Three Layer Spiced Apple Pie

Back in 2014, I had the crazy idea of signing up for the "Hot Raw Chef, 5 in 5 Video Recipe Contest", through Living Light Culinary Insitute. The thing is, I am so shy on camera, and went back and forth for days on whether or not I should do it. I wasn’t really handy with my camera, the lighting was behind me which made everything super bright in the kitchen, and I realized that to make this happen, I had to become ok with the discomfort of being seen on camera. Oh, and the time limit was 5 minutes - how do you create a gourmet recipe in 5 minutes?

I finally bit the bullet and created my video on the LAST day of submissions. I uploaded the video at 11:00 pm, an hour before the “gates would close”. The winner of the contest would receive a scholarship to the Living Light Culinary Institute in Fort Bragg, CA. First, I’ve never been to California, and Living Light was a dream school for me. So shyness aside, I went for it. And (a shock to me), I actually won!

The best gift, however, is actually spreading the word about plant-based foods, and more specifically, raw foods with all of you. I hope you enjoy the video and recipe as much as I do.

Check out the link HERE and give it a thumbs up! PS. you may want to subscribe as there wil be more videos coming your way!

Moringa Green Apple Smoothie Bowl

You wouldn't think all of these flavors go well together but they are like a coconut apple pie in your mouth and so so so good. I've offered this more as a template than as a stress test: if you can't find these superfoods, do not fret. Use what you have on hand! Spinach instead of kale, skip the tea and make your own chammomile or even mint! Get creative. If you don't know about sunwarrior, I prefer this protein powder since it's really clean and lean and is based on raw, sprouted brown rice protein with nothing fake. You can also use the original which is just: raw, sprouted, fermented, bio-available clean brown rice protein. That's it! How can you go wrong? 

Also, I should say, I typically use 2 cups of water, but I've posted 1.5 if you're looking for more of a smoothie feel. I like it as a morning soup, though, but go with what oyu like. For me, I like to slurp it up with a big spoon!

I use only green powders here: 

1. moringa (this is a beautiful new superfood on the market that is touted to be pretty much everything for eveyrone - I don't know if that's true but I've looked into it and it has great fiber, chlorophyll, protein and fats and even the stem, leaves and pods are used in many applications). 

2. matcha (which is essentiall green tea powder, a metabolism booster, but I go easy on the stuff especially if you are sensitive to caffeine)

3. spirulina (a seaweed which is a great detoxifier, great in protein, but the taste can be quite a challenge and aquired taste, so I feel that 1 tsp is just the right amount to sneak it in)

IF you have none of the above, feel free to just use 3 tsp of your favorite green powder (green vibrance is one of my favorites). 

This smoothie is packed with protein, fiber, chlorophyl, is low-glycemic and a great way to start the day. Dig in! Happy St. Patrick's by the way, and eat your greens!

1.5 cups water, (optional: brewed wtih "Get Burning" tea, cooled - this gives it a nice apple pie flavor) or brew your own tea of choice, then cool it.

1 tsp each: moringa, matcha, spirulina

1 handful kale

1 cap of Sunwarrior Liquid Light (optional)

1 scoop Sunwarrior Classic Vanilla Protein

To garnish: coconut, cacao nibs and green apple

Blend the first 5 ingredients together, taste for sweetness and perhaps add a few stevia drops if not sweet enough. Pour into bowl and garnish with chopped green apple, unsweetened coconut and cacao nibs. 

Raw Apple Cinnamon Crisps

This recipe came by mistake, actually. I was intending to make apple leather and, well, I sort of forgot about it as it was "cooking" in the dehydrator. When it came time to peel it off the dehydrator sheet, it came out in one large, very firm cracker which I then tasted and fell in love with. And ironically, I left it out (of the dehydrator) for a few hours and it became soft like fruit leather. So yes, you can have it both ways.

This recipe is best with tart green apples, but if tart isn't your thing, feel free to experiment with red apples, pears, or a combo of both. 

2 green apples, chopped, with peel

juice of one lemon

1 tsp cinnamon

Blend the three ingredients together and pour onto a dehydrator sheet fitted with a teflex sheet. Dehydrate overnight at 110 degrees. Break into little crisps and enjoy! Best if kept in an airtight container, although in a few days it will begin to soften naturally. If so, just pop them back in the dehydrator for a nice crispy treat!