Tess Challis's Blog, page 2
April 2, 2013
Contest Winner Announced!!
Congratulations, Kimberly Neubauer!!! You've won the big daddy prize - a signed set of my books, a one-hour coaching session with me, and Dr. Mary Clifton's book (also signed), "Waist Away."
I'd sincerely like to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the contest, both on my blog and my Facebook page. Your lovely comments always made me smile!! : )
This week, my new fantabulous assistant Stacey will be blogging here, so please let her know if you have any requests! She's amazing, talented, wise, and has lots of inspiring ideas, so I know you'll love having her around just as much as I do!!
Thanks again and congrats, Kimberly!! : )
XO
Tess
I'd sincerely like to say THANK YOU to everyone who entered the contest, both on my blog and my Facebook page. Your lovely comments always made me smile!! : )
This week, my new fantabulous assistant Stacey will be blogging here, so please let her know if you have any requests! She's amazing, talented, wise, and has lots of inspiring ideas, so I know you'll love having her around just as much as I do!!
Thanks again and congrats, Kimberly!! : )
XO
Tess
March 17, 2013
Giveaway Time!!
Hey there, friends! : ) In celebration of my Facebook page reaching 4000 (and beyond), I'm doing another giveaway! It's my way of saying THANK YOU for your support, even when I (ahem) ignore this blog during busy weeks at a time!
So, what am I giving away?? Check it!!
The winner will receive the following...
1. A set of my books (all signed!): "Radiant Health, Inner Wealth," "The Two-Week Wellness Solution," and "Radiance 4 Life"
2. A signed copy of Dr. Mary Clifton's book "Waist Away" (how to joyfully lose weight and supercharge your life)
3. A one-hour coaching session with me (via phone or skype)!
Total value?? About $250!!
How to win??
1. Reply to this post with your answer to the question "What do you love best about Spring?"
2. Check back here (and on my Facebook page) on April 2nd to see if you've won!!
Good luck...and thanks again for being awesome. Love you guys!!! : )
XO
Tess
So, what am I giving away?? Check it!!
The winner will receive the following...
1. A set of my books (all signed!): "Radiant Health, Inner Wealth," "The Two-Week Wellness Solution," and "Radiance 4 Life"
2. A signed copy of Dr. Mary Clifton's book "Waist Away" (how to joyfully lose weight and supercharge your life)
3. A one-hour coaching session with me (via phone or skype)!
Total value?? About $250!!
How to win??
1. Reply to this post with your answer to the question "What do you love best about Spring?"
2. Check back here (and on my Facebook page) on April 2nd to see if you've won!!
Good luck...and thanks again for being awesome. Love you guys!!! : )
XO
Tess
February 18, 2013
How To Pop Amaranth
So, the first questions you may be asking yourself: "Why would I want to pop amaranth? By the way, what's amaranth??"
Good questions! So, first of all, amaranth is a grain-like food that is off-the-charts nutritious. Scientists actually had to reclassify it into its own C4 group, due to the insanely high nutrient levels! It contains twice the calcium of milk and boasts loads of iron, fiber, and protein. Plus, it's energizing and strengthening.
But why would you want to pop the stuff, you ask? Well, if you saw the look on my daughter's face when I even say the words "popped amaranth" you'd see that kids freak out over this healthy treat. (Yes, adults love it too!) Plus, it's the world's tiniest, cutest popcorn! The tiny grains pop up into miniscule popcorn-looking puffs. It's adorable. Deliciously adorable. And easy!
So without further blah-blah-blahs, here is my how-to on popping amaranth. And remember - if you have failed at this before (or fail at this again), don't give up. I'll give you the tips that will help you avoid common problems so you can be an amaranth popping pro! I do recommend that you read through all of the directions first, so that you are well prepared to rock the adventure ahead...
1. Here's what you'll need:
From left to right, you'll need amaranth. The kind you can find in most health food stores (often in the bulk section). Then, you'll need coconut oil (or olive oil) and salt. The last thing you'll need is a nice pot with a tight fitting lid. I use a stainless steel soup pot (medium-sized). Basically, something that has a slippery surface (not cast iron, for example!) so that the amaranth can easily slide around. Also, have a medium sized bowl handy.
2. The first thing that's very important: Getting your pot to the right temperature. This is where most amaranth-popping wannabes fail. I was once that person. I gave up because it seemed my amaranth always burned and never popped! So, pay attention - be sure to have your pot at the right temperature. To do this: Place it over medium-high heat and add about 3 amaranth grains to the pot. Cover and just sit back and watch. Once the amaranth grains turn dark brown, you should be ready to go. Discard the browned amaranth and get ready to rock and roll with this thing...
3. Add just enough amaranth to barely cover the bottom of the pot with a single layer. Another important step not to be missed. If you put too much amaranth in there, some will burn or pop and some won't. All of the amaranth needs to be touching the hot surface at once. For me, I use about a teaspoon of amaranth for a medium sized soup pot.
4. Another important point (Are you sick of me saying this yet? Don't be. It's because I love you.) - Shake that pan constantly as soon as those amaranth grains go in the pot! Don't stop shaking! Once the popping slows down, immediately empty them into the bowl. If you wait too long, the amaranth will burn.
5. Continue to repeat steps 3 and 4 until you have enough popped amaranth to satisfy your amaranth desires.
6. To season: Melt a little bit (you don't need much) of the oil in the pan and drizzle it over the amaranth. Season with a bit of salt and stir well. Personally, I don't like to use overpowering seasonings for the amaranth as I love to let the natural, wild, wonderful flavor of the amaranth come through!
Enjoy your uber healthy, fun, delicious treat!!! And let me know how your amaranth popping adventure goes!
February 5, 2013
Chili Lime Popcorn - Vegan and Glutenfree!
Chili Lime Popcorn
Last night, my fiance made me chili lime popcorn and I had to ask "Where has this stuff been all of my life??!!" It has everything! Tons of flavor, nutrition, vitamin B-12, and it's even super immune-boosting! The only thing I'll warn you about is that it's very "wet." Personally, I like this as it means all of the seasonings stick perfectly without having to use tons of oil. But if you do want yours a bit more dry, simply omit the tamari and add a little sea salt instead. Enjoy!! And for more unusual and delish popcorn recipes, be sure to check out my books. I'm a popcorn addict!
½ cup popcorn
1 tablespoon oil (sunflower, coconut, or olive)
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon minced lime zest
½ teaspoon ground cayenne powder
3 large cloves garlic, minced or pressed
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon tamari (optional)
1. In a large pot with a tight fitting lid, heat to medium-high and add the oil and popcorn. To pop, shake very often and remove from heat immediately once the popping slows down to 1-2 seconds between pops.
2. Remove the popcorn to a very large bowl. Sprinkle with the yeast, lime zest, cayenne, and garlic.
3. You’ll add the liquids last—they provide a nice wet base so that all of the seasonings stick without having to use more oil. However, if you don’t want your popcorn to be overly wet, you can substitute a little sea salt for the tamari.
4. Stir very well and serve. Enjoy your movie! ; )
Serves 2 GF/Green (according to the nutritional guidelines in my books)
January 18, 2013
95-yr-old Yoga Teacher Esther Vexler
Today I have the great pleasure of sharing an interview I just did with an amazing lady, my friend Esther Vexler. She's a 95-year-old yoga teacher who currently teaches yoga at the Synergy Studio in San Antonio, Texas. She has a very loyal following, including students and fellow teachers. She keeps busy with her students, a writing group, yoga, her 98-year-old husband, as well as her "comfortable" family. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy this interview with Esther - I know I did!
When did you first find out about yoga?
I didn’t know about yoga til the early 60s. I learned from friends who were studying yoga in Mexico. I was visiting them and we did yoga together. Before, I thought yoga was about lying on a bed of nails. I had some funny ideas of what it was really about.
What was the first asana (yoga pose) you tried?
The first posture I learned was "lion." Undoubtedly the ugliest asana. I laughed and thought “This is so funny.”
How did you begin teaching yoga?
I looked for a yoga teacher in San Antonio and even in Austin, but there wasn’t one. So I bought a book. And so I started teaching from the book. Once I finally found a teacher, she actually asked me “Can I teach with you?” I said: “You’re probably a lot better than I am,” but anyhow we began teaching senior citizens together. “Above all, do no harm” was our idea. So I started teaching seriously in 1968.
Did you always teach yoga or did you have another career?
When I was in my 50s, I went back to get a master’s degree in urban studies. When I was working on it for low income housing, I was very idealistic and wanted to help communities. It led to my doctorate eventually. But of course, I decided to make yoga my career. And all that began because the president of the university said “Why don’t you teach at UTSA?” I replied: “Because nobody asked me!” So he gave me his card and said to call this person. Before that, I’d always just taught yoga for free. But a friend told me that I had to start charging if I wanted to be professional.
What are some of your other teaching experiences?
There was a nun who had a great idea. We saw the potential in teaching young people (mostly girls) at a dropout school. Our object was to help girls who were kicked out of school. Some were pregnant, unwanted, and most had families who didn’t seem to care about them. They had no place to be. They would walk in with chips and cokes for breakfast. I told them they were going to learn yoga and learn how to respect their bodies. Learn how to eat. We offered them fruits and no soft drinks and things like that and it was a great hit.
Also, I love seeing my students grow in yoga. One student wanted to open up a yoga school in my name. I feel good about that, but I try not to have an ego about it. When I teach, I stress that aspect of practicality. You don’t just come to class, you have to take it into your life all the time.
What is your secret for looking so young and beautiful?
That’s interesting. Most of us come from our genes. I have a pretty mother with pretty skin. My mother had nine children to bring up, and I was the baby. Actually, a secret ingredient is being married to the right person.
What have you enjoyed about getting older?
Oh, I’ve had so many satisfactions. Everything. I really have enjoyed growing.
We continue to grow from the minute we’re born. Sometimes there are a few pitstops along the way. OLD is when you stop growing. And you don’t have to stop. You can have those few pitfalls but you come back and you continue growing.
Do you have any advice for women, specifically?
Don’t worry so much about things – your clothes being up to date, your hair, your house being perfect. Women especially worry too much about these things. As you grow older, you realize how unimportant these things are. People and love, that’s what’s important.
What life lesson have you learned that served you the most?
A new consciousness of myself. And learning how to build up self-confidence. We tend to think about what’s wrong with our bodies, and not what’s right about them. Think more about what’s right - there is so much right.
What advice would you give on eating a healthy diet for a long life? What is your diet like?
Our daughter became a vegetarian when she was getting her PhD. So, we decided to try it out too, because she was so enthusiastic about it. So, 45 years ago we stopped eating meat. We just don’t have the need for it. Also, more fruits and vegetables. Less salt.
What has kept you dedicated to your yoga practice? How do you stay motivated?
I’m still learning from my students. It’s a two-way street. If they see I’m enjoying it, they enjoy it more. Make it a pleasant habit, not a forced learning experience. Don’t come to me for exercise. Come to me for what you get along with the exercises.
What is your opinion of hot yoga? My yoga teacher doesn’t recommend it.
I don’t really believe in hot yoga either. A lot of people have high blood pressure and don’t know it, and hot yoga isn’t safe for them. Plus, in hot yoga you can overdo and overstretch. Everything is wrong – you’re overheated and you don’t know what’s wrong with you. It’s not yoga, just more of a hot exercise class. Yoga is about the total person. It isn’t stressful, and it should be relaxing. Hot yoga is a stressor.
What do you attribute to your longevity?
Partly diet, partly exercise. Maybe the most important thing is love and affection. We’re a very comfortable family. Comfort is a big word. There is a lot of love.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“It depends on your perspective. Growing old is a great idea. You can accentuate the growing or you can accentuate the old.”
“You only live once. Make the most of it.” – Dr. Seuss
Like the Buddhists say “You have to be in this moment and move on.” I guess people believe me when I say this because I just had my 95th birthday.
Thanks so much, Esther! You inspire us with your gentleness, grace, and beauty in every way!
When did you first find out about yoga?
I didn’t know about yoga til the early 60s. I learned from friends who were studying yoga in Mexico. I was visiting them and we did yoga together. Before, I thought yoga was about lying on a bed of nails. I had some funny ideas of what it was really about.
What was the first asana (yoga pose) you tried?
The first posture I learned was "lion." Undoubtedly the ugliest asana. I laughed and thought “This is so funny.”
How did you begin teaching yoga?
I looked for a yoga teacher in San Antonio and even in Austin, but there wasn’t one. So I bought a book. And so I started teaching from the book. Once I finally found a teacher, she actually asked me “Can I teach with you?” I said: “You’re probably a lot better than I am,” but anyhow we began teaching senior citizens together. “Above all, do no harm” was our idea. So I started teaching seriously in 1968.
Did you always teach yoga or did you have another career?
When I was in my 50s, I went back to get a master’s degree in urban studies. When I was working on it for low income housing, I was very idealistic and wanted to help communities. It led to my doctorate eventually. But of course, I decided to make yoga my career. And all that began because the president of the university said “Why don’t you teach at UTSA?” I replied: “Because nobody asked me!” So he gave me his card and said to call this person. Before that, I’d always just taught yoga for free. But a friend told me that I had to start charging if I wanted to be professional.
What are some of your other teaching experiences?
There was a nun who had a great idea. We saw the potential in teaching young people (mostly girls) at a dropout school. Our object was to help girls who were kicked out of school. Some were pregnant, unwanted, and most had families who didn’t seem to care about them. They had no place to be. They would walk in with chips and cokes for breakfast. I told them they were going to learn yoga and learn how to respect their bodies. Learn how to eat. We offered them fruits and no soft drinks and things like that and it was a great hit.
Also, I love seeing my students grow in yoga. One student wanted to open up a yoga school in my name. I feel good about that, but I try not to have an ego about it. When I teach, I stress that aspect of practicality. You don’t just come to class, you have to take it into your life all the time.
What is your secret for looking so young and beautiful?
That’s interesting. Most of us come from our genes. I have a pretty mother with pretty skin. My mother had nine children to bring up, and I was the baby. Actually, a secret ingredient is being married to the right person.
What have you enjoyed about getting older?
Oh, I’ve had so many satisfactions. Everything. I really have enjoyed growing.
We continue to grow from the minute we’re born. Sometimes there are a few pitstops along the way. OLD is when you stop growing. And you don’t have to stop. You can have those few pitfalls but you come back and you continue growing.
Do you have any advice for women, specifically?
Don’t worry so much about things – your clothes being up to date, your hair, your house being perfect. Women especially worry too much about these things. As you grow older, you realize how unimportant these things are. People and love, that’s what’s important.
What life lesson have you learned that served you the most?
A new consciousness of myself. And learning how to build up self-confidence. We tend to think about what’s wrong with our bodies, and not what’s right about them. Think more about what’s right - there is so much right.
What advice would you give on eating a healthy diet for a long life? What is your diet like?
Our daughter became a vegetarian when she was getting her PhD. So, we decided to try it out too, because she was so enthusiastic about it. So, 45 years ago we stopped eating meat. We just don’t have the need for it. Also, more fruits and vegetables. Less salt.
What has kept you dedicated to your yoga practice? How do you stay motivated?
I’m still learning from my students. It’s a two-way street. If they see I’m enjoying it, they enjoy it more. Make it a pleasant habit, not a forced learning experience. Don’t come to me for exercise. Come to me for what you get along with the exercises.
What is your opinion of hot yoga? My yoga teacher doesn’t recommend it.
I don’t really believe in hot yoga either. A lot of people have high blood pressure and don’t know it, and hot yoga isn’t safe for them. Plus, in hot yoga you can overdo and overstretch. Everything is wrong – you’re overheated and you don’t know what’s wrong with you. It’s not yoga, just more of a hot exercise class. Yoga is about the total person. It isn’t stressful, and it should be relaxing. Hot yoga is a stressor.
What do you attribute to your longevity?
Partly diet, partly exercise. Maybe the most important thing is love and affection. We’re a very comfortable family. Comfort is a big word. There is a lot of love.
Do you have any favorite quotes?
“It depends on your perspective. Growing old is a great idea. You can accentuate the growing or you can accentuate the old.”
“You only live once. Make the most of it.” – Dr. Seuss
Like the Buddhists say “You have to be in this moment and move on.” I guess people believe me when I say this because I just had my 95th birthday.
Thanks so much, Esther! You inspire us with your gentleness, grace, and beauty in every way!
January 15, 2013
And the Winner Is...
Congratulations, Lisa Reed!!!!! You've won a signed copy of Dr. Mary Clifton's fantastic book, "Waist Away" - a great resource for joyful, healthy weight loss and overall health! Be sure to give me your mailing address and I'll send you your copy ASAP! :-)
And thank you all for being so patient while I go far too long between blog posts!! I feel so blessed these days to be working on several projects with some amazing people, but it's keeping me super busy! But stay tuned... I'm going to post my interview with 95-year-old yoga teacher Esther very soon. You won't want to miss that one! She's AMAZING!!
Much Love to you all and congrats again, Lisa!!!
And thank you all for being so patient while I go far too long between blog posts!! I feel so blessed these days to be working on several projects with some amazing people, but it's keeping me super busy! But stay tuned... I'm going to post my interview with 95-year-old yoga teacher Esther very soon. You won't want to miss that one! She's AMAZING!!
Much Love to you all and congrats again, Lisa!!!
December 27, 2012
Waist Away Book Giveaway!!!
Hey lovely peeps!! SO sorry I've been MIA on this blog! I've been super busy working on a huge new project for women with Carré Otis (deets coming SOON, I promise!) and, thus, unintentionally ignoring this particular facet of my online world. Whoops!
OK, enough with the excuses and onto the new, right? It's (almost) a new year and time for a fresh, healthy, renewed start! One such start can be with the awesome new book Waist Away , by my friend Dr. Mary Klemens Clifton. I met this lovely lady in Traverse City last summer when I was teaching a healthy cooking class. She attended with her (freaking adorable!) daughter and I was even lucky enough to contribute a few of my favorite recipes to her beautiful book!
Her book contains wonderful tips on how to lose weight joyfully and naturally, and lots of sound advice from a doctor who actually knows about nutrition!! Crazy concept, right??!
So, how to win a signed copy??? Just post a comment on this blog post, telling us what your New Year's resolution is (if you have one). On January 15th, I'll pick a winner at random to receive this awesome prize!! Be sure to stay tuned on my Facebook page, where I'll first announce the winner. : )
Good luck, and I hope you are getting ready to make 2013 your healthiest, happiest year yet!!
November 12, 2012
A Vegan Thanksgiving Menu For Everyone
Hey, sweet peas! It's that time of year again... time for gratitude and the thing that rhymes with gratitude. GratiFOOD. Yes, that just happened. Sorry. But really, I do like to enjoy gratitude and gratifood on Thanksgiving. But of course, when you're vegan, this can be a little more tricky...
Not that the food, per se, is less than fabulous, mind you! I've been vegan for 21 years now and can't say I've ever missed the meat on Thanksgiving, personally. When you love to cook and can make delicious and satisfying dishes, there's just so much else to enjoy that you don't really miss boring old turkey. At least I don't. But it can be tricky, however, if you're trying to satisfy friends and family who are attached to having a non-veg dinner.
What I've personally found is that when we host Thanksgiving dinner, we make dishes that pretty much anyone would love - whether they're vegan or omni. As I've hosted almost every Thanksgiving at my house for the last two decades, I've found out what the peeps be likin. So, here is my vegan Thanksgiving round-up for dishes that will make ALL of your guests very, very happy - and probably even forget they're at a vegan dinner!
To start things off, I'd suggest having some Holiday-y beverages handy. Maybe some vegan egg nog and also hot mulled apple cider. The apple cider is especially lovely, as it will make your whole house smell festive, homey, and inviting! To make it, simply place some organic cider in a large pot along with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, organic orange peels, and nutmeg. Simmer until heavenly.
photo by Olga Vasiljeva
Next, have some delicious appetizers and salads available to start things off. There's a salad I always make called Italian Bread Salad w/ Tangy Basil Vinaigrette . It's ridiculous and will have people freaking out for seconds. Make it. I also recommend this Rosemary Mushroom Strudel (pictured above) as a great starter. YUM.
Oh, and don't forget these... Asian Asparagus Wraps (above)! I've made these so many times that at this point, my guests weep (well, almost) if I don't include them. They look all fancy, but they're really easy to make. I promise!!
Also, be sure to serve some good bread. You can either purchase bakery bread or rolls (my daughter loves the Alexa brand of whole wheat rolls - available in the freezer section at health food stores) or you can make bread from scratch. We like to make this whole grain cornbread or these pumpkin rosemary biscuits.
Soups are also great to round out your feast! You can find many Thanksgiving-perfect soups in my books, but here's a great one from my blog - Ginger Lime Carrot Soup. SO delicate, nourishing, and delish!
Be sure to have some yummy veggies on hand too. Here's a recipe for roasted cauliflower (from my first book, RHIW) that actually won an award! And these Citrus Beets with Maple Orange Walnuts are perfect to impress your guests and dress up your table with their beautiful colors.
For the main event, we actually make a Tofurky roast. Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but it's good!! I mean, it's not homemade, but it's still really fun to unwrap a roast, season it up, and bake it to perfection. We like to baste ours with orange juice, tamari, and olive oil and include some trimmins too - whole garlic, onions, carrots, and chopped potatoes. Then, when the roast is done, you have all manner of goodness waiting to adorn your plate, along with some mashed potatoes... And all of it waiting to be topped with an amaaaazing gravy, such as Scrumptious Shiitake Gravy (a recipe from RHIW that I guarantee you and any of your guests, vegan or not, will freak out for!!).
For those of you who asked about stuffing, the Tofurky roast does have stuffing inside it. However, when I think of stuffing, I fondly remember what my grandma always used to make for the vegetarians in our family. She'd sautee up some onions and celery in olive oil, then add sage, thyme, and rosemary. She'd then add chopped stale bread (gluten-free folks, you can use a gluten-free bread here), vegetable broth, and bake it all in a covered dish til browned and firm. SO good, and especially sweet considering it came from my Gram. : )
Finally, you'll want some sweet treats, right??!! Um, YEAH! I have many recipes in my books for great festive sweet treats, including a healthy, fresh, delish take on pumpkin pie, but here are two from my blog. Orange Spiced Baklava is perfect for when you have a large crowd, as it makes a ton and impresses the beans out of everyone in the vicinity that you actually made baklava. Then, there's this apple crisp recipe that's very easy to toss together and makes a perfect counterpart as well!
All in all, I hope this will give you inspiration to create your own amazing, plant-based Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!!!
Not that the food, per se, is less than fabulous, mind you! I've been vegan for 21 years now and can't say I've ever missed the meat on Thanksgiving, personally. When you love to cook and can make delicious and satisfying dishes, there's just so much else to enjoy that you don't really miss boring old turkey. At least I don't. But it can be tricky, however, if you're trying to satisfy friends and family who are attached to having a non-veg dinner.
What I've personally found is that when we host Thanksgiving dinner, we make dishes that pretty much anyone would love - whether they're vegan or omni. As I've hosted almost every Thanksgiving at my house for the last two decades, I've found out what the peeps be likin. So, here is my vegan Thanksgiving round-up for dishes that will make ALL of your guests very, very happy - and probably even forget they're at a vegan dinner!
To start things off, I'd suggest having some Holiday-y beverages handy. Maybe some vegan egg nog and also hot mulled apple cider. The apple cider is especially lovely, as it will make your whole house smell festive, homey, and inviting! To make it, simply place some organic cider in a large pot along with cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, organic orange peels, and nutmeg. Simmer until heavenly.
photo by Olga VasiljevaNext, have some delicious appetizers and salads available to start things off. There's a salad I always make called Italian Bread Salad w/ Tangy Basil Vinaigrette . It's ridiculous and will have people freaking out for seconds. Make it. I also recommend this Rosemary Mushroom Strudel (pictured above) as a great starter. YUM.
Oh, and don't forget these... Asian Asparagus Wraps (above)! I've made these so many times that at this point, my guests weep (well, almost) if I don't include them. They look all fancy, but they're really easy to make. I promise!!
Also, be sure to serve some good bread. You can either purchase bakery bread or rolls (my daughter loves the Alexa brand of whole wheat rolls - available in the freezer section at health food stores) or you can make bread from scratch. We like to make this whole grain cornbread or these pumpkin rosemary biscuits.
Soups are also great to round out your feast! You can find many Thanksgiving-perfect soups in my books, but here's a great one from my blog - Ginger Lime Carrot Soup. SO delicate, nourishing, and delish!
Be sure to have some yummy veggies on hand too. Here's a recipe for roasted cauliflower (from my first book, RHIW) that actually won an award! And these Citrus Beets with Maple Orange Walnuts are perfect to impress your guests and dress up your table with their beautiful colors.
For the main event, we actually make a Tofurky roast. Yeah, go ahead and laugh, but it's good!! I mean, it's not homemade, but it's still really fun to unwrap a roast, season it up, and bake it to perfection. We like to baste ours with orange juice, tamari, and olive oil and include some trimmins too - whole garlic, onions, carrots, and chopped potatoes. Then, when the roast is done, you have all manner of goodness waiting to adorn your plate, along with some mashed potatoes... And all of it waiting to be topped with an amaaaazing gravy, such as Scrumptious Shiitake Gravy (a recipe from RHIW that I guarantee you and any of your guests, vegan or not, will freak out for!!).
For those of you who asked about stuffing, the Tofurky roast does have stuffing inside it. However, when I think of stuffing, I fondly remember what my grandma always used to make for the vegetarians in our family. She'd sautee up some onions and celery in olive oil, then add sage, thyme, and rosemary. She'd then add chopped stale bread (gluten-free folks, you can use a gluten-free bread here), vegetable broth, and bake it all in a covered dish til browned and firm. SO good, and especially sweet considering it came from my Gram. : )
Finally, you'll want some sweet treats, right??!! Um, YEAH! I have many recipes in my books for great festive sweet treats, including a healthy, fresh, delish take on pumpkin pie, but here are two from my blog. Orange Spiced Baklava is perfect for when you have a large crowd, as it makes a ton and impresses the beans out of everyone in the vicinity that you actually made baklava. Then, there's this apple crisp recipe that's very easy to toss together and makes a perfect counterpart as well!
All in all, I hope this will give you inspiration to create your own amazing, plant-based Thanksgiving feast. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy!!!
October 19, 2012
Raw Chocolate Orange Energy Cookies
These are the newest addition to my raw energy cookie family. And it's a very special family to me - one that includes such sweet adorable babies as Chocolate Mint, Cinnamon Rolls, and Chai Spice. (Recipes for other raw cookies are in my books.) Why oh why do I love raw cookies so very much?? The answer, my friend, is simple - they satisfy the sweet tooth while nourishing the body. They also happen to give you a nice, clean burst of energy to keep you going! WIN!!
1 1/2 cups raw walnuts
1 cup (packed) raisins
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
1 tablespoon raw agave nectar
1 tablespoon (packed) minced orange zest (from organic oranges)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Optional: 1/4 cup raw cacao nibs
1. In a food processor, combine everything except the optional cacao nibs. Blend until very, very sticky. Add the nibs (if using) and blend for a few seconds, just enough to mix them in.
2. Remove in one-tablespoon bits. With your hands, roll into small balls. Gently place in an airtight container and refrigerate. These will keep for about 2 weeks, if kept in the refrigerator.
Makes about 18 cookies
GF/SF/Raw/Blue (according to the guidelines in my books)
October 9, 2012
Vegan Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping - Mostly Raw!
This recipe was inspired by my sweetie's birthday request...he's been happily vegan for about 6 months now, but was missing his old favorite, cheesecake. So, I decided to whip together this healthy vegan version. In his words, my version "kicks regular cheesecake's ass." And we think you'll agree! The optional topping is the only non-raw part of this dessert, but I really wanted a gooey, blue-y topping that I honestly don't know how to acheive in the raw world. If you're all raw, you can leave it off or simply top this with some fresh fruit instead. Enjoy!!
Vegan Cheesecake with Blueberry Topping
Crust:
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup raisins (packed firmly into the cup)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Filling:
1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked overnight in water, unless you're using a Vitamix or other high-powered blender)
1/2 cup raw agave nectar
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup coconut oil
4 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Blueberry Topping:
6 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons arrowroot
10 oz bag frozen blueberries (fresh work too!)
1. In a food processor, blend all of the crust ingredients until they begin to stick together well. (There should still be the appearance of texture where you can see the individual ingredients, but it should be crumbly and very sticky.) Press into the bottom of a pie pan and place in the freezer until the filling is ready.
2. Blend the filling ingredients (in a food processor or good blender) until completely smooth and creamy. Pour/scrape into the pie pan and smooth out the top. Refrigerate for an hour or so, until firm.
3. For the topping, place the maple syrup, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and arrowroot in a small pot and whisk until smooth and no lumps remain. Add the blueberries and bring to a boil, stirring. Reduce heat to low and continue to stir until the mixture is thick and perfectly gooey. Let cool slightly (about 10 minutes) and pour/scrape over the cheesecake. Refrigerate for an hour or more, then serve.
Serves 8-10
GF/SF/Blue/HR (according to the health guidelines in my books)
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