I have said it before, but I’ll say it again. When used in positive ways, the internet can be such a wonderful place to bring people together from all over the world! I was fortunate to meet a lovely lady, Jenna of Live Pure Blog, last week. We were united because of our love for healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables! Fruits and vegetables not only create harmony in our bodies, but they create harmony in the world!
Jenna and I had such a fun time together! I am all about some girl time! Spending time with my girlfriends ranks high on my list. It’s so fun to laugh together, dream, and talk about goals and exchange funny stories. I don’t know about you but I always become extremely motivated and inspired after spending time with my friends. Surround yourself with positive people and you will absorb that energy! A healthy life is not only what you eat, it is about what you feed and nurture yourself with mentally. Experiences we have and friendships we make along the way are the food to our soul.
In the midst of all this girl time, she and I decided to create a raw feast with an Italian theme. I am a total sucker for themed parties. This was totally up my alley, and I absolutely ADORE designing tablescapes (foreshadowing of future blog entries! 🙂 )
This meal was organic, fresh, and bursting with flavor. Traditional raw vegan meals can contain high amounts of fat (from nuts). We worked together to create a meal that is not only raw, but low in fat, oil-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. This meal serves 4-6 guests.
"Raw Wine"
DIRECTIONS
-
Place all ingredients in a Vitamix or high powered blender. Puree until smooth. Serve in gorgeous wine glasses and top with fresh raspberries. This beverage could also be made into a juice by placing all ingredients through a fruit and vegetable juicer instead of a blender.
Red Pepper Amuse Bouche
– An Amuse Bouche is a single, bite sized hors d’oeuvres served before a meal. It is often a greeting from the Chef and a tantalizing taste of what is to come.
Red Pepper Amuse Bouche
INGREDIENTS
- 2 Red Peppers
- 5 Medium Carrots
- 1 Tablespoon Chopped Shallot
- 1 Whole Green Onion
- 1 Celery Stalk
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Parsley
- Splash of Water
DIRECTIONS
-
Place all ingredients in a Vitamix or high powered blender. Puree until smooth. Serve in appetizer cups and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Spiralized Noodles with a Trio of Sauces
INGREDIENTS
Pistachio Pesto Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Raw Pistachios unsalted, soaked
- 1 Cups &1/2 Romanesco Cauliflower chopped
- 2 Cups packed Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 Clove Garlic
- Splash of water
- in Place all ingredients a Vitamix or high powered blender and puree until smooth.
Alfredo Ingredients
- 2 Cups Chopped Cauliflower
- 1/4 Cup Raw Cashews unsalted, soaked
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 3 Tablespoons Nutritional Yeast
- in Place all ingredients a Vitamix or high powered blender and puree until smooth.
Marinara Ingredients
- 4 Medium Tomatoes
- 1 Medium Carrot
- 1 Teaspoon Chopped Shallot
- 1 Clove Garlic
- 1/2 Teaspoon Fresh Rosemary
- 5 Leaves Large Basil
- 1 Green Onion
- 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
DIRECTIONS
-
Place all ingredients, except cherry tomatoes, in a Vitamix or high powered blender and puree until smooth. Dice by hand or place the cherry tomatoes into the blender on low to coarsely chop.
Mango Mint Sorbet Palate Cleanser
INGREDIENTS
- 3-4 Cups Frozen Mangoes
- Squeeze of Fresh Lemon
- Squeeze Fresh Lime
- Leaves Mint to taste
DIRECTIONS
-
Puree the mangoes along with the citrus juices in a Vitamix, food processor, or high powered blender. Mix in finely chopped mint leaves.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Tart
INGREDIENTS
Crust:
- 1 Cup Medjool Dates
- 1/2 Cup Dried White Mulberries
- 3 Tablespoons Shredded Coconut
- Splash of Water
Filling:
- - 4 Frozen Bananas
- - Sprinkle of cinnamon
DIRECTIONS
-
Place all crust ingredients in a food processor and puree until a dough ball forms.
-
Press mixture into mini tart pans.
-
Puree the frozen bananas in a Vitamix or high powered blender.
-
Place the banana mixture into the mini tart pans. This can be eaten immediately or stored in the freezer until time for dessert!
7 comments
Amazing
Talented duo!!! This looks incredible Ashley, especially the “wine” – how fun!!!
Thank you Tammi! Hehe, yeah the wine was fun!! It was simple but really tasty!
Ashley, that is the most beautiful presentation of food! It looks absolutely delicious.
Thank you so much Cindi! We really had a fun time putting all this together! It was a fun day and a delicious dinner!
another WOW! You did it again!!!!!
Thank You!!