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was absolutely thrilled when Williams-Sonoma invited me to help kick off “Smoothie Week” with my favorite “Not Your Average Smoothie”.  It was a match made in heaven:  an over-the-top, mega delicious, rocket-fuel smoothie and my family’s favorite gourmet cookware specialty retailer – all coming together in one fabulous post!  So without further ado, I present the delectable…

Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie!  

When I want to get my day started off fueled with maximum deliciousness and powerful energy (which is every day!) you’ll find me whipping up some tantalizing variation on this baby in my Vitamix.  We’re talking layers of  the most decadent, smooth, creamy chocolate and matcha infused nice-cream… so sweet, so divine AND brimming with the Wild superfood power of Wild Edible “Weeds”, Peruvian Maca Root, Essential Oil of Peppermint and Matcha Green Tea!

Yes, that’s right.  Here, shining in one of the most delicious concoctions ever, are some of the most powerful sources of nutrition on the planet, beautiful ingredients, which, when tucked into a smoothie like this Chocolate Covered Matcha, can make us look and feel as beautiful and powerful as they are!

Lets start with the Wild Edible “Weeds”.  Here, I’ve used a handful of baby Dandelion Greens, Stinging Nettles & Chickweed straight from my wild edibles garden, still thriving the near freezing temps of November (a testament to how powerful they are).  People, Wild Edible Weeds are the new Kale.  They’re used routinely in cooking in Europe and around the world, and they’re slowly but surely making their way into the mainstream here in North America.  You’ve probably noticed dandelion greens for sale at your local Whole Foods.  Or, if you’re a gourmet foodie, perhaps you’ve eaten at Trump Tower’s 2 Michelin Star “Sixteen” where diners rave over the dishes incorporating chickweed, stinging nettles and salsify (belonging to the dandelion family).

 

Garden basket of baby dandelions, stinging nettles, wheat grass & nasturtium blooms. 

Wild Edibles are the wild greens growing right in our own backyards!  They’re so powerful they’re able to thrive despite the most adverse conditions, growing out of stone walls, between sidewalk cracks and in near freezing or low moisture conditions.  They have incredibly long root structures, enabling them to pull incredible, intense nutrition from far below the depleted surface soil.  All that magnificent power and nutrition goes straight into our bodies when we blend them up into a smoothie!

To make things even more fantastic, by blending these raw, living greens in a high speed blender such as the Vitamix Professional or Vitamix Personal Blender, we’re cracking the cell walls, unlocking far greater nutrition for our bodies than simple mastication or chewing a huge salad can yield.  Therefore, we get way more nutritional bang out of our greens for a smaller amount used.  This means we’re able to keep our smoothies super tasty because we don’t have to overload them with so many greens that they cease to be palatable.  Additionally, compared to cooking, blending preserves essential vitamins, enzymes and nutrients.  Therefore, making delicious green smoothies, with even the most bitter tasting greens, is quite easy as only a handful will provide a HUGE level of nutrition due to the “pre-digestion” that occurs in the blender 🙂

 Check out all these other great blenders too!

As if all that wild power weren’t enough, I’ve tossed in these amazing superfoods as well:

Peruvian Maca Root – Maca root has been used by indigenous Andean societies as a source of healing and nourishment for thousands of years.  Studies have identified alkaloids present in maca which are known to nourish the endocrine system.  Maca root has been used as a stress-fighting adaptogen to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue. It’s a nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, plant sterols and  many essential minerals, fatty and amino acids.

Essential Oil of Peppermint (highest grade edible only) – “One of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency.* Jean Valnet MD studied peppermint’s supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. Alan Hirsch MD studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. This powerful essential oil is often diluted before topical application. Peppermint may also be used to enhance the flavor of food and water. Peppermint has an approximate ORAC of 373,455.” (1)

Matcha Green Tea – Matcha Green Tea contains 10-15 times the overall nutrients and 100 times more antioxidants compared to traditional green, white, black, rooibos, and yerba mate teas. It has high concentrations of the amino acid, L-theanine which helps to improve cognition and mood while reducing physical and mental stress.  Matcha assists to alkalize and detoxify via the powerful and renowned catechin EGCG and chlorophyll which  help to alkalize and detoxify the blood.  It contains potent antioxidants which help to strengthen the immune system by protecting against free radicals.

1) http://us.ylscents.com/ylo/shop/EssentialOilSingles/PeppermintEssentialOil 

To say this Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie is incredible seems an understatement after all that!  However, there is actually more great news…

It’s also a snap to make 🙂  

Please enjoy!

Recipe for Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie (Serves 2)

Ingredients

  • 4-6 super ripe organic frozen bananas
  • 1 handful organic wild edible greens (such as dandelion, stinging nettles, plaintain or chickweed)
  • 1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
  • 1-2 drops organic peppermint essential oil (edible, food grade)
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
  • 1-2 Tbsp cacao or carob
  • 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp maca powder
  • stevia to taste (or substitute dates or raw honey)

*Optional: 1 Tbsp coconut nectar, melted, whisked w/ 1/2 Tbsp cacao & a pinch of ceylon cinnamon to create dark chocolate crackly topping.

Method

  1. Toss 2 or 3 of the frozen nanas, 1/2 handful of wild edible greens, matcha powder, 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil & 1/2 tsp vanilla powder into your Vitamix. Blend til irressitably smooth and creamy, using the tamper to assist. Dump into your fav smoothie jar or bowl.
  2. Toss the other 2 or 3 frozen nanas into your blender along with the second 1/2 handful of wild edible greens, 1-2 Tbsp cacao (or carob depending on your preference), 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon, 1/2 tsp maca, and stevia to taste. Blend til delectably smooth and creamy. Layer atop the matcha nice-cream.
  3. Optional: Drizzle all this yumminess with dark chocolate to make a divine crackly topping.
  4. Get ready to have THE BEST, most MAGICAL DAY EVER!!!

You may also enjoy these fabulous smoothies:

 Cleansing Quadruple Berry Acai Smoothie
Daily Detox Green Smoothie
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake
Chocolate Chip Mint Shake
Epic Baby Thai Coconut Smoothie
Blueberry Coconut Shake
Delicious Green Smoothie
The Happy Shake

What’s your favorite ingredient to put in your “Not Your Average Smoothie” ?

  

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All Love,

 Juliane

 

Thank you for visiting 🙂  

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Raw Vegan Chipotle Onion Rings with Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce

 

Who doesn't love the delicious crunch of crispy, battered onion rings?!  Get ready for guilt free indulgence with these rings of fire made mega-delish with spicy smoked chipotle paired with THE most amazing Creamy Garlic Aioli Dipping Sauce you've ever had!  Seriously, Jim and I can't get enough.  They've become a weekly staple – actually I made two batches this week they're that incredible and easy too!

 

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You'd never guess these Raw Vegan Onion Rings are chock full of superfood power!

 

Fiery Onion Rings with Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce win hands down for flavor, texture and satisfaction… plus they leave us feeling & looking our best too!  I purposely created a nut-free (gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free) batter as even a Living Foods Raw Vegan diet is not healthy if it relies too heavily upon a high calorie, fat-laden, nut based approach.  When it comes to fats, too much can be too much no matter the type – a pitfall new Raw Foodists often stumble into.  Heavy, nut-centric meals can be very difficult for the digestive system and make it challenging to achieve ideal weight/fitness goals.  We all want to look and feel our best while eating delicious, nutritious food, therefore, I aim to develop balanced recipes that deliver absolutely amazing flavor while simultaneously ensuring we don't have to worry about counting calories or offsetting meals with excessive exercise in order to enjoy them.

 

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This Raw Vegan enzyme and nutrient rich recipe is full of incredibly powerful health & beauty enhancing plant-based superfoods.  Check out some of the amazing ingredient fun facts & benefits you'll receive while enjoying this delicious combo…

  • OnionsMajor cancer fighting power. major collagen/hair/nails building power.
  • Buckwheat Groats(I sprouted mine however I include options for skipping sprouting below) – Not actually a grain at all, but a fruit seed.  High in protein, flavanoids, magnesium, insoluble fiber, powerful phytonutrients proven to be more powerful than that found in fruits & vegetables, heart protecting lignans and more.
  • Chickpeas(I sprouted mine however I include options for not sprouting below) – Excellent for supporting the digestive tract, contain uniquely powerful antioxidants, decrease risk of cardiovascular disease, regulate blood sugar, improve feelings of satiety, excellent molybdenum &, manganese, very good source of folate & copper, good source of fiber & protein.
  • Kale – More iron than beef, high in Vitamin K crucial for bone health, blood clotting and prevention of Alzheimer's, powerful antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol levels, high in Vitamins A & C and Calcium, a great detox food filled with fiber & sulfur to keep the liver healthy.
  • Carrots – Excellent source of Beta-Carotene for beautiful skin & healthy vision. Carrots also contain falcarinol, a natural toxin that protects carrots against fungal disease and is found in scientific studies to stimulate cancer-fighting mechanisms in the body. Carrot extract has been found useful in combating cognitive dysfunctions and may offer memory improvement as well as cholesterol-lowering benefit.
  • Capsaicin in Chipotle (Chili) Peppers– Powerful anti-inflammatory, reduces cholesterol & triglyceride levels and increases body's blood clotting ability. Cultures who use hot pepper liberally have a much lower rate of heart attack, stroke & pulmonary embolism. Protects fats in blood from damage by free radicals, the first step in the development of atherosclerosis. Clears congestion from sinuses and congested lungs. Boosts immunity due to it's high content of beta-carotene and C. Kills the bacteria contributing to stomach ulcers while stimulating the cells lining the stomach to secrete protective juices.
  • Hemp Seed– A Super Food. A complete protein with a concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins & enzymes with a virtual absence of sugar, starch & saturated fat. Increases and sustains energy, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation. Improves circulation, immune system and blood sugar control. More easily digested protein than meat, eggs, cheese or other high protein food. High in perfectly balanced essential fats: omega 3, 6 & Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). High in antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, iron, zinc, carotene, B vitamins, Vitamin E. Can be eaten by those unable to tolerate nuts, gluten, lactose or sugar as there are no known allergies to hemp foods.

 

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Mmm mmm divine!  We just had these Fiery Onion Rings w Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce on the side of a super delish Raw Vegan Soft-serve Chocolate Shake for a to-live-for lunch!

 

And, people, let me just talk about the Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce for a sec.  Yes, these onion rings are unbelievably fabulous enough to stand on their own, however, this Creamy Garlic Aioli is phenom!  You'll be wanting to dip everything in it – or thinning it out to use it as salad dressing – or slathering it all over your veggie wraps.

To. Live. For!!! 

So, a final brief comment before I get to the recipe… I made my onion rings using the absolute highest raw vegan method possible (and it was still super easy) meaning I soaked my chickpeas and buckwheat then sprouted them before turning them into the batter.  However, I've included an Express Option for anyone that feels like skipping that step.  But, let's be honest about soaking and sprouting – it's literally dumping something into a big bowl of water, letting it sit, draining, rinsing, and letting it sit in a colander and rinsing again.  Easy.  However, options are good.  And, either way you make it, they'll still be brimming with amazing flavor and stunning health and vitality power!

 

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Recipe for Raw Vegan Onion Rings & Creamy Aioli Dipping Sauce

(Serves 4)

Ingredients

Raw Vegan Fiery Onion Ring Batter

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 1 cup chickpea flour)
  • 3/4 buckwheat groats soaked & sprouted* (for Express Method sub 3/4 cup buckwheat flour)
  • 6 kale stems (left over from salads/smoothies or just use 3 whole leaves stem & all. For Express Method sub 1 1/2  Tbsp of your fav Greens Powder)
  • 2 medium carrots (for Express Method, sub 2 Tbsp Carrot Powder)
  • 1 1/2 inch piece of dried chipotle pepper (or equivalent in powder, starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing from there )
  • 1 teeny tiny (they're like 1/2 inch long) dried habanero chili pepper (or chili powder to taste starting with 1/2 tsp & taste testing batter from there)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for Express Method omit or substitute 5 nuts like cashews/brazil nuts/macadamia – don't worry 5 nuts spread across the entire recipe is not a big deal)
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 Tbsp raw coconut sugar (or use raw maple syrup crystals, stevia, raw coconut sugar or your fav sweetener to taste adjusting to account for differences in the strengths)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (reserved for garnishing)

*Soaking & Sprouting Instructions: Place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate bowls, top with filtered water to 3 inches above. Let soak 8-12 hours or overnight.  Rinse thoroughly. To Sprout: place Buckwheat and Chickpeas into two separate colanders inside 2 pots, add a 1/2 inch of water to each pot, cover with lids.  Let sit for 2 to 3 days rinsing once in the am and pm until sprouts grow to about 1/4". Rinse again thoroughly and they're ready!

Onion Ring Soak

  • 1 extra large sweet onion
  • 1 1/2 cups filtered water
  • 1 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp coconut nectar
  • 1 tsp sea salt

Creamy Raw Vegan Garlic Aioli

  • 1/2 cup hemp seed
  • 1/4 + cup filtered water
  • 2 cloves garlic (3 if you like it strong)
  • 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar (or sub fresh squeezed lemon juice)
  • 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 5 raw cashews
  • a touch of raw coconut sugar, stevia or your fav sweetener (start with 1/2 tsp & adjust to taste)

Method 

Fiery Raw Vegan Onion Rings

Note: It's best to do steps 1-3 the day before. Then dehydrate your onion rings the day you'll be serving or even a day ahead if you choose as they "reheat" really nicely in 45 minutes in the dehydrator.

  1. Place all the Onion Ring Batter ingredients into your food processor and pulse until everything is uniformly broken down and well combined, scraping down the sides of your bowl several times.  You should have a nice dough when the proccess is complete. You don't want huge chunks of anything. (For Express Method process ingredients into a flour and skip steps 2 and 3)
  2. Spread the mixture onto a teflex sheet of your dehydrator (I like the Excalibur) and dehydrate at 115 F for 4 hours or until dry, checking periodically as climate/time of year/altitude etc. can vastly affect drying time.  Feel free to make the Garlic Aioli at this point.  
  3. Once dry, break the dough into chunks and place into your food processor or Vitamix to process into a fine flour.  Divide the flour between two medium bowls and set aside.
  4. In a medium bowl whisk together the Onion Ring Soak ingredients.
  5. Separate your extra large onion into rings.
  6. Dip each onion ring first into the Soaking Liquid, then into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess, back into the soaking liquid and again into the Batter Flour shaking to remove excess once more. Place each battered ring on a Teflex Sheet Lined dehydrator tray.
  7. Once all onions are battered, dehydrate on 135 F for 1st hour (Don't worry they'll still be raw as at this point they're throwing off water and the internal temp remains below 115) then turn down to 115F for 2 to 4 hours more, checking on them periodically, until reach desired crispness.* 
  8. Dust onion rings with smoked paprika to garnish. 

*There is leeway as to how long you choose to dehydrate the onion rings.  They're really delicious both a little moist and quite crunchy & everything in between.  I like to remove them when the interior is still a bit moist resembling deep-fried consisency as we put the leftovers in the fridge and "reheat" them in the dehydrator the next day on 135F for 45 minutes which makes them warm and crispier allowing us to enjoy them both ways.

Creamy Garlic Aioli

  1. Place all the aioli ingredients into your Vitamix and process until smooth and creamy.  
  2. Taste to adjust for seasonings and, if making in advance, add 1 or 2 Tbsp extra water for it to be a bit thinner than desired consistency as it will thicken considerably in the fridge. 

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Raw Vegan version?  Comment below & I'll recreate it for you!

 

All Love,

Juliane

 

 Thank you for visiting 🙂


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