand harvested, certified organic, expelled pressed, and is imported directly from the processor.

Benefits: Shea Butter is naturally rich in Vitamins A, E, and F, as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E help to soothe, hydrate, and balance the skin. They also provide skin collagen which assists with wrinkles and other signs of aging. Vitamin F contains essential fatty acids, and helps protect and revitalize damaged skin and hair. Shea Butter is an intense moisturizer for dry skin, and is a wonderful product for revitalizing dull or dry skin on the body or scalp. It promotes skin renewal, increases the circulation, and accelerates wound healing. It is also beneficial for the treatment of many different conditions, such as:

• Dry skin
• Stretch marks
• Itchy skin, skin rashes, Eczema, and Dermatitis
• Sunburn
• Small skin wounds
• Damaged skin
• Rough skin (such as on feet)
• Insect bites
• Muscle aches, fatigue, and tension
• Wrinkles and signs of ageing
• Chapped skin from cold weather
• Dry or over processed hair
• Diaper rash
• Skin allergies
• Frost bite

In addition, Shea Butter offers a low level of UV protection (approximately SPF-6), and may be incorporated into natural sunscreen recipes. Because of its soothing nature, anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating effects, it is a perfect ingredient to incorporate into your body care recipes and skin care regime. It is also wonderful to use in the summer as a moisturizer before and after sun exposure to reduce possibility of the skin peeling or becoming dried out.

Coconut oil--raw, extra virgin, certified organic, cold pressed oil is suitable for both food and cosmetic use.   According to Carol Alt's "The Raw 50: 10 Amazing Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks and Drinks for Your Raw Food Lifestyle," raw, unhydrogenated coconut oil can help clear up acne-blemished skin and speed up the healing process for aggravated pimples.

Coconut oil may be an especially effective treatment for those whose acne is caused or made worse by dry skin. A 2004 clinical study conducted at the Makati Medical Center in the Philippines and published in the American Contact Dermatitis Society's journal found that coconut oil is an effective treatment for xerosis, a chronic dry skin condition. The conclusions state that it is safe to use as a topical moisturizer.

Coconut oil also delays wrinkles, and sagging of skin which normally become prominent with age. Coconut oil also helps in treating various skin problems including psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and other skin infections. Therefore coconut oil forms the basic ingredient of various body care products such as soaps, lotions, creams, etc., used for skin care.

Olive oil--raw, cold pressed, extra virgin, organically certified.

Olive oil replaces the moisture and elasticity lost to these elements because it is naturally rich in vitamin E and other powerful antioxidants that have tremendous healing and preserving properties.

Olive oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.

Aloe Vera gel--raw, organically certified.

Aloe Vera has long since been recognized to have a wide variety of associated health benefits, especially as a form of first-aid for burns. In The Essential Guide to Vitamins, Minerals and Herbal Supplements, Brewer (2010) identifies the following Aloe Vera benefits:

• anti-inflammatory
• anti-itching
• hasten wound healing
• powerful antioxidants
• cleaning, antiseptic
• soothing
• analgesic

 Aloe Vera gel is effectively used for [Brewer (2010)]:

• sunburn
• cracked or sore lips
• cold sores
• eczema
• psoriasis
• rosacea
• acne
• shingles
• ulcers
• burns
• scars
• rashes
• bites

Orange Essential Oil--certified organic; raw. 

Properties:Antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, deodorant, digestive, fungicidal, stimulant, stomachic.

Benefits: Bronchitis, colds, constipation, dull and oily complexions, flu, flatulence, nervous tension, palpitations, poor circulation, slow digestion, spasm, and water retention. Bitter orange may be added to a base oil and rubbed on the abdomen in a clockwise direction to ease digestion problems.

Precautions:

Those with serious or persistent skin problems, such as eczema, should consult a physician before using Shea Butter.

Not recommended by those with nut allergies.

Disclosure: 

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Pear Banana Muffins {Vegan Recipe}

I keep saying that I am not a sweets person, and I am not--any day I would choose a savory dish over dessert.  However I might have to change thinking that if I keep making happy accidents as I did last night when I whipped up a dessert for my hubby. 

See the night before I attempted to make an upside down apple cake and failed miserably [yes that happens to me]--my hand mixer broke before I could finish making the batter, and a large food processor was no match for what I needed to do. [Need I tell you that I see shopping in the near future for myself? ;)] I still finished making the dessert but it was plain NASTY... no, not the taste but the way it baked.  Caramelized apples tasted fantastic but the rest was not worthy of a picture or a mention in this post... but I have to be honest.  So, I made a promise to my hubby, for whom that dessert was made, that I would redeem myself. 

I taught two power yoga classes yesterday and was pretty spent by the end of the day having done a lot of other things, so going grocery shopping was out of the question--I had to make do with what I had at home to fulfill my promise. 

I looked in the fridge and the pantry and came to a quick conclusion--I need to exercise my imagination and hope that happy accidents do happen :).  To my delight they still do!  But... I am getting ahead of myself. 

I was out of apples, no vegan milk of any kind, but I did have a few pears.  So, at first I decided I would make an upside down pear cake, but once the batter was made I thought it would be better to make muffins with it, since there will be no clean up after them. 

I poured the batter into muffin pan lined with paper muffin cups, placed it in the oven and... waited... very patiently and nervously.   I could not take another flop in my kitchen.  To my eternal delight, when I finally cracked the door of the oven open, I saw little brown pillows of culinary delight. 

My mouth watered, and let me tell you, my taste buds were not disappointed when I bit into the first muffin.  It simply MELTED in my mouth.  It was so good that mouth was asking for more!  Needless to say, my husband was not disappointed with this creation.

Without further ado, here is the recipe for Pear Banana Muffins you can whip up at home to enjoy with your loved ones. 

Pear Banana Muffins {Vegan Recipe}

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup vegan butter [I used Earth Balance]
• 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese [I used Toffuti brand]
• 1 heaping tbsp vegan mayo [I used Veganaise]
• 1/2 cup apple or pear sauce*
• 2 mashed [or grated] bananas
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• dash of sea salt [about 1/8 tsp]
• 1 cup white flour
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/2 peeled and thinly sliced pear

Preparation

*Pear Sauce

As I mentioned above, I had no time to go grocery shopping and had to make do with what was home. I was out of apple sauce, so, for the first time ever, I decided to try making and substituting it with Pear Sauce.  To make the sauce: 

1. Peel and core 1 pear, chop it into large chunks
2. Pour 1/2 cup filtered water into a high speed blender
3. Add pear chunks
4. Blend on high speed until smooth consistency is achieved
5. Pour into a pot and bring to boil on high heat; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 2 mins
6. Cool to warm temperature before adding to batter

Batter

1. Place first 3 ingredients in a pot and place on a stove on low-medium heat to melt butter and cream cheese
2. Using whisk keep stirring ingredients
3. When butter starts to melt reduce heat to low; keep stirring until ingredients are melted
4. Add pear [or apple sauce], mashed bananas, baking soda and vinegar; stir
5. Add sugar and salt; fold it in, stirring all contents for about 1 min
6. Batter should be slightly warm but NOT hot
7. Whisk in flours
8. Lastly fold in pear pieces

Baking

The oven should be preheated to 375 F

• Line muffin pan with paper cups
• Fill cups 3/4 of the way with batter
• Bake 20-25 mins or until golden brown [you can test if muffins are ready by inserting a toothpick in the middle of a muffin; if it comes out dry your muffins are done]
• Let muffins cool for 3-5 mins and then place on a cooling rack for another 10 mins before serving

ENJOY!

I already started browsing my new favorite on-line store--CSN stores--for a new handheld mixer.  I am very tempted, however, to treat myself to a KitchenAid standing mixer.  I have been dreaming of one for a LONG, LONG time.  I can't tell you how much I would like one.  Browsing through CSN's selection did not make it any easier--they have all sorts of kitchen nick knacks, as well as many other things, including lighting, rugs and even home bar furniture.  What a girl to do with so many options?!  If I cave in and get the KitchenAid mixer I need to convince not only myself but also my hubby that we REALLY need it.  I know it will be easier convincing him than me, however, since he is the one I do most of the baking for. 

What do you think? [Meanwhile I am off to the kitchen to make myself some hot apricot tea and grab a pear banana muffin ;).]

Chickpea Curry {Comfort Food/Savory Vegan Recipe}

I don't always plan my meals ahead of time.  Maybe I should, but I think there is a rebel inside of me that loves adventures.  There are also days when I do not feel like cooking at all... and I probably wouldn't had it not been for me keeping my hubby full and happy. 

A couple of days ago I was in such a mood.  Cooking?  Me?  Again?  You've got to be kidding!  But... *with a deep sigh* I headed off to the kitchen, opened the fridge and looked for shortcuts, which I love. 

I had some precooked chickpeas and I was craving savory {read COMFORT} food.  A new, delicious recipe was immediately conceived, based on what I had in my fridge.  I am glad to share the recipe with you, since we really, and I mean REALLY, enjoyed the dish for a couple of days [I try to make enough food to last us a couple of days, so I don't have to live in the kitchen ;).]

Chickpea Curry

Ingredients

1. 4-5 tbs extra virgin olive oil
2. 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
3. 2 large zucchinis, peeled and cubed into small chunks [you can keep the skin on, if you choose. I had to peel mine to save them ;)]
4. 2 large carrots, cubed
5. 1 large onion, peeled and cubed
6. 1/2 eggplant, peeled and cubed [you can keep the skin on, if you choose. I had to peel mine to save it ;)].  If you have a whole eggplant you can use it--I had only leftovers :)
7. 2-3 cups precooked chickpeas
8. Sea or Himalayan salt to taste
9. 2-3 tbs cumin powder
10. 1 16 oz can diced tomatoes, or 1 cup spaghetti sauce [I used latter]
11. 2-6 cups of water [if you like thicker soups stick with 2 cups, if you like more liquids as I do, use 6 or more cups]
12. 1/4 cups your favorite herb [I used cilantro] for garnish
13. Tortilla bread or corn chips for garnish [optional]
14. Vegan sour cream for garnish [optional]

Preparation

1. Saute ingredients 1-6 for 15-20 mins on medium heat. If potatoes begin to stick to your skillet/pot, add 1 cup of water [ingredient #11]
2. Add ingredients 7-11 in, bring to boil and simmer for 10-20 mins
3. Garnish with your favorite herb and vegan sour cream and serve with whole wheat tortilla bread [or any kind of bread], or take a handful of organic corn chips and crush them into the soup--they will become soft and will taste heavenly. 

Enjoy!

What is your favorite vegan comfort food?

Raw Vegan Kale Chips {Recipe}

I finally decided to make kale chips.  I have had them before but never made them myself.  My hubster seems to like them and I love to see him happy. 

I had a bunch and a half of kale left [used the other half for making green smoothies ;)].  I whipped it out, washed it thoroughly and... well, let me give you a step by step with pictures :).

How to make Raw Vegan Kale Chips

the finished product

Ingredients

1. 1.5-2 bunches of kale [your choice]
2. 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice [about 1 lemon or lime]
3. 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
4. 1 tbsp raw honey [optional]
5. sea or Himalayan salt to taste
6. 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds [optional] or soaked cashews

Preparation

1. take stems out of kale [the hard part], tearing it into smaller size pieces [you will see in the picture below]
2. combine ingredients 2-6 and blend in a high speed blender until smooth, or almost smooth
3. pour over torn kale pieces and massage in with your hands until evenly distributed
4. lay out kale on dehydrator sheets
5. dehydrate at 115-118 F for 6-8 hours or until crisp

steps 3-4

Conclusion: we liked the quickness and simplicity of the recipe. [I know that 6-8 hrs does not sound quick, but I am talking about prep time ;).]  It is a more attractive way to enjoy raw kale and get all of its benefits.  I can see making these chips in the future again. They turned out very scrumptious and the taste of lime on the chips was very juicy.

Enjoy!

Tomorrow's Recipe: Chickpea Curry {YUM!}

Raw Food Detox Giveaway {Spreading Christmas Cheer}

Here I am sitting, sipping on my green smoothie I just whipped up; thinking how I could spread some love and Christmas joy, the time of giving. 

I think I got it!  Remember that giveaway that I was thinking about?  The one where I would giveaway an e-guide for a Vegan Raw Food Detox?  Yes, that one!  Well, I decided to do it. 

Value $10

Here is how it is going to work.  It is quite simple really.  

1. Sing up for my Newsletter by clicking on this link and entering your information.  Make sure to check your e-mail Inbox and confirm the subscription, otherwise you are not signed up.  When your subscription has been confirmed, come back and leave a comment under this post.  You will have to enter your name and e-mail address [e-mail address is NOT visible to anyone but me]. 
2. If you already receive my Newsletter, leave a comment under this post with your name and e-mail address [do not enter e-mail address in the comment, but in the comment form].  I will check my subscriber list to make sure you are already receiving the Newsletter. 

That's it!

Feel free to spread the joy and tell others--you can twitter about it, post it on FaceBook or on your blog.  The giveaway is totally free. 

Here is what you will find inside the e-guide [to see enlarged image click on the picture]: 

Some of the topics: 

• What is Raw Food?
• How to Sprout
• Meal Plan
• Shopping Tips
• Food Combining Explained

You have 48 hours to enter and spread the joy to others--the e-guide will be e-mailed out to everyone after the cutoff time of 12/8/10, 1 pm EST. 

Merry Christmas, everyone!