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!

My Every Morning Protein Smoothie

I know how hard it is to get a proper breakfast. We're all running around, dazed by the alarm and lack of sun, early risers greeting the day with...what's that? A cup of coffee? A glazed donut? Those days are long gone for me, since I know how important it is to set yourself up for the day. But believe me, I lived there for many years.

According to my teacher Dr. Ritamarie Loscalzo's research, enjoying protein in the morning can help diminish any later-day cravings for sweets and carbs. I've seen this happen in my life, where in the past, I may have started out with starches or carbohydrates, then I get a quick sugar spike, then I need something again after two hours since my sugars are down...the dreaded rollercoaster! Ideally, your breakfast should have enough protein, greens, & healthy fats to keep you satisfied for hours. Creating something like this isn't that likely if you're rushing out the door and you just need a quick fix. 

This is why I created this smoothie. It takes under 3 minutes to make, is loaded with all the necessary nutrients I need to start my day right, is gluten free, vegan, loaded with bio-available protein, and tastes like a milkshake! Emphasis on the last part. 

I also love this new indian spice box which I bought to assemble all my necessary powders, my add ins: from the top right, going clockwise we have: spirulina, moringa, nigella seeds (I take a tsp and swallow with some smoothie, not blended in), maca, a supplement I take for PCOS, dehydrated low-glycemic berry powder (which I only put in when I'm out of raspberries) and in the middle we have Green Vibrance powder. Guess what? By the time 8:00 am hits, I have this mega smoothie packed with whatever add in's I want for the day (and they're not always the same, by the way).

You can also play with the recipe by adding in some other things, like aloe vera, maybe some E3Live, and even take my vitamin D supplement. I make it work for me, rather than the other way around. Keep it fun but most of all, keep it simple.

The toppings are great also. Why? To slow you down. The only glycemic food here are the raspberries (and by testing them, I know I tolerate them well). But since they're blended and quicker to digest this way, I still like to take my time and keep myself from gulping everything down. Having something to chew really helps you slow down and enjoy your smoothie, starts the digestive process in the mouth, and offers more fiber as well. Also, you can add in any toppings you like (chia is also a good one). 

Ingredients:

2 cups water

1 scoop Sunwarrior Chocolate Protein Powder

3/4 teaspoon each of your favorite add ins (today I included everything but the berry powder)

1/3 cup frozen raspberries

toppings: anything you like, like cacao nibs, unsweetened organic coconut and pumpkin seeds, chia, bee pollen, etc.