Monthly Archives: April 2012

RAW CACAO

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Raw cacao, the Gods Food!

Botanical name is Theobroma, translation the food of gods.

Cacao grows in tropical areas within 10oN and 10oS of the Equator where the climate is appropriate

The natural habitat of the cacao tree is in the lower storey of the evergreen rainforest and climatic factors, particularly temperature and rainfall, are important in encouraging optimum growth.

We can trace back the consumption of cacao as early as 400 BC in the maya culture.The Aztec used cacao as money as well as in religious ceremonies.

The conquestador brought back the recipe for xocoatl (chocolate) to the old continent with a slight difference ( that changed everything!) indeed they added cane sugar to the drink and it became a hit in all the European courts…

Today, we are going to learn about Raw cacao. During my trip to Bali, I had the immense privilege to visit the head quarters, producing units and a cacao farm ( well not really a farm as we picture it, as a matter of fact cacao trees grow wild in the jungle) of the company called Big Tree farms.

We learnt everything from harvesting cacao pods, to hand-peel, fermention and sun dried process. Down to grinding in order to separate cacao butter to cacao powder, never above 46°C or 115°F thanks to an amazing old machine thaht Ben brought all the way from Europe to the Bamboo Factory ( biggest, tallest bamboo structure in the world, amazing place).

Yes, cacao is an amazing food, top antioxydant ( more than pomegranate and red wine), cholesterol-friendly, super rich in magnesium,  beneficial for blood pressure and circulation. Stimulating thanks to theobromine, cafeine ( very small amount), tyramine and phenylethylamine, but in a mild way :) It also improves relaxation and promotes better sleep.

It’s also a mood enhancer, the presence of the amino acid tryptophan increases the level of serotonin in the brain which is a nerotransmitter responsible for good mood!

And last but not least, phenylethylamine is a slight anti depressant and the peptide of LOVE ♥

So let’s eat some Chocolate…

A favorite in my household:

Raw chocolate fondant…

1/2 cup of Raw cacao powder ( for UK readers, you can buy through Raw living, click on the banner from my homepage)

1/2 cup of maple syrup

1 vanilla bean scrapped

1/2 cup of extra virgin coconut oil

1 pinch of Hymalayan salt

Instructions:

Melt the coconut oil in a bain-marie ( place your coconut oil/butter in a small glass bowl, and place it in another bowl filled with hot water), then add the syrup, mix well, the add the cacao powder, whisk and finally the vanilla and salt.

You can use plain or play with different ingredients such as goji berries, coconut flakes, sun-dried cranberries, buckwheat or amaranth crunchies, almonds, hazelnuts… Or even, cayenne pepper!

Place you mix in a square dish, cover with cling film and place in the refrigerator.

ENJOY!

Raw Maki Rolls

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This is the raw version of my favourite Japanese dish. Honestly I could eat that everyday!

It is pretty simple too, nothing too elaborate… Altogether it takes around 15 min to prepare, so no excuses :)

Ingredients: yields 4

  • Raw Nori sheets ( you can buy in the UK @ Raw Living)
  • 200g of Cauliflower or Jicama ( sadly, I cannot find it in France)
  • 2 Avocados
  • 1 Carrot
  • 1/2 Red bell Pepper thinly slice
  • Romaine, shredded
  • 1 small Radish….
  • 1 t of salt
  • 1 table soup of apple or rice vinegar

Instructions:

Process the cauliflower florets, then add the salt and vinegar, process again. If using Jicama, press well through a drainer or nut milk bag, to get rid of the excess of water.

It really looks like rice, I love it!!!

Place the nori sheet on a bamboo roll or cutting board, shiny face down. Spread the raw “rice” leaving 1cm free on top of the shit.

Then place, all your ingredients, try not to put too much, otherwise the sheet will burst. Roll using both hands and tight at the same time. Wet the uncovered band then seal shut.

Cut both end, and with a very sharp knife slice into 6 or 8 makis.

Serve wit Tamari, and raw pickled ginger and if you can find some fresh grated horseradish…

ITADAKIMASU!

My husband’s smoothie

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Finally! my husband told me last night that he is willing to go 100% vegan for a month, and maybe between 60 to 70% RAW!!!! Yeah or Jay as we used to say during my training in Bali.

Funny enough, it is not because I was telling him of all the benefits or asking him to try, but because of all the videos we are watching, all the materials that I share with him that he got convinced. I guess it is pretty normal, it always like that when a person that close to you, tells you something we often hear it but we let go….

So this morning he had his usual fresh squeezed juice and he made himself his own smoothie…………..:)

1 Banana

1 ripe kiwi

1 handful or frozen raspberries

1 c of coconut milk

1 handful of goji berries

1 T of ground gold flax seeds

1t of spirulina

The extra bonus was to use the Magic Bullet that I got for my birthday, everybody in the family loves it!

Ps: let’s go crazy tomorrow and add some spinach :-)

 

 

Chia, small seed but super good for you…

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Radiant breakfast:

Chia is a superfood!

  • Packed with essential fatty acids (omega 3 & 6).
  • It is easy digestible.
  • Hydrating for the body because it retains large amount of water, (about 10 times their weight) and the water is absorbed by the seeds holding it in our system longer.
  • Another great benefit is that chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrate calories into simple sugars.
  • Finally it is a very good source of protein, fiber, magnesium calcium…

 

Chia pudding with fruits

 ¼ c of chia seeds

1 ½ c nut milk or water

1 pinch of salt

Sweetener of your choice (coco palm sugar, maple syrup, date paste…)

Cinnamon

In a bowl pour the chia seeds and cover with water or nut milk. Stir well and let it sit for a little while or keep it in the fridge overnight. Just before serving  add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.

Top with your favorite fruits, anything goes, and add cacao nibs, nuts, seeds, raisins, anything you love.

Enjoy!