Recipe: Date Oat Bars

An excerpt from my upcoming book, "Vegetarian, Vegan & Raw Food Recipes, foods to love by!"

Oat Bars

Creates: 30 bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes to 1 hour

4 cups organic rolled oats
2 cups dates, soaked to soften

Cover dates to soak in warm water for up to 1 hour. Drain & gently blend to smooth texture using high quality, high-speed blender. Mix in oats by hand. Press into clean 8x8 glass pan and divide into equal size bars.

Refrigerate to set.

These bars are also great as frozen treats.

Ease level: *

Got Sun?

Yesterday was one of those "a few in a row" overcast, rainy days in Regina when everyone yearns for the sun to come back.

Although it's never gone anywhere, it did prompt one lady I know to mention how little energy she had and how tired she felt. "I need the sun" she yelped.

This got me thinking, what is it that people can do during the non Sunny days to make sure that they have sustainable energy to get them through those days when the sun doesn't peak through those clouds.

This is what I can assure you of. Drink and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables - foods that get direct sunlight. Green leafies are ideal. You know, the ones that grow in gardens that absorb sun, bloom and produce tasty treats for us. Photosynthesis. These foods provide the same or similar fuel to what we get from the sun.

Juice them, make salads with them, wrap with them, or just enjoy them as they are.

Here's what you do if you don't have a garden and you're not next to a grocery store or you live in a downtown urban center with no access to those wonderful treats. Go to your nearest juice bar and order your favorite blend of freshly made juice (not the syrupy variety ready for adding to smoothies - this will have the opposite effect!).

While you're there, ask for that shot of wheat grass too. Have them add it right in to the juice or shoot it like you're at your last night out with the guys/gals and savour the moment. The additional chlorophyll with really jump start your day and provide you with lasting energy through the week.

Have fun with your (awesome whole) food!

Enjoy

Corinne

Types of Sweeteners, natural of course!

Agave, Maple Syrup, Xylitol, Stevia, Date Sugar. With so many products on the market shelves today, how do you know what's best for you?

Let's first clarify what "natural" means.

Because food labeling has very light legislation, and by light I mean can be very little in terms of integrity, it is important to do you homework when a product states natural.

Natural can mean anything from partially natural, derived from natural sources, 100% organic and natural or even no natural ingredients whatsoever. You will begin to notice the who's who of honest packaging when you read ingredients, determine the source and understand their business practices.

Yep, it's a crazy world out there. But what the heck - we're all living in it so let's enjoy the ride!

Let's start by dispelling some of the myths of sweeteners.

Stevia

Unless you are dicing a green stevia leaf or sprinkling a freshly ground green leaf powder, you are not using a natural product. If it's white, liquid or in a packet. It has been processed, refined or chemically altered in some way.

Same goes for xylitol and agave. They both require extensive processing to bring them to your table.

Does this make them bad?

Not necessarily. A low glycemic agave can make a better choice than a candy bar.

However, if you want to live and look your best, try stepping out of your comfort zone in buying pre-packaged products.

Reach for a whole food first.

Medjool dates, figs, dried apricots, bananas, berries and fruits in general provide varying degrees of sweet.

Grow a stevia plant in your herb garden.

Choose more raw food in general. It is naturally sweeter - especially once your palette adjusts.

What you are sweetening will determine the texture you require as well as the food you choose to do the sweetening.

Dates make a great thick paste. Bananas are softer and add moisture, as do berries.

Know that you are getting far greater value, nutrition, energy and ultimately sustainable fuel for your mind and body when you incorporate a whole food. (Yes, the kind that just fell off a tree, was dried in the sun and/or was grown by someone who intentionally grew it for your well being to start with ;)

Have fun with it. Experiment and try new things. You and your body will get to know what works best.

Post your favorite natural sweetener choices below and lets open up the list to even greater choices!

Click the Navitas Natural link above to learn more about a company with ethical business practices offering whole foods in a much less processed form.

Thanks a bunch!

Corinne

I (heart) kale

Wow. I must say organic kale kicks it up a notch.

In making my morning smoothie using a fresh leaf of organic kale from Nature's Best market, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful aroma as I took off the lid of the VitaMix. The fresh smell that nearest resembles pure wheat grass wafted from the VitaMix canister. Wow, pure nutrition in its highest form. I do not receive these results from a regular, domestic head of kale. There sure is something to be said for choosing organic.Yes the price was higher $4.99 compared to $0.97. (eep!) Simply knowing the efficiency of fuel is far greater, I do choose organic when I have the cash to. I still love me a "less than a buck a head" of kale from Superstore - it makes great kale chips that can feed a family of 4 (or a family of 1 for several weeks in my case ;)

So! Step aside morning bacon 'n egger ;) (eeeeww) There's a new kid in town and it's called real fuel for the mind and body.

Want vibrant energy that lasts and sustains you through the day - without crashing & burning - without the jitters - without feeling like you have to shift through 7 or 8 gears before hitting your groove? Want energy to enjoy the day, evening AND time with you friends, family, partner, pets, wascana park? There's more than enough to go around when you fuel yourself well.

Go green, organic, fresh, vibrant and fun.

High Octane Fuel Smoothie

Creates: 2 1/2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes

1 fresh leaf of kale
2 T mixed bean sprouts (optional - I happen to have on hand)
4 T hemp hearts (Manitoba Harvest now available in organic variety at Dad's Organic Market, Regina)
1 t chia seeds
1/4 t chlorella powder
1/4 t maca root powder
1 banana (or two for added sweetness - many find the green a bit too "green" when starting out. You can also add maple or agave syrup if so required for this reason)

Add all ingredients to favorite high speed blender (VitaMix;) and blend well to creamy smooth. Add ice if cooler temperature desired in the summertime.

Enjoy.

* chia, chlorella and maca root powders are available through your local organic markets. Try Old Fashioned Foods, Dad's Organic, Nature's Best Market or Eat Healthy Foods to name a few

The master of all blenders

Did you know? The VitaMix is one of, if not THE best blenders on the market today. They have provided homes, the culinary industry and businesses alike with powerful quality blenders that stand the test of time. As a new affiliate and partner with VitaMix, thanks to the success of the upcoming book "Vegetarian, Vegan & Raw Food Recipes" I can offer you free shipping - a savings of $25! Awesome!

Here are three ways to save: 1) Contact me directly via email to c.johnson@mac.com 2) Contact my Account Manager Jean Pierre at 1.800.848.2649 Ext 202303 and 3) Visit the VitaMix website with coupon code included at https://secure.vitamix.com/CA/default.aspx?COUPON=06-007388

Enjoy the many recipes found throughout my blog and the benefits of them. Energy, vitality, vibrancy and a refreshing appreciation for life, nature and all that is natural is yours! For demos and more instructional content on using the VitaMix blender, please visit my YouTube Channel at www.YouTube.com/corinnecjohnson

Blessings & Enjoy,
Corinne

Kale Chips

These ditties seem to be all the rage on the shelves of natural food markets and from raw vegan food companies.

Here's a nice, easy, economical make-me-at-home-in-ten-minutes-or-less-not-including-drying-time style!

Creates: a very large amount of kale chips
PrepTime: 10 minutes
Drying Time: 24+ hours at 97•F

1 large head of kale ($0.97)
1/2 c apple cider vinegar ($3.70 for the whole bottle)
1/4 c nutritional yeast, although not a raw food provides flavor ($1.05 for a bag the size of a baseball)

Wash and de-stem head of kale (watch my instructional video here).

In a large pan (I use a broiler pan bottom as it conveniently matches the size of my dehydrator sheets) lay out kale leaves. They will happily glisten for you while you prepare the toppings.

Sprinkle the apple cider vinegar over the leaves. Using your hands, gently toss to coat all leaves.

Next, add nutritional yeast flakes to coat leaves well. Toss again. This time use wooden spoons or other devices to keep your hands from becoming incredibly sticky and smelly :)

Place entire tray into dehydrator and dry for up to or over 34 hours at 97•F until your leaves become crunchy bits that you will savor every previous morsel of.

Kale chips are packed, I repeat PACKED with nutrition.

"Dehydrating kale increases its nutritional potency by breaking down plant cells and fibres, making the nutrients more available. Rich in chlorophyll, vitamin A, C and K; kale chips contain MORE CALCIUM than almonds and one of the highest of all green vegetables. They are also high in magnesium and IRON as well as omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.

Next time anyone asks where you get your "insert word of the day here" from. Tell them to read my blog.

Yours in nutritional goodness and boundless joy.

Corinne

The Joy (one of many) of creating with raw vegan foods

In a small bowl add ground pecans, dried cranberries, cinnamon and your favorite liquid sweetener (such as maple syrup, honey, agave). Toss and sample.

For anyone experiencing gluten intolerance, hypoglycemia or any ailments that restricts the enjoyment of sweets, this is a real treat.

The flavors infuse to recreate that of Christmas cake. Pure Yum.

And the nice thing is, a few simple bites nourish and satisfy! No need for large quantities.

Enjoy creating in your kitchen. And share your creations below!

Bubble Tea anyone?

... a raw vegan version of the coolest Asian beverage in town.

Creates: 2 cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes

1 banana
2 T chia seeds
1 T hemp hearts
1/4 t spirulina
Handful of spinach or fav green leafy
1/4 c dates, pits removed
1/4 c blueberries, fresh or frozen
2 c fresh water

Add all but blueberries to VitaMix or favorite high speed blender. Blend well to creamy smooth.

Add blueberries to serving glass and add mixture from blender. Insert straw and enjoy!

Self Described Action Plan

The last six months have seen an increase in my body weight and size of my hips and thighs. I can attribute this to many things like work related stress, lack of "movement" in the area (which can be interpreted in so many ways), hormones, stress at work, relationship stagnation, work stress and a little known thing called work related stress.

So, as a Sagitarian I look to the archer adventurer spirit, ruler of the hips and thighs and ponder my plan of action.

Last year it was stair climbing. This year I think not. My grocery bill was so high just to keep up with caloric intake of this demanding exercise. However I will consider a nice jaunt up and down my own stairs at home when finding 5 minutes to spare.

Jazzercise you say ;) As fond as I am of dancing my bootie into shape, gone are the days of working out with seniors in unitards.

Zumba is on the agenda 1 to 2 times per week. This keeps my joy level high along with my metabolism. Any more and again, the grocery bill point comes into play. I'd rather exercise moderation. Pun intended.

Agenda item #2. Meditation. Yes sitting still in profound and complete silence is both cleansing, healing, restoring and inspiring. All things I wish to experience on a regular and daily basis.

Point 3: a change in careers. Well work location for starters. I plan to move to an environment that is supportive of one's well being, joy, growth and support, healthy and supported, financial, mental and relationship rewards and an overall contribution to joy!

So my three part plan of action is thus far chalk full of greatness, inspiration to myself and (hopefully) others! As well as a hearty dose of intention to succeed and be free.

I may need your help and support in the process so good suggestion is welcome (need I remind I say "good") :)

Share the love, share your posts. I long for good anecdotes to nourish the soul.

:) in love and good humor,
Corinne