The Complete Book of Raw Food (46 page)

B
Y
K
AREN
K
NOWLER

A
DVANCED PREP
:
4 to 8 hours for soaking
I
MMEDIATE PREP
:
15 min

S
ERVES
2
S
PECIAL
E
QUIPMENT
Vita-Mix or blender

1 cup organic almonds, soaked 4 to 8 hours and drained

12 small dates or 5 large Medjool dates

3 tablespoons carob powder

4 frozen bananas, broken into pieces

Pour one cup water into a Vita-Mix or blender with the almonds. (Organic almonds taste superior to non-organic, often with a marzipan-like flavor). Blend on high speed until nuts are completely broken down to almond milk.

Pour the almond milk through a strainer or mesh bag (such as a sprouting bag), and collect strained milk in a jug or bowl. Rinse Vita-Mix or blender jug to remove remains from nuts.

Pour the newly strained almond milk back into the blender. Add another cup of water, all the dates, the carob, and the banana pieces. (If not using a Vita-Mix, allow the frozen bananas to thaw for a while first to avoid damaging your blender.)

Blend all ingredients thoroughly until thick, whipped ice-cream-like consistency is achieved. Pour into two tall glasses and enjoy! (The remaining almond pulp can be used in cakes or cookies later).

Variation 1:
Add some vanilla instead of the carob, or any other flavoring of your choice.

Variation 2:
This shake is also delicious with just bananas, nut milk, and dates.

Contributor’s note:
Everyone who has tasted this rich drink loves it. It’s even better than the thick chocolate shakes we used to slurp on in fast food restaurants—not to mention much healthier!

FUN (Fast, Unusual, Natural) CEO Meal

B
Y
V
IKTORAS
K
ULVINSKAS

A
DVANCED PREP
:
8 to 12 hours for soaking
I
MMEDIATE PREP
:
10 min

Y
IELDS
2 to 3 cups
S
PECIAL
E
QUIPMENT
Blender

½ cup almonds, soaked overnight

1 handful fresh strawberries (frozen work well, too)

1 banana, peeled

1 teaspoon Blue Green Algae or Spirulina

1 cup water or fruit juice

pinch of your favorite spices

1 teaspoon vanilla

pinch sea salt

Blend all the ingredients to a cream. Sip slowly and rule the world.

Contributor’s note:
This drink is a meal of its own—and a major time saver.

Ginger Ale

B
Y
D
AVID
K
LEIN

A
DVANCED PREP
:
2 hours for refrigerating
I
MMEDIATE PREP
:
10 min

Y
IELDS
2 cups
S
PECIAL
E
QUIPMENT
Juicer

white grapes

3 stalks celery

4
¼-inch piece fresh ginger root

Juice the white grapes, celery and fresh ginger root. Mix well, chill, and enjoy.

“Give Me Greens!” Sweet Milkshake

B
Y
E
LAINA
L
OVE

A
DVANCED PREP
:
8 to 12 hours for soaking + 15 min for almond milk

I
MMEDIATE PREP
:
10 min
Y
IELDS
3 cups
S
PECIAL
E
QUIPMENT
Blender

3 cups
Almond Milk

1 ripe banana, fresh or frozen

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or another extract of choice)

1 tablespoon green powder (Chlorella, Spirulina, Blue Green Algae, Nature’s First Food, Pure Synergy, or Barley Green)

dash nutmeg (optional)

Blend the Almond Milk with the banana and vanilla until frothy.

Add the green powder and quickly blend again.

Pour the shake into a glass and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg.

Contributor’s note:
This is a great drink to start your day with, or gulp down any time you need some extra energy.

Grape-Celery Cooler

B
Y
D
AVID
K
LEIN

A
DVANCED PREP
:
None
I
MMEDIATE PREP
:
10 min

Y
IELDS
2 to 3 cups
S
PECIAL
E
QUIPMENT
Juicer

sweet grapes

1 to 2 celery stalks (per glass)

mint for garnish (optional)

Juice your favorite sweet grapes with 1 or 2 celery stalks. Stir and serve. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.

Green Lemonade