Fresh Dates - Bet You Can't Eat Just One!

Greetings from the warm & sunny dessert! Did I type "dessert"?? Freudian slip. I've been satisfying my sweet tooth while I'm visiting my in-laws in Borrego Springs, CA - the desert, one "S" - with some fabulously fresh dates from a date farm we visited earlier this week. We sampled probably ten different kinds, and settled on the hugest, most moist, soft, delish medjools we've ever had, as well as some khadwary dates, which are smaller and less super sweet, almost carmel-y. Yum! A perfect, portable sweet treat - with 5 times the antioxidants of berries, according to the date farm lady! Bet you can't eat just one!

Breakfast Bars from Cabinet Staples

I had the hungry horrors following my green smoothie this morning, and needed a little something extra to eat. But had almost nothing in the fridge or the fruit bowl!!

So I made some tasty breakfast bars, from ground almonds and some zingy dried cherries I found in the back of the cabinet!

In a food processor, combine:
1 cup of almonds (probably easier if you grind them up first)
4-5 big fat medjool dates
Pinch of salt
One tablespoon agave nectar (if the mixture isn't sticking)
1/4 cup dried cherries

Add the cherries after everything else is already doughy, or just knead them in separately.

Press onto a pan or tray, and slice into bars (this is easier if you put them in the freezer for a little while first). And, voila! A delish breakfast (or anytime) treat!

Raw Chai Latte - Perfect Afternoon Pick-Me-Up!

This is an awesome afternoon pick-me-up -- served iced or warm -- that will give you a way healthier, happier, real-er boost than caffeine or sweet treats!
Just made it for a non-raw guest yesterday and she loved it. Starbucks can eat its heart out!

Brew or infuse about 1 1/2 cups of herbal chai tea (probably about one large mug). I typically brew mine (not technically raw, I know, but I'm personally ok with it), but if you have a lot of time on your hands, you can just let it steep. Make it on the stronger side if you can.

Add a little more water or ice cubes to make it measure about 2 cups...I did this to cool mine, and because it was a little strong, although you could just go with a stronger brew and thicker final result.

Add your tea to the blender with:
2-3 nice, soft pitted medjool dates. Pit and soak them for 15 minutes or so if they are not so soft.
One teaspoon ground cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
1/4 cup raw cashews (if you have a high speed blender, that will work fine. For a regular blender, you may wish to soak your cashews to soften them for an hour or so first)

Blend until mixture is smooth. Add more dates if you want this a little sweeter. Serve as-is in your coziest mug, or chill in the blender cup, give it another zzzziiizzzzz just before serving, and pour over ice in a very pretty glass! Makes 2 glasses over ice, more like one for a big mug. Raw appetit!

Upcoming Events - March 23 and April 13

Don't forget to sign up for my upcoming raw vegan dinners at Fresh Thymes Cafe in Wilmington!

On March 23, I'll be serving up some comfort food. Raw, vegan comfort food that you can feel good about eating. Veggie sliders, macadamia mac 'n' cheese, a decadent dessert...what could be better? A diner at one recent Fresh Thymes dinner said the raw meal left him energized like no meal ever had. How great is that? A satisfying meal that does what it should - give you great energy! - rather than put you in a food coma!

On April 13, I'll be demonstrating the three course meal so participants will leave knowing how to make a raw food meal at home. Come and learn about raw food and a few new recipes!

Call Fresh Thymes to reserve your spot now!
302-656-2026
1836 Lovering Avenue (at Lincoln & Lovering)
Wilmington, DE