Cookies. Need I say more? Well, yes, but I don't really need to! Who doesn't love cookies? They make the best snacks, everyone loves 'em (most everyone!), and being raw cookies, these won't leave you feeling guilty about eating too many!

Keep some on hand for lunches or treats, or for serving up to unexpected visitors. It's always wise to have cookies tucked away for any occasion!

Raw Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

Tahini is the magical ingredient that makes these Raw Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies stick together and taste 'peanutty.' Note: there are actually zero peanuts in this recipe (because raw peanuts are a no-no). Chunky pieces of almond add to the texture, and cacao nibs are the 'chocolate chips.' 

You can use raisins instead of cacao nibs, but whatever you decide, these cookies are sweet and delicious!

Raw Cinnamon Raisin "Oatmeal" Cookies

While these Raw Cinnamon Raisin "Oatmeal" Cookies don't contain oatmeal, they really do taste like 'real' cinnamon raisin cookies! Trust me on this one, okay? Almonds and honey provide texture and sweetness to this recipe. Coconut oil holds it all together (because it solidifies when it is cold).

Serve these delightfully tasty treats up with a cold glass of almond milk or ... ?

Raw Vanilla Drop Cookies

Super easy peasy cookies and no equipment required! For an amazing sweet fix, whip up a batch of these Raw Vanilla Drop Cookies. These are freezer cookies, so it's easy to keep a batch on hand for guests (or personal emergencies!).

Coconut oil, coconut and tahini (and vanilla, of course!) are the main ingredients that make these cookies so darn delicious!

Best Raw Chocolate Cookies

So named because they simply ARE the Best Raw Chocolate Cookies! Seriously, these are my fave chocolate-y, fudgy cookies! You can mix everything up, form into cookies and eat right away. Or you can dehydrate for a few hours for optimal warm gooey goodness! (I like 'em warm, myself!)

Either way, these chocolate cookies are truly divine.

Raw Lemon Cookies

Just for you, these simply sinful Raw Lemon Cookies. Only four ingredients - cashews, unsweetened coconut, one lemon (only one!), plus a sweetener (maple syrup or agave nectar). Sweet, creamy, and oh so lemony, this recipe will please every lemon cookie lover in your life, including yourself!

Yes, you have to use a dehydrator but don't let that stop you! You simply must try these lovely lemon cookies!

Easy Almond Pulp Cookies

Here's a recipe that will use up your leftover almond pulp, yay! Easy Almond Pulp Cookies are really super easy to make! Mix everything up, form them into little cookies, and dehydrate. The end result is a light tasty cookie that reminds me of a vanilla wafer.

Other ingredients include coconut and a sweetener (maple syrup or agave nectar).

What's your fave cookie?

Chocolate, lemon, vanilla? The flavors of oatmeal, cinnamon, or peanut butter? Whatever your pleasure, one of these raw cookie recipes will surely hit the spot! You'll def. want some on hand for when I pop over, all righty?

As "raw foodists," the way we define ourselves and talk about our reality is crucial because it defines how we think about ourselves and how others see us.

Growing up as a "normal" person who wasn't interested in health, weight loss, vegetarianism, or veganism, I now find it difficult to articulate what I am when it comes to eating since for the past 3 years I have only eaten rawfood. Am I a raw foodist? A raw vegan? A raw fooder? A vegan? A vegetarian? What should I call myself when it comes to eating? And further, should I mention to others that I subscribe to a certain way of eating - and, if I do tell others, why am I telling them?

In a newspaper article published about me earlier this year, a reader left a comment that really struck home with me:

"How can you tell if someone is a vegetarian? Don't worry; they'll tell you!"

This comment surprised me, although the reader does have a good point. In fact, I can remember shaking my head at "vegans" - whom I thought to be pretentious and over the top - before I became one by accident! Even worse, not only am I a vegan but I am a rawfoodist - an even more "extreme" type of vegan! But while I am a rawfoodist, I am one without wanting to be thought of as pretentious. In fact, if I had it my way I'd prefer not to have to talk about what I'm eating (or not eating) and why.

Those of us who subscribe to a certain way of eating - for reasons of health, weight loss, allergies, religion or other rationale do tend to make it known. However, in our defence it is really only out of respect to others - not a need to wave a flag or denegrate any one else's habits. In fact, although I am a blogger and YouTuber, I am actually a pretty private person when you meet me in person and I would prefer to keep my eating habits private. However, I don't because of two reasons: the curiousity of others and my own need to have my values understood accurately by others.

Curiousity

A main reason why it is necessary to mention one's food habits and restrictions is because the sharing of food is so pervasive in our culture and thus others are curious as to why you may not be eating like the rest. If I am invited to a barbeque or am offered an appetizer and I flat-out refuse to eat something without any explanation I will be considered terribly rude. Humans are naturally curious and won't take "I cannot eat that" as an answer. People want to know why you won't eat something - and rightfully so! Thus, we are put in a position to define ourselves as vegan, healthy eaters, or whatever you choose to define yourself as. It is not so much a need to brag, but to explain why our behaviour isn't conforming to the norm.

Perhaps I am reaching here, but I have an example of this from popular culture. If you recall the TV show "Seinfeld" (one of my favorite shows), there is an episode where one of the main characters has a new girlfriend who refuses to take a bite of his pie. With no explanation, the new girlfriend - when offered a bite - simply shakes her head vehemently and refuses to take a bite - without any explanation whatsover. This drives the main character batty because she won't offer an explanation of why she won't taste his pie. He quizzes her: "Do you not like sweets? Are you watching your weight? Do you have donuts in your purse?" And she doesn't offer an adequate explanation to any of his quizzing. His curiousity eventually gets the better of him, and the new couple breaks up over the issue. This is a perfect explanation of why a simple "No thank you" just won't suffice.

Eating Disorders

My health (and yours) is very important to me and a passion very close to my heart and it's important to me that I not be thought of as someone who has a negative relationship to food. Although I do eat a restricted diet by my own choice, I do not have an eating disorder nor a disordered approach to food, body image or anything else. I choose to eat this way because I feel fabulous, have clearer skin, a healthier body weight, I physically feel light and energetic and spritely, and I require less sleep when I eat this way. Also, when I stay away from junk food I find it easier to stay on the rawfood track so I choose not to "cheat" (or when I do "cheat" it's with something as ghastly as a nonraw salad dressing or some vegan sushi!).

I worry that when I refuse to eat something in a pressure-filled social situation that - if I don't offer an adequate explanation for my refusal - others will assume that I am anorexic or bulemic and will be dashing off to the washroom to abuse my body - which is very far from the truth. I love my body and I want to treat it as well as I can by feeding it good stuff and lots of it! Providing our bodies with healthful nutrients is a passion of mine, so it hurts me to have others think something negative about me that is very far from the truth.  Thus I want to explain my passion to ensure that others understand where I'm coming from because of my own need to be understood.

And so...

So for these two reasons - the curiousity of others and my own need to be understood, I do explicitly define myself as a rawfoodie, raw foodist, vegan, raw vegan or whatever else comes to mind. However, I do have one complaint about this way of eating. Can we please get a proper way to define ourselves? None of these methods of describing ourselves make any sense. I suppose back when I was choosing a name for this website I chose the concept of "rawtarian" - because most choices of eating seemed to end in "an" (vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, etc.) so "rawtarian" just made sense to me. However, I am not advocating that we all start calling ourselves "rawtarians" - I am just wondering whether we can't get a better word that fits the bill!

So after all that, what do you call yourself and when do you feel the need to share about your healhy habits? And does it matter? After all, we are all cut from the same cloth and what we eat doesn't necessarily define us. (Or does it?)

Sauces and condiments are staples you don't want to live without as a raw vegan. Well, maybe you do, but I'm betting at least one of the following recipes will catch your eye (and your tastebuds!). Raw ketchup, raw mayo and raw sour cream are all condiments that add pizzazz to everyday recipes. Same with sauces like raw cheese sauce, raw tomato sauce and raw Alfredo sauce.

Now I can hear you thinking, "But these recipes sound like they are hard to make!" Not true. All of these sauces and condiments are whipped up easily in your blender. Plus, they all taste fantastic, so you have no excuse! Which of the following sauces and condiments appeal to you the most?

Raw Cheese Sauce

This dreamy Raw Cheese Sauce is a staple in my kitchen. Serve it fresh out of your high-speed blender while it's still warm! I love drizzling this cashew-based sauce over broccoli... yum!

This sauce takes on a firmer consistency after refrigeration - kinda like cheez whiz!

Raw Tomato Sauce

For a super versatile sauce, look no further than this Raw Tomato Sauce recipe! Think pizza sauce and spaghetti sauce. Serve over kelp or zucchini noodles. Fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil form the basis of this recipe: it is quite strong, so a little goes a long way!

This sauce will keep in your fridge for up to three days.

Raw Alfredo Sauce

This creamy cashew-based Raw Alfredo Sauce is another sauce you must add to your repertoire. Believe me when I say that it's superior to the 'real' stuff. It's that delicious! For a quick meal, serve over zucchini or kelp noodles.

All you need is a blender for this recipe - it's super easy!

Raw Ketchup

No fridge is complete without ketchup, am I right? Fresh tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes and dates (secret ingredient!) form the base of this delicious Raw Ketchup. I must add that no veggie burger is complete without raw ketchup, either!

Super easy to make: all you need is a blender.

Raw Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is another can't-live-without condiment! This Raw Mayonnaise recipe will suit your needs, whether you're slapping some on a veggie burger, or using it as a rich, tasty dip for veggies.

Macadamia nuts are the surprise ingredient in this raw mayonnaise recipe!

Raw Sour Cream

Are you a sour cream fan? Then you'll love this cashew-based Raw Sour Cream recipe! It's super easy to make - all you need is a blender!

Raw sour cream + raw tacos = a win-win taste explosion!

Yes please to sauces and condiments!

I have to eat my broccoli covered with cheese sauce. And my veggie burger slathered with ketchup and mayo. Tacos and sour cream, of course! These are all classic combinations that are tried and true, but you don't have to stop there. Use your imagination for maximum taste sensation!

You'd like to take better food photographs. Here are some of my best tips and insights to help you improve your own photography right now.

I've been doing food photography since 2009. My photographs have been featured in Vegan Life magazine, the Huffington Post and much more. I am self-taught.

Food photography takes a long time to do. It takes hours to make the recipe, clean up the kitchen, try different food props, adjust lighting, shoot, and then edit and review. Generally, I allow 1/3 of the time for food prep/cleanup, 1/3 of time for styling, and 1/3 time for actual shooting. Then later comes post-production.

Styling and Set-Up

It's easiest to style your scene without the food in it and take pictures of that until you get the scene right. Sometimes you can substitute something inanimate in place of the food to help with focus etc.

Once you're satisfied with the shot, whip up your food in the kitchen, and then add the actual food to the set. This keeps the mess to the minimum and preserves the fresh look of your food. You'll still want to tweak a few things once you get the food on set, but you'll have gotten a lot of the styling choices dealt with already.

(Also, because the whole process can be tiring, consider whether you can prepare the food the day before, freeze or store it, then style the set empty, and THEN bring the food out afterwards. You don't want to be impatient and tired by the time it comes to shoot the actual photography!)

Camera Gear

You can only go so far without a good camera. Ideally, you will eventually have a digital camera that has removable lenses. These are called DSLR cameras. Removable lenses are important because then you can buy a lens that's specific for close-ups.

My DSLR camera is a Canon Rebel T3I. I use two different lenses. When taking close-ups of a certain part of the food I use this special macro lens for close-ups, which is what allows me to get that whole some-blurry-some-sharp effect that you see in so many food photographs.  When taking an overhead shot where I want everything to be in focus, I use this lens.

Lighting

Natural light is best. The best thing to do is have your table right up against a window with natural light coming in. For me, that doesn't seem to work because (A) my house windows are all facing the wrong side or have decks on them creating shade. (B) I am usually doing photography at night! And (C) I don't have the patience (or climate!) for outdoor photography. :)

Right now, I am not using natural light as my sole source. Instead I am using this lighting kit.

Photo Editing

I use Adobe Photoshop to edit my photos. I currently don't do a lot of color correcting or heavy digital modifications after the shot has been taken, but I look forward to doing more of this in the future. 

The Rawtarian's Photo Portfolio

I have about 200 recipes (100 free recipes, and another 100 recipes in the same format that are only viewable to TRK members) on this website, with unique photos of each recipe. A lot of the recipes have old, terrible photos still attached to them. I am working on improving them, one at a time. Photography, much like life, is a work-in-progress :) 

You can check out a portfolio of some of my more recent food photography here: The Rawtarian's Photography Portfolio.

Click to view photo portfolio

Raw vegan dishes are always enjoyable. But when those “Brrr” months kick in, wouldn’t it be nice to have something warm on your plate? While some of you might scratch your heads wondering what I’m going on about, let me just say not all raw dishes are frozen or chilled. So there’s no need to despair about eating cold food in freezing temperatures. And no, you don’t have to cook and break your raw food streak at all. I’m talking about authentic raw food recipes for the cold weather. I’m going to share with you some clever ideas you can try, so grab your notepad and start listing down these favorites (or maybe you can just bookmark this page). 

Raw creamy carrot soup

Nice warm soups are perfect for cold days. And remember, there’s no cooking involved here.

To make your own raw creamy carrot soup recipe, place chopped carrots, cashews, water and sea salt together in a high-speed blender and blend until you reach a really nice and smooth consistency. And here comes the trick – continue blending for a little bit longer so that the heat from the friction and the blades warms up your soup. Once you’re satisfied, pour the carrot soup into a bowl and garnish with anything you want. You must consume the soup immediately to enjoy its warmth.

Raw cream of celery soup

Here’s another 5-star, yummy raw soup that you can make in your high-speed blender.

Simply blend celery, cashews, garlic clove, water and sea salt together, starting on low as you gradually pick up the speed all the way to high. As with the carrot soup above, blend for quite a while longer to warm it up nicely. Pour the concoction into a bowl with finely chopped celery and gently stir using a spoon. Garnish and enjoy this raw cream of celery soup while still warm!

Raw veggie burgers

Dehydrators are also a much appreciated piece of kitchen equipment in the cold months. It may take hours on end to before you can enjoy your delicious raw food but it’s definitely worth it.

This raw veggie burger recipe is pretty easy to make if you have a dehydrator. Just process all the ingredients in your food processor except for the hemp hearts and chopped vegetables. Transfer the mixture into a bowl, then add the hemp hearts and veggies and mix well with a spoon. Form patties using your hands and arrange on dehydrator trays lined with parchment paper. Dehydrate on high and reduce the temperature after an hour and a half. Continue dehydrating for five hours or more until you reach your desired consistency. These savory veggie burger patties make an awesome match with some crisp lettuce. A perfect winter meal!

Raw hearty walnut pate

This rather salty-flavored raw walnut pate is a delightful recipe to dig into during those cold weathers. It has only a few key ingredients, and it’s very easy to prepare.

Place pre-soaked walnuts, white onion, carrot, celery stalk and sea salt in a food processor and process into a nice and smooth cream-cheese-like consistency. Only add the soy sauce (do not omit it!) to the mixture near the end and continue processing. If you process a little longer, the mixture will warm up a bit. This pate is a perfect match with cucumber rounds. 

Raw chili

You can eat this chili on its own. Feel free to warm slightly in your dehydrator, although warming it is not necessary. (I don't bother warming it.)

This chili mixture also makes a nice salad topping. Plus, top with optional raw sour cream for yummy chili goodness! (In this picture I didn't take the time to make raw sour cream, but I did grind up cashews using a nut-grinder, which acts like parmesan cheese!)

To make this chili, first chop or shred the carrots and celery. Set aside. Then process the remaining ingredients. Combine and enjoy!

Raw recipes for cold weather

These are just a few ideas to get you going during a cold snap. And if you want to warm up some leftovers, you can also use a dehydrator for that. So don’t limit yourself to cold food, and don’t hesitate to try some of these  ideas. When you want some warm, cozy raw vegan meal, just take out your blender or pop your recipe in a dehydrator!

Desserts – most people’s (if not everyone’s) favorite course of meal. They’re usually the best kind of raw food you show off to entice your non-raw friends, too! A lot of my raw food recipes are desserts, and some of the top-rated raw desserts I’ve shared are loved by many. If you haven’t tried them yet, I’m positive you’ll also find them irresistible.

Raw lemon bars recipe

These lemony bars have a lovely lemony sweet flavor, and are perfect for an afternoon snack or quick dessert. The food processor is your best friend in this recipe, so be nice to yours! First to process are the almonds.

Process well until they turn into a fine powder. Then add dates, vanilla, lemon juice and lemon zest, and process again until well combined. Set the mixture aside. Meanwhile, mix dried coconut and salt in a large bowl. Add the lemon bar mixture into the bowl and mix once again using your clean hands. Finally, press the lemon bar dough into a glass dish and pop it in the fridge for about an hour. You can cut your scrumptious raw lemon bars into small slices before serving.

Raw cheesecake recipe

This is one of my top raw dessert recipes of all time. Time for a fancy raw dessert! For something as fancy looking as this raw cheesecake recipe, it’s surprisingly easy to make.

Just process macadamia nuts, salt and dates in a food processor until well processed but still airy. Press this crust mixture down into pan sprinkled with dried coconut on the bottom. To make the raw cream-cheese filling, blend all the filling ingredients in a powerful blender, adding only as little water as needed. Pour the filling on top of the crust mixture and freeze for at least an hour. While the crust/cream-cheese is firming up in the freezer, blend strawberries and dates until nice and smooth, and pour it on top of the firm cheesecake that’s been in the freezer for about an hour. Place it again in the freezer for about five more hours. Serve chilled, straight out of the freezer.

Raw brownie recipe

Here’s the most popular of my top-rated raw desserts. This yummy raw brownie recipe tastes so much like traditional brownies it’s simply “brownie-licious”! One great thing about it is it doesn’t require too many ingredients, and there’s none of those laborious steps either. You will need a food processor for this one.

Step one is to process pecans into small and crumbly bits. Then add your dates and process again until it combines before adding the rest of the ingredients to the mixture. Continue processing until it turns into a chocolatey brown. Don’t over-process, otherwise, it will get too buttery. Firmly press down the mixture into a brownie dish using your hands and chill for a couple of hours.

This raw brownie goes perfectly well raw chocolate icing, too.

Raw chocolate chia pudding recipe

You can never go wrong with chocolatey desserts. Here’s another one you can add to your growing list. You’d be amazed at how this lovely raw chocolate chia pudding recipe tastes just like melted chocolate ice cream!

To make this chia pudding, place cashews and water in your blender and blend until nice and smooth. Add cacao powder, honey/other liquid sweetener, vanilla extract and sea salt and blend again. Pour the mixture into a bowl with chia seeds and mix well. Cover it and place inside the fridge for an hour or so to allow the chia seeds to plump up and thicken the pudding.

This raw dessert gets even better and thicker the longer its refrigerated. 

Raw chocolate shortbread bars

These freezer bars are a killer. (I mean that in a good way.) The zingy chocolatey flavor of these raw chocolate shortbread bars makes for a perfect (more adult) dessert.

For the shortbread procedure, process all shortbread ingredients in a food processor until well combined. Press down the mixture firmly into a pan to make your shortbread base. Next, blend all your chocolate mixture ingredients in a high-speed blender until very nice and smooth, and pour it on top of the shortbread base. Smooth the chocolate evenly with a spoon, and finally, freeze for an hour or so.

Let the bars defrost for about fifteen minutes before eating, but remember to always store them in the freezer.

Which top raw dessert will you try?

Talk about excellent healthy substitutes. With these top raw desserts, there’s no need to hold back when your sweet tooth cravings kick in. These top-rated raw desserts can absolutely satisfy them. Which divine raw dessert do you love best?

When people find out that you're a vegetarian or a vegan or raw vegan, the subject of protein is always a huge concern to friends and family.

I bet every raw vegan has been asked the question, "But where you get your protein from?" Maybe some of you know a lot  about how to get protein on the raw food diet already. And maybe there are those who have an idea, but just don’t know how to make other non-raw friends understand. Why is it such a big deal to have enough protein, anyway? What makes it so special? And what are the best and most common sources of protein for raw fooders? Lemme tell ya!

But before we get into the details, I want to start with a few soundbytes:

It’s handy to arm yourself with a little useful information about the protein question so that you understand it and can answer the question with quick confidence. Don't go down the rabbit hole of stammering and ums! So in the future, when you come across the question on where you get your protein from, you’ll know exactly what to say. So here's a bit more detail for you detail-oriented folk!

Protein defined

Don’t be daunted by that headline. This is just a little bit of science and nothing too intense, I promise. Let’s just start from the beginning. And so the question: What is protein?

Proteins are basically one of the most vital building blocks of your body. They are the second most abundant substance in our bodies next to water, and they are very important nutrients made of a combination of amino acids.

Think of protein as the alphabet and amino acids as the letters in the alphabet. Just like letters forming a number of possible words, different combinations of various amino acids make up different kinds of proteins, which serve their own purposes.

Simply put, protein is a word used to call different combinations of many amino acids. There are amino acids that can only be gained from the food we eat (essential amino acids) and those that our bodies produce (non-essential amino acids). Complete protein just refers to a combination of all nine essential amino acids proportional to the needs of the body.

What does protein do? Why do you need it?

But before we go into the sources of proteins, let's first get to know what these proteins do in our bodies and what we need them for. Proteins actually provide structure to every single cell in our bodies. There are proteins that serve as enzymes, hormones, antibodies and more.

Some proteins are involved in transporting oxygen and other molecules, and some are involved in contracting our muscles. The list of tasks proteins are responsible for goes on. They're busy guys!

But the most notable functions of proteins are to build, maintain, and replace tissues in our bodies (e.g. nails, hair, skin, muscles, bones, red blood cells, etc.), as well as to keep our cells in good condition for them to be able to work properly.

How much protein do you need?

On average, an adult female vegan’s protein recommendation is around 46-58 grams per day. Whereas an adult male vegan’s is around 56-70 grams per day.

According to numerous studies and research, the amount of required daily protein intake varies depending on several factors like age, gender, body condition, lifestyle, etc. For instance, an inactive female adult’s protein needs may be much lower than that of an athlete’s or a bodybuilder’s.

Here are some common raw foods and their protein levels:

• 1/4 cup almonds = 15 grams protein
• 1/4 cup walnuts = 7.5 grams protein
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds = 7 grams protein
• 1/4 cup cashews = 5 grams protein
• 1/4 cup pecans = 2.5 grams protein
• 1/4 cup medjool dates = 2 grams protein
• 4 tablespoons of hempseed hearts = 15 grams protein
• 3 tablespoons of chia seeds = 4 grams protein
• 1 cup raw kale = 2 grams protein
• 1 cup raw broccoli = 2 grams protein
• 1 cup raw spinach = 1 gram protein (1 cup cooked spinach = 7.6 grams protein)
• 1 cup alfalfa sprouts = 1 gram protein
• 1 large avocado = 2 grams protein

Best plant-based raw food sources

Contrary to popular belief, animal products are not the only and more superior source of (complete) proteins.

It’s traditionally believed that proteins from animals are the best source of proteins are already complete. And this is because their bodies already exerted the effort to combine the amino acids from the many different plants they’ve consumed. However, true as it may be, that could also be just what it is – a traditional belief.

Green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds are some of the richest sources of proteins in a plant-based raw food diet. There are various plant-based foods that are high in certain amino acids. But incomplete protein doesn’t mean it’s inferior compared to complete proteins. It just tells us that it’s important to get the right balance of these nutritional values in order to meet the required amount of amino acids our bodies need to make complete proteins.

There are also even studies that show a human body actually prefers incomplete protein or as individual amino acids. This is so that it can combine them in the best possible way to serve their many different purposes, because when our body takes in complete proteins, it has to break down and tear the amino acids apart to reassemble them in a way that our body needs them to be. In saying so, amino acids from plant-based food therefore allow the body to skip that process entirely and get right down to business.

Protein recap

And that’s basically what protein is about and how to get protein as a raw vegan By learning this tidbit of information, we get to understand the importance of knowing what a raw vegan lifestyle entails and how we can better improve our raw food diet. Not because we have to prove something but to share a better understanding and hopefully eliminate misconceptions.

If you'd like to find out more about the intersection of protein and raw food, check out my podcast about raw protein sources.

Easy raw desserts don't have to involve soaking, sprouting, dehydrating or thinking much in advance at all. Just make sure to keep the basic easy raw dessert ingredients on hand, like  dried coconut, some nuts (pecans, almonds, etc), a sweetener (agave nectar, dates, etc) and raw cocoa powder and you can whip up easy raw desserts in no time!

When I am craving a simple raw food dessert here are a few of my go-to easy raw dessert recipes.

Easy raw desserts - 3 best ideas

Raw brownies (with optional raw chocolate icing) - This is a perfect raw dessert to feed to your family as a simple raw dessert that satisfies. Even teenage boys like this one, I am told!

Raw chocolate fudge in 1-minute - This easy raw dessert is awesome because you can make it in just a few minutes, and no special equipment is required. This is a small chocolate fix perfect for one person.

Raw sesame seed bars -Try this recipe as one that you keep on hand in the freezer for when you're looking for an easy raw dessert that keeps well in the freezer so that you always have something sweet on hand. No equipment required!

What are some of your favourite easy raw dessert recipes?

How to sprout seeds, you wonder? It's so easy! In this post I've explained how to sprout seeds in a simple, step-by-step format.

Follow me and you'll no longer be wondering how to sprout seeds ever again! It's really so easy. Once you've got the hang of it you'll find it easy to keep a jar of seeds on your windowsill 24/7.

My favourite sprouted seeds are the good ol' standby, alfalfa sprouts, but there are many types of seeds that can be sprouted in a similar fashion. The only difference is the time they take to sprout. The process remains the same.

How to sprout seeds:

• 1. Choose your seeds! Most health food stores offer a variety of seeds that can be sprouted in their bulk section. Some common seeds are alfalfa, mung, broccoli, radish, and adzuki seeds. When in doubt, just ask for some "sprouting seeds" at your local health food store.
• 2. Get ready! You'll need a jar that can "breathe." For example, try taking a canning jar. Cover the top with some cheesecloth (cloth with tiny holes in it) and secure it with a rubber band. The cheesecloth doubles as a strainer.
• 3. Seeds in. Throw a small amount (for example, a tablespoon of alfalfa seeds or 1/4 cup of adzuki beans because they're bigger) of seeds into a jar.
• 4. Soak for 6-8 hours (or overnight). Add a couple of cups of water so that the seeds are totally underwater. Leave the jar upright.

Part II

• 5. Drain. Dump out all the water. You should be able to just leave the cheesecloth on and tip the jar into the sink. Water will come out but the seeds will stay in.
• 6. Rinse and drain again right away. This is important because seeds have a layer of "do not grow" protection on them. You want to make sure this layer is rinsed off because it can inhibit their growth.
• 6. Tip jar on angle and leave alone for 24 hours. Place the jar in a bright spot, like on a windowsill. Leave it alone for 24 hours.
• 7. Keep watered. Every day, sometimes twice a day, give them a good rinse so that everything gets wet, but then drain them again right away. Always leave the jar on an angle so that water can get out and air can get in.
• 8. Eat! Once the sprouts look good enough to eat, just start eating! I keep my jar in the fridge once they look ready to eat. I love to eat sprouts on veggie burgers!

All types of seeds look different when they're ready to eat.

Fresh sprouts are a cost-effective and fun way to keep fresh, organic greens in your diet all year long. Know you know how to sprout seeds!

Did you know that The Rawtarian offers a wonderful variety of raw food courses? Newbies and experts and everyone in-between will enjoy these fun & informative courses. Each is broken up into easy-to-follow steps & modules. And each course (naturally!) is filled with mega tips and advice from The Rawtarian!

Better yet, all of these courses are free with your membership in The Rawtarian's Kitchen! Not only will you have access to all of these awesome courses, you will also have access to special members-only recipes, ebooks and videos!

Ready? Here we go... !

For starters:

Baby Steps: Go Raw Today!

Are you just dabbling in raw? Or are you trying to encourage a spouse, mother, daughter or friend to incorporate more raw foods into their life?

Join me on the Raw Baby Steps Program, a gentle course that shows you the ins and outs of raw - the easy way.

Raw Food Diet Plan: Full Course

The Raw Food Diet Plan is a comprehensive, day-by-day and meal-by-meal plan that you can implement right away in order for your body and energy to see the quickest and most profound results. It is structured to guide you through your first 30 days as a 100%, returning, or very high raw foodist.

The Raw Food Diet Plan Contains:

Raw Food Diet Plan: Abridged

The Raw Food Diet Plan: Abridged is the shortened version of the Raw Food Diet Plan.  This plan guides you through a 30 day journey into raw foods and provides you with detailed meal plans and raw food recipes for every meal of the day for 30 days.

It skips the first ten introductory modules of The Raw Food Diet Plan: Full Course, and gets you right into the meal plan.

Raw Food from A to Z

"Raw Food from A to Z" takes you through everything you need to know about going and staying raw. First, you'll go through The Rawtarian's 30-Day raw food program The Raw Food Diet Plan.

Then, when you're ready, she'll guide you through Raw Dehydrating 101.

How-to:

Raw Dehydrating 101

Raw Dehydrating 101 contains everything you need to make no-fail raw food dehydrator recipes that satisfy so that you can get the raw glow and stay that way.

This course includes the following:

Target your health:

Low-fat Raw Cleanse

Do you feel your eating habits need a little tweak? Have you been sliding a bit, and want to get back on track? This no fuss low-fat raw cleanse takes you through 7 days of easy, low-fat raw food meals. 

This course includes the meal plans, recipes and shopping lists for your 7-day cleanse.

Raw Food Summer Challenge

Whether you're experienced with raw food and are looking to reset, or you want experience the benefits of raw for the first time, you're going to love this 7-Day Raw Summer Challenge. This challenge is a crash course to guide you through eating raw - the easy way. And with a focus on lighter meals, these recipes will get you beach-ready in no time.

The plan includes recipes, meal plans and shopping lists.

Seasonal:

Christmas Raw Feast

When it comes to your holiday meal on Christmas, this mini course takes you through all the steps to make a delicious and robust traditional Christmas meal for yourself and your family, complete with your shopping list.

Let The Rawtarian walk you through your all raw Christmas!  

New Year 19: Raw Food Challenge

I hope you've had a lovely holiday season. But now that the holidays are behind us, it's time to refocus and refresh--and what better time than at the beginning of a new year? Whether you're experienced with raw food and are looking to reset, or you want experience the benefits of raw for the first time, you're going to love the New Year Nineteen Challenge.

The New Year Nineteen takes you through 19 days of easy, simple, satisfying raw food meals. But, like any good challenge, I've got some mini-challenges for you to begin before your 19 days start.

Take one, take them all!

Join The Rawtarian's Kitchen and you can start your courses right away! That's the easy part: the hard part is deciding which one you want to take first!

Join Now!