Oven Off Blender On

Much to the vexation of my family, I've been reading a few 'raw food' cookbooks. This may be the part when you frantically search for some other food blog to venture to, or just plain turn the whole blasted computer off. Don't worry, I still heart bacon.

A long long time ago, in a city not too far away, I was in college. I was a nutrition major and people would come and tell me all sorts of diet craziness. For example that oh so brilliant Atkins diet. I still hate those words. But some diets weren't that, well, stupid. However, in my holier than thou collegiate mind frame I brushed most of these folks to the side. My schooling told me that the good ole food guide pyramid was all anyone ever needed to succeed. Yes, there were special cases; diabetes, obesity plans, special recovery needs, etc. But for most of what you learned it was very much based on our food guide pyramid. It was good enough for me, why not the rest of the world.

Then I had kids, never finished school and started writing this food blog, the end. Well hopefully not. I realized that there are many different options out here in this big world that perhaps should be taken a bit more seriously. If you've ventured around food blogs at all you'll eventually stumble across some raw ones. I wanted to learn more.



I'm not saying it's the answer to all. It's a strict diet that requires time, money and discipline. Some days I'm just so short on every single one of those. But I will say that what many of these people report about their overall health after following these diets is very convincing. Sure on paper you may think they lack protein, but it is not that hard to get it all in there if you are willing to make an effort.

I also love reading different cookbooks to get a better understanding of just what other limits food can be taken to. Have you seen what 'raw food' people can do to a nut? It amazes me. It's like that saying "more than one way to skin a cat". I don't think vegans would like skinning a cat though so perhaps I should find a better cliche.

This past week I've been fighting off the ick. Whatever cold is trying to surface and take me under I've managed to fight it off. Thanks to Airborn and some culinary heavy hitters. My flu fighter morning smoothie is a nod to the beautiful Sarma Melngailis. She has a great online store One Lucky Duck where you can get anything and everything you've ever wanted (raw). She has a beautiful looking restaurant in NY. And 2 amazing and delightful cookbooks. She is not at all overbearing when it comes to following a strict raw diet and I appreciate her acceptance that some people would just like to dabble in the field.

She had such a wonderful idea of adding cilantro to smoothies and I've been hooked ever since. This smoothie is inspired by her pineapple cilantro smoothie and it's sure to boost up your healthy points just a bit. I added all the stuff that helps me fight off colds and drink one a day until I feel better. It is not raw or even vegan because of the yogurt. You could omit that item and then relish in the fact that it is raw and vegan, whatever your little hear desires.



Put Up Your Dukes Smoothie
1/4 fresh pineapple cut up
1/2 cup apple juice (coconut water is great but I don't often have it)
1/4 cup yogurt
2 inch piece of ginger grated
1/4 jalapeno chopped
large handful of cilantro stems and all
1-2 Tablespoons agave syrup (or honey)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
**sometimes I throw in half of a frozen banana if I have it

Add all ingredients to a blender and let her rip. Enjoy!


So perhaps in a time not too far from now, and in this city, I may try the whole total raw thing. But for the time being I'm still going to turn on my oven. I still love my bacon, but watch out! There could be some raw crazy in the mix.