Bliss Balls

Morgan wanted to make Bliss Balls the other day.  How could I say no?

Ingredients:

1/2 c raw almond butter

1/2 cup tahini

1/4 cup pine nuts or hep seeds unsoaked

1/4 cup raw carob powder

1 t vanilla or 1 soaked vanilla bean

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t nutmeg

1/4 t fresh ginger

Morgan and I added 3/4 cup sprouted buckwheats.  Buckwheats are kind of like rice crispies in the balls, and extra yummy! For people who struggle with wheat allergies and gluten intolerance, buckwheat is ideal.  It contains all essential amino acids (eight proteins the body cannot manufacture) in good proportions and B vitamins and is rich in phosphorus, potassium, iron, and calcium.  Buckwheat also has an alkalizing effect on our body.

Back to how to make Bliss Balls!  Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.  Form into balls and roll in carob powder or hemp seeds. Its that easy!  (We didn't roll our balls in anything because we couldn't wait to eat them) No baking, no dehydrating, no freezing!  Pure bliss!

This recipe is adapted from Gabriel Cousens, Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine.

Carob may also contain up to 8% protein and contains vitamins A, B, B2, B3 and D.  It is also high in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, as well as iron, manganese, barium, copper, and nickel.  Carob has no oxalic acid, this acid prevents the body from utilizing calcium and zinc.  These minerals are vital to healthy skin.  On a side note the presence of oxalic acid in chocolate may be the reason why many people break out when they eat to much!  And we learn something new every day!

Morgan and I also chose to make our own almond butter because its super easy:

Use raw, unsoaked almonds and grind them up!  Add a little flax or hemp oil until you achieve the consistency you desire add a little salt if you like and enjoy!

Be well!

xoxox

Michelle

Please check out my personal site at: www.MichelleBerryShaffer.com

Home Grown Event Food

The Home Grown event on Saturday was fun!  I was not exactly sure what to expect but the food was wonderful! The information on energy was interesting and the music was fabulous!

Thanks to all of you who attended and supported the event!  

Some pictures of the food Berry Good Living created for the event:

Stuffed Mushrooms w/ Olive Tapenade, Spinach Enchiladas, Mini Chocolate Avocado Pies, and Chocolate and Blond Macaroons.  Simply delicious! 

   

I think my favorite were the Coconut Macaroons!  These are great for gluten sensitive people and if you don't have a dehydrator then you can just stick them in the freezer for a chilled delight!

3 cups dried coconut

2 tablespoons raw cashew or almond butter

2 tablespoons coconut butter

4 tablespoons agave nectar

2-3 tablespoons raw honey

2 tablespoons brown rice syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

pinch of Celtic sea salt or Himalayan salt

Directions:

In a food processor, grind up 1 cup of the coconut into a powder.

Add the cashew or almond butter, coconut butter, agave, honey, maple syrup, brown rice syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt and blend until well mixed.

Fold in the remaining coconut by hand.

Roll 2 tablespoons of the dough into a ball and flatten one side with the palm of your hand. Continue until you've used all of the dough.

Dehydrate at 115 degrees F for 12-24 hours, or until dry as desired, or you may put them in the freezer until they are firm for a chilled treat and if you want them slightly warm you may choose to bake in the oven set at the lowest temperature possible for 2 hours or more, until crust forms.  Yumm!

Once they are firm, you may transfer them to a sealable container and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

This recipe is from The Balanced Plate, by Renee Loux

Have a beautiful day!

xoxox

Michelle

Home Grown

Wow!  Yay!  Its a beautiful day!  

It's a busy time here, I am gearing up for the local "Home Grown" event that is taking place on Saturday.  Its a night of local food, energy, and music.  The flyer says:  An Earth Tribute for Father's Day!  Bring your Father to the Mother of all invention.  Bring your canoes, kayaks, swimwear and snorkels.  Stillwater landing is a great place to kick back, enjoy the music, play in the water or just commune with nature.  Camping sites are also available so bring your tent or camper and spend the night.

The Stillwater Landing is just up the road from the Stillwater Bar.  One of my Dad's is sponsoring the event with his renewable energy company, Mother's Power. They have a solar/wind power trailer to power the music of local artists who are playing at the event. There will be vendors there with local and raw foods, and Berry Good Living will be there serving up some living foods during the dinner portion of the evening. 

Musicians include, Adey Garner, Lee Zimmerman, The Squonks.

I'll be serving raw enchilada's with spinach tortillas, mushrooms with olive tapenade, and mini chocolate-avocado mousse pies, and if I get it together coconut macaroons! I hope to see you there for this night of food, energy and music!

xoxox

Michelle

PS: Details of the "Home Grown Event"

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

Outdoor stage music from 4-6

Dinner 6-7:30

Indoor stage music 7:30-9:30