Planning Meals

Hello Every one,

Happy October first !! The rain has stopped for a moment in the afternoon and this time I can go out without a rain coat.

I go out of my way to make Raw foods interesting and fun. A favorite song will inspire me to prepare a dish. This weekend coming, I was thinking of preparing a few meals with Pineapple and using the tittle from the new Fall show "Hawaii Five O". Eating healthy does not have to be boring. Bland tasting foods are not allowed in my kitchen. My first rule and only rule is "KEEP IT SIMPLE". I always keep in mind the food combination when planning meals. I look for recipes with similar ingredients. This makes the grocery shopping easier and quicker. Honestly, I don't have the time to hunt all over the city area looking for one thing. The good thing is - Raw foods will last for several days and I can plan meals to add along with the previous meals.
My favorite recipes are now my guidelines . I feel comfortable now adjusting flavors and creating dishes of my own. My best creations came from making mistakes and experimenting with food combinations.
Some people choose to start their transition by adding Raw or Living foods to what they eat daily. When I began my transition, I allowed myself two weeks to make the change from cooked foods to Raw Foods. For the first week, I added a Raw Sandwich or soup for lunch , then for the second week I added Raw dishes for dinner. By the end to the two week period, I started my Raw lifestyle 100% . I knew if I kept eating cooked foods I would never get off of them. I see cooked foods as an addiction and need to stay clear of them.


Every morning I start out with my liquid minerals. This stuff taste better when added with Orange Juice. This morning I decided to hold my nose and take it straight. Ever since I changed to Raw Foods the solid vitamins don't absorb in my system anymore. The pills upset my stomach. Liquid vitamins and minerals do well for me. Go on-line to http://tjclarkco.com and read and view the products from this company. Getting proper nutritional supplements is essential.



My Breakfast meal recipe comes from "Raw Foods Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet

PAPAYA LIME SOUP
1 small ripe papaya
1/2 ripe mango, chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 strawberries

Cut the Papaya in half lengthwise and remove the seeds with a spoon. Place in a blender and process until smooth. Enjoy the orange color !!


For Lunch the Corn Chowder recipe comes from"Living on Live Food" by Alissa Cohen.
The Zucchini Hummus recipe comes from "Raw Foods Made Easy "by Jennifer Cornbleet.

CORN CHOWDER
2 1/2 cups of Almond milk
5 ears of corn
1 small avocado
1 teaspoon sea salt

In a blender or vita-mix, blend all but 1/2 ear of corn until smooth and creamy.
Stir in the remaining 1/2 ear of corn.

ZUCCHINI HUMMUS
1 zucchini, peeled and chopped
2 tablespoons raw tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon crushed garlic (1 clove)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt

Place all the ingredients in a food processor fitted with the S blade and process until smooth. Zucchini Hummus will keep for five days.

For my dinner, I prepared these two side vegetables dishes for the week. Both of these come from the "Raw Foods Made Easy" by Jennifer Cornbleet. I still have a serving left of the Corn Chowder to finish.

CARROTS WITH PARSLEY AND WALNUTS

2 carrots, grated
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped walnuts, unsoaked
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt

Place all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss well. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator . This will last for three days. Enjoy!


SWISS CHARD WITH PINE NUTS AND RAISINS

4 Swiss chard leaves, stems removed
1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon raw pine nuts
1 tablespoon of golden raisins , soaked 10 minutes and drained
dash of black peeper

Stack 2 of the chard leaves with the stem end facing you. Fold in half lengthwise and roll tightly like a cigar. Slice crosswise into thin strips. Chop the leaves into smaller pieces. Repeat with the other two leave. Place the ingredients in a mixing bowl , toss well. Let this marinate for 10 minutes, then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Before serving, allow the dish to get room temperature. Enjoy!


Planning my fall wardrobe has been fun. Continuing with my Fall favorite triad color combination (Olive green, mustard yellows and all shades of dark reds ) has made it easy for me to get dressed. I can play with my choice of secondary colors like purples, pinks and neutrals browns- like this snake print skirt. "Believe it or not" it only takes me 10 to 20 minutes to get dressed.
I confess that I am a neat freak when it comes to my closet. I can not see the point in standing in front of my closet trying to figure out what to wear for an hour or two.
(I know what is in my closet).

silk shirt,denim Cami, skirt - Goodwill's Thrift store
shoes - Born
vintage necklace - www.satincrystals.com
copper bracelet- street vendor
leather bag- Chelsae Street Market

Thank you for reading
peace and light to you