Strawberry Cheezecake

"Spa Water" is one of my favorite refreshing drinks.
Try tossing some cucumber and lemon slices in a pitcher of filtered water

I am glad you can't see me right now because I am lounging at my computer with my hair slathered in dye ($8 compared to the $90 I paid at the salon last time--Yay!) and slopped on the top of my head. I am sporting not-so-stylish sweats and eating raw cheezecake topped with strawberries.... lots of sweet, yummy strawberries. What a combination, right? I'm not quite sure why I decided to make a raw cheezecake, but the sweet strawberries and bursts of lemon make for a refreshing treat. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I am a little bitter that I had to work all day while spring forged on without me. The skies were blue, sun bright, birds chirping and I was stuck in front of a computer at the office. We are in the middle of some major transitions at SCH. Two of our full-timers were accepted into internships (extremely exciting!) and a few of our relief staff are moving on up as Registered Dietitians after completing their internships and passing their RD exams. As for me, I have officially accepted the job as a full-time DT covering the dialysis, nephrology, rehab, urology, cardiology and PICU/CICU services. My plan is to spend the next 10 months gaining clinical experience and volunteering before applying to dietetic internships in February 2012. I am excited to be back on a schedule. I will mostly be working Monday through Friday and definitely less weekends, but I will have to make some adjustments to my sleep schedule. The shift starts at 6:30 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. This ultimately boils down to my alarm going off at 5:00 am and me trying not to hit the snooze too many times so that I can be out the door no later than 5:40.

Anyways back to that dessert...

 Crust Ingredients:

• 1 c almond meal
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 c pitted Medjool or other semi-soft dates

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp grated lemon zest
• 1/2 c lemon juice
• 1 1/2 c  cashews
• 1/3 c filtered water
• 1/4 c liquid coconut oil
• Seeds from two vanilla beans or 2 Tbsp alcohol-free vanilla extract

Topping Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 c strawberries
• 2-4 Tbsp agave syrup (depending on the sweetness of the berries)

Crust: Combine the almond meal and salt in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle some of the mix on the bottom of the pie pan. Add the dates to the remaining almond meal in the bowl and mix into a dough with your hands. Press the dough into the bottom of the pie pan as thinly as possible. The crust should reach at least halfway up the side of the pan.

Filling:  Combine the zest, lemon juice, cashews, water, coconut oil and vanilla in the high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Scoop onto the crust. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours to allow the filling to firm up.

Meanwhile make the topping by combining the strawberries and agave syrup in the blender and pulse a few times to coarsely mix into a chunky sauce.

When ready to serve, cut a slice of cheesecake, top with strawberries and ENJOY!

*Stored separately from the strawberry sauce, the filling and crust will last up to 5 days in the fridge and several weeks in the freezer.

Chocolate Ganache

"Ganache" is a French term used to describe the fudge-like goodness that is made up of chocolate and cream and traditionally used to make truffles and frosting. This recipe from 'Raw for Dessert' by Jennifer Cornbleet replaces the butter, cream and refined sugar with virgin coconut oil and agave syrup. It is the perfect consistency to top cupcakes or try it warmed as a fondue for fresh strawberries, bananas and pear slices. To add a little chocolate to your morning, drop a dollop in your coffee. Who doesn't like a little chocolate with their breakfast?!? Sounds like the perfect way to start the day to me!  

Ingredients:

• 3/4 c dark agave syrup or maple syrup
• 3/4 c cocoa powder or raw cacao powder
• 1/3 c virgin coconut oil, melted
• 1/8 tsp plus a pinch of fine ground sea salt

Place all of the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender jar with a rubber spatula.

Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (it's so good, it won't make it that long). Once refrigerated, the ganache will need to be warmed slightly before serving in order to obtain the proper consistency.

Note: To warm the freshly made or refrigerated ganache, place about 2 inches of water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat. Place a small bowl of the ganache in the hot water and let sit for 1- minutes. The sides of the bowl should be high enough so that the water from the saucepan cannot flow into the bowl.



Raw Almond Cookies

 Adapted from 'Raw Food Made Easy: for 1 or 2 People' by Jennifer Cornbleet

In an attempt to consume less white sugar and eat more raw, wholesome foods, I decided to invest in a few new dessert cookbooks. Yes, two cookbooks entirely dedicated to raw desserts! Hmm, I know what you're thinking, I've gone off the deep end. :) Don't worry, I could never give up my fresh baked cookies, cupcakes or brownies, but these healthier desserts will help me fill in the gaps between my baking extravaganzas. This dessert was one of the first that I tried and I can't wait to experiment with the rest of  them! It was sinfully  rich and chewy but best of all cured my sweet tooth with just one cookie! Perfect! 

Ingredients: 

• 1/2 c raw almond or cashew butter
• 1/4 c raw honey, pure maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8-1/4 tsp cinnamon
• Dash salt
• 1/2 c ground almonds
• Chocolate Ganache Sauce 
• Course ground sea salt

Add the almond butter, raw honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon and dash of salt to a food processor fitted with the S blade and process until smooth. Transfer to a small bowl and freeze for 30 minutes.

 Form into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly. Roll each cookie in the ground almonds. Top with warmed ganache sauce and a sprinkle of ground almonds and/or course ground sea salt.

Freeze for at least two hours before serving. Stored in a sealed container in the freezer, these cookies will keep for up to one month.



"Watch It" Wednesday - Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

In case you missed it, I just wanted to take a minute to share a clip with you from Jamie Oliver's season premiere.  Tune in Tuesday evenings on ABC (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET).

"This Food Revolution is about saving America's health by changing the way people eat. It's not just a TV show; it's a movement for you, your family and your community. If you care about your kids and their future, take this revolution and make it your own. Educate yourself about food and cooking, and find out what your child is eating at school. Make only a few small changes and magical things will happen. Switching from processed to fresh food will not only make you feel better, it will also add years to your life."

 Sign the petition (here) to support Jamie's efforts to change the way America eats.

Check out jamieoliver.com for news, recipes and more.

Aunt Sheila's Banana Bread Recipe

MMmmm, I remember the sweet-smelling aroma of my mom's banana bread spreading through the house. When the oven timer went off, we dashed into the kitchen, trying to beat my dad to the first piece. Too excited to let it cool properly, we would shuffle the first slice from hand to hand (think hot potato), blowing wildly until it was cool enough to eat. That slice was quickly followed by another until the loaf vanished. Not to worry,  Mom always baked multiple batches. And soon, the counter was guaranteed to be blanketed with rows and rows of banana bread....some with nuts, some without and even some with chocolate chips.

However, most banana bread recipes are chock-full of sugar and butter, but not much nutrition. The word spread that I was looking for a "healthier" banana bread and this recipe was quickly referred to me by a few family members. Lucky for me, Aunt Sheila so kindly shared this wholesome ingredient list, which quickly became one of the top contenders in my search for a 'healthier' banana bread.

If you're like me, you can't resist having a slice or two of fresh banana bread with your morning coffee. You won't feel as guilty about eating this version for breakfast since part of the white flour is replaced with whole wheat flour, which still has the nutritious bran and germ intact. This boils down to more fiber and protein. Plus, whole grains are also better sources of nutrients such as selenium, potassium and magnesium. Flaxseed is another nutrition powerhouse, full of all sorts of goodies. One tablespoon of flaxseed contains 1.8 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids and it also contains high quantities of lignans, which have both plant estrogen and antioxidant qualities. Again, by adding in flaxseed, the total amount of fiber in the dish will be increased. Not to mention it is the subject in many research areas, including prevention of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, inflammation and even hot flashes! But buttermilk.....that can't be healthy, right?!?! Sadly my pal, buttermilk, often gets a bad reputation because it contains the word, butter. When in fact, it is actually lower in fat and easier to digest than some types of milk because it contains probiotics -like yogurt- and high calcium amounts. Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria to the gut, which are essential for nutrient breakdown and absorption. In baking, buttermilk can be used as a leaven to help raise bread when yeast is not being used.  

With the added nutrients and half the sugar, this is definitely a keeper!!! Let those bananas ripen and give this recipe a try!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c packed brown sugar                               
• 1/2 c low fat buttermilk *                                  
• 1 egg                                                               
• 3 Tbsp. canola oil    
• (I added a tsp vanilla)  
• 3/4 c unbleached all-purpose flour  
• 1/2 c whole wheat flour   
• 3/4 c ground flaxseed
• 1 tsp baking powder  
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1/8 tsp salt                                    
• 1 c pureed bananas    (2-3 bananas)                                  
• 1/2 c chopped walnuts (Optional)

Directions:

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a non-stick 8"x4" loaf pan with no-stick spray.

 In a large bowl, combine the sugar, buttermilk, egg and oil. Whisk until smooth.

 In a medium bowl, combine the unbleached flour, whole-wheat flour, ground flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to mix. Add to the liquid ingredients. Stir just until blended; do not overmix.

Add the bananas and stir to mix. Pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the pan to a wire rack and let the bread cool slightly. While it is still slightly warm, turn the bread out of the pan.

(For best results, choose very ripe bananas, place them in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.)

Notes from Aunt Sheila:  
"I usually double this recipe which takes about 5 medium bananas & makes 2 loafs."

Notes from Uncle Mark (official taste taster):
"It is GOOOOOOOOD! In fact we took a loaf from the last batch out of the freezer this morning and I am enjoying a slice now!!!"

*You can substitute 1/2 tsp lemon juice or  vinegar plus enough milk to equal 1/2 cup for the buttermilk

"You're Perfect"

"All of your unhappiness is not someone elses fault. All your happiness is not someone elses responsibility." ~Joyce Meyer

Yes, it is true...only we are in charge of our own happiness but every once in awhile we all need a little nudge to remind us that we deserve happiness. Meet Benjamin Smythe from Berkeley, CA. He thinks "You're Perfect!"

Sometimes a simple gesture like this might just be enough to completely change someones day!

I love Cami Walker's idea of focusing on giving something for 29 days! In fact, I've already added her book to my Amazon wish list so I remember to purchase it the next time I decide to treat myself! Learn more at her website: 29gifts.org 

"Everything has its beauty, but not everyone sees it." ~Confucious

Farmers Market Favorites

Ballard Farmers Market

The new trend in my work schedule has been that I only get one weekend off each month. Whirl that up with a busy tax season and the final product is one measly day a month to spend with my hubby. <Sad Face> Not my favorite relationship recipe, but you can bet we thoroughly enjoy those rare Sundays together! We started this last one off right, with doughnuts and coffee (of course!) followed by a trip to Marymoor off-leash dog park. Lola loves to run, she runs circles around other dogs and races them to their ball,  but only to prove that she's faster than them, she could care less about their stinky,dirty tennis balls. After running, prancing in the water, sniffing bums and squeezing every possible drop out of her she could, we were ready for the next adventure. We loaded back up into the ol' Taurus and were off to the Ballard Farmers Market, held every Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm.  We were greeted by beautiful floral bouquets, mouth-watering aromas of wood-fired pizza wafting through the air and rows of booths displaying candles, artsy jewelry, local food producers and everything in between. Among all the fabulous stuff I found a few necessities, you know...fresh goat cheese, local honey and some spicy herbal tea.

I had never heard of Sip-T Tea Co. but that says nothing about their reputation as I am quite new to the Seattle area. I am glad I stopped by the booth because as lame as it sounds, it was love at first sip. She had four tea's available for tasting and the Herbal Masala Chai Tea was the perfect balance of spice followed by subtle sweetness! Right away my mind fast forwarded to later that evening....how comforting it would be as a latte while relaxing before bed. Served with a splash of coconut milk and a tsp of honey, it quickly became my new favorite nightcap, only second to a fine glass of red wine. It is better than the coffee shop versions because you decide how much sweetener you want to add. She also uses fair trade teas and all her teas are vegan and gluten-free. Not to mention, everything is earth friendly, biodegradable and compostable and she includes a free cotton tea bag infuser!

A few additional purchases:



Port Madison Farms - White Rose (Goat Brie)
The perfect compliment to a crisp, sweet apple or pear
Check out this article on them



Honey is expensive, but I bought my grocery store honey for about $5 and it used organic clover honey from Brazil and Cananda.  Let me tell you that when it comes to taste,  it does not come close to this blackberry wildflower honey from Tahuya River Apiaries. The flavor was pure and with a subtle yet lingering sweetness. It was exactly what I was looking for, the perfect companion to a cup of tea. You can find their booth at the University District farmers market on Saturdays or the Ballard farmers market on Sundays. In addition, they sell honey, bulk beeswax, beeswax candles and hand lotion bars on their website.
*(Do not give raw honey to infants)

As we were zigzagging between booths, I stopped for a few minutes to listen to a street performer playing "Firework" by Katy Perry. It was beautiful and there is something about the sound of a violin that gets inside of me. I searched on YouTube to find a similar version to share with you and found this talented performer, Peter Lee Johnson. He is actually from Seattle, WA but currently residing in Los Angeles, CA. He has over 30 songs on YouTube and they range from Aerosmith to Marvin Gaye. You can check out the rest of his music on his YouTube station.

We had a fun remainder of the weekend but the problem is, it makes me miss our time together even more. I love spending time with my husband meandering the streets, hand in hand, laughing, joking and just being "us." I can't wait until we can get back on a more similar schedule.

Positive vibes....

Running for Cancer Research....

In an attempt to motivate myself to accomplish day 3 of my running program (well 80% walking and 20% running) for the week, I'm going to focus on the cause. My husband and I signed up for the Shore Run 10K taking place on June 12. The proceeds benefit the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and more specifically, immunotherapy. Their researchers have earned worldwide recognition for developing successful treatments that harness the immune system to fight cancer, much as it naturally would for any other infection. Read more about their research here.

I had not personally experienced the devastation that is CANCER, until I signed up to volunteer for a 10-day adventure camp for kids (ages 10-18) that were going through it. It was one of the best experiences of my life getting to see each of them connect, grow, experience new things and conquer fears. The hardest part was learning that one of the campers passed away shortly afterwards. His zest for life was contagious and he was wise beyond his years. Everyone at camp was immediately drawn to him whether it was his smile, his witty comebacks or his knowledge; he touched everyone in a big way. He is one of the reasons I am going to run this race. At a talent show, he shared this poem with us and I would like to share it with you.

Through dying eyes, it's a new world I see.
The colors are so much brighter.
The little things grow bigger day by day
And burdens grow even lighter.

As times grow shorter, you'd think I'd grow sadder
But it makes me cherish everything more.
And with each passing day, it's easier to say
Live this one like never before.

And as sadness looms, I grow in faith.
As I trust in God for safety
this situation is out of my hands
And I know that he will guide me.

At a passing glance, there's nothing to me
but there's more than meets the eye.
I see the world in a much different view
Than the average person passing by

And I wish everyone could see the world
through the eye of a dying man
because maybe, just maybe
people would live and see the world like I can.

Dane has a much more personal experience with cancer. His Grandma Dorothy, Grandpa Henry and Grandpa Duane were all diagnosed and lost their battles with cancer. It is an aggressive disease that takes the lives of many no matter their race, sex, status, wealth, age or religion....cancer is blind and spontaneous. There is no rhyme or reason and for this, we are running to raise money to help fund the research for a cure.

Visit our personal web page to make your tax-deductible donation today!

When you sign up for a race and do not run....you must train. I purchased an app for my I-pod called 'Couch to 10K' for beginner runners. It is a 13-week run/walk program that starts beginners out slowly and safely. Believe me, after being a slacker for a while, I need to start off slow. The first few weeks range from 50-60 minute workouts but only include 10-15 minutes of running. The length of the running steadily increases with each workout, until you are able to run 50-65 minutes straight. I have tried running on multiple occasions, but usually give up for one reason or another. The good thing about this program is that you only have to commit to three days of training per week, which is very reasonable.  Now I just need to make the commitment.

A typical concern for non-runners, me included, is usually the effects on their joints. According to Dr. James Fries, professor of medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, "Aerobic exercise improves most body functions--including joint health." When we exercise, the cartilage in our joints compresses and expands. This provides oxygen and flushes out waste products to keep our cartilage cells healthy. Without exercise, our cartilage cells get "weak and sick" in addition to other parts of our bodies. Whether you want to try running or prefer to dance in a Zumba class, get out there and shake your groove thang! Keep your body moving and nourish it with the healthy foods and plenty of fluids. We may not have control over every aspect of our health but getting exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a wholesome diet plays a large role in disease prevention. Make a commitment TODAY! You are worth it!

Positive vibes... I must go run!