Raw chocolate-orange mousse cake

This cake is honestly one of the most tasty, creamy and delicious cakes I have made :) Have I told you that I looooooooove avocados?  Yesssss, you guest it right... this cake is made of creamy avocados, although you will not be able to tell :) The taste is just like the traditional chocolate mousse made with tons of cream and dairy products. With this cake you will be able to enjoy the same taste, but in a much more healthy form:P
I added the orange juice and zest, because I really enjoy the combination of chocolate and orange. The two tastes harmonize well together and make this cake really a special treat :)

Sooo, let's see how to prepare it :) 
Crust:
- 100 grams of walnuts (soaked overnight) - you can use any nuts of your choice
- 150 grams of almonds (soaked overnight)
- 2 cups of Medjool dates
- pinch of salt
- pinch of pure vanilla
- 2 tbsp coconut oil



Filling:
- juice of 1 orange, freshly squeezed 
- zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup of Medjool dates (soaked for  30 minutes)
- 1 cup of coconut oil (melted)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 4 heaping tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably raw)
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk 
- 1 cup of cashew nuts (soaked for 2-3 hours)
- 1/2 cup of rice milk (or any plant based milk)


Method:
Crust:

1. Make sure that the dates are pitted. If they are a bit more dry, soak them for around 30 minutes. Usually soft Medjool dates don't need to be soaked :) 
2. Soak the nuts overnight, or at least for 10-12 hours. The next day discard the water and wash them through running water. 
3. Place all ingredients to a S-blade food processor and process until a smooth dough is formed, and everything sticks together (usually this means a big ball of dough running around your food processor ;).
4. Place the crust to a cake form, even it out with your fingers throughout the base of the form, and place it to the freezer while you are working on the filling.

Filling:

1. Please make sure the dates are as well pitted and soak them, if they are more on the dry side.
2. Melt the coconut oil and place it to a mixing bowl together with the maple syrup. Add the cocoa powder spoon by spoon, slowly stirring each spoon into the coconut oil - maple syrup mixture. Keep on stirring until a smooth paste is formed. This will make it easier to mix the cocoa well throughout the filling. 
3. Place all ingredients, but the milk, to a S-blade food processor (or a high speed blender, if you have one). Leave a little orange zest for decoration.
4. Start by pressing the "Pulse" function on your food processor, and gradually mix all ingredients well together.
5. Add as much milk as you need to create a very smooth dough -> keep on mixing until you create a very smooth, chunk free paste. 
6. Take the crust out from the freezer and pour the filling over it. Even the filling out using a spatula and place the cake to the fridge. Refrigerate for 4-5 hours before serving :)

 Enjoy :)

Home-made almond milk

As much as I believe that plant-based milks are wayyyyyyyyy better for your health than cow's milk, I can understand, that they are not affordable for all. The plant-based alternatives of milks can be 3x more expensive, than the regular cow's milks.. 
However, making almond milk at home could be a great solution for you:) It is really very very easy to make.  All you will need is a quite good blender and a fine strainer, or cheesecloth. You can use any nut you like, hazelnuts work very well too :)

What will you need:
- 1.5 cups of almonds
- 3 cups of water (plus water for soaking)
- 3-4 dates
- 1/4 tsp of vanilla
- 1/4 tsp of cinnamon
- a pinch of nutmeg
- a pinch of salt
- some maple syrup, if you like the milk more sweet 

Method: 

Enjoy :)

Summer lunch with zucchini Zoodles

Hi everyone. I don't know how is it in your country, but it is REALLY hot in Switzerland. I am enjoying the weather though, for the first time it feels like real summer here :) 
Saying that, do you as well feel, that in the hot days you don't have cravings for warm dishes? When it is hot, it is natural to crave more cooling foods, such as raw veggies :) 
So, today we prepared a dish with raw zucchini noodles. Zoodles are easy to prepare, and a great way to eat up the ever coming zucchinis from your garden (or neighbor's garden :)
After having this goodness full of veggies, you will feel refreshed and light, ready to continue your day in the high temperatures. 

Here is what you need:
servers 3 people

For the Spaghetti
- 1 bigger zucchini
- 1 smaller head of cauliflower
- 1/2 head of broccoli
- 3 carrots

For the sauce: 
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 3 dried tomatoes
- 4-5 basil bigger leaves
- 2 tbsp white almond butter
- water  
- salt and pepper according to taste

Method:

1. Spiralize the zucchini with a spiralizer. If you don't have one, don't worry, you can use your peeler to cut the zucchini into thin slices.
2. Wash and cut all other veggies (cauliflower, broccoli and carrots). Add it to the zucchini noodles
3. Place all ingredients for the sauce into a deeper bowl, where you can use the immersion mixer.  Gradually add the water as you start mixing the ingredients. Add as much water, that a fluid sauce is created.
4. Pour the sauce over the zucchini... voaallaaaaaaa , your lunch is ready :)
5. Smile, share and enjoy :)

ps: I couldn't resist to add a spoon of spelt noodles to the lunch, just to try how is it.. it was great :)

Creamy green smoothie

Here is an easy smoothie recipe I made yesterday with my friend Gabriela after practicing yoga :) It tasted delicious and refreshing :)

Here is what you need:
- 2 cups of mixed lettuce leaves (green and purple)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1/2 avocado
- 100 grams frozen raspberries
- 1 apple
- 1 frozen banana

Method:

1. Add the lettuce and cucumber to the high speed blender and blend on high until smooth
2. Add the apples and raspberries and blend it until everything is well combined
3. Add the banana and avocado at the end to create a smooth texture
4. enjoy and share with a friend on a nice terrace :)

We enjoyed the smoothie on the terrace of my place having a nice talk :) Here is a picture to show the amazing view. I feel very blessed to live here :)

Summer Kohlrabi salad

This salad is super easy to prepare and is perfect for hot summer days :=) It only takes a few minutes to prepare, and your dinner is ready :) I used a spiralizer to cut the zucchini and the kohlrabi, but you can as well use a slicer or a shredder to get very thin pieces.
 
Serves 2:
What will you need:
For the salad: 

- 1 kohlrabi
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 avocado
- 1 red bell pepper
 
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp white almond butter
- juice of half a lemon
- a little mineral water



Method:

1. Peel the kohlrabi and create "snale" shape with a spiralizer.
2. Wash the zucchini and use to spiralizer to create spaghetti like shape.
3. Wash the bell pepper and cut it into small cubes.
4. Cut the avocado into small cubes. Mix everything together in a big mixing bowl.
5. Mix all ingredients for the dressing. Add some mineral water if the texture is too thick.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad, mix well.
7. Enjoy :-)

Spring radish salad

Hello there ... I am back :) It has been a really long time since I have posted anything, but I had a few good reasons...I spent one amazing month in India, studying yoga and I recently got married too! :) So many new things are happening, for which I am deeply greatful for. 
I am back in my "real" life now and starting with recipes again :) 
For a starter, let's have an easy spring salad, shall we? :)

Here is what you will need:
For the salad:
- 1 head of Romain lettuce
- a bunch of mixed salad leaves
- 5 -7 radishes, cubed
- 10 - 12 cocktail tomatoes
- 1 can of kidney beans

For the dressing:
- 1 tbsp of tahini
- 1 tbsp tamari
- juice of 1/2 lime, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp sparkling mineral water 

1. Wash everything for the salad. Cut the radishes into small cubes and cut the tomatoes to halves.
2. Open the can of beans (this time I didn't have soaked beans, so I just used a canned one), make sure that you rinse the beans very before using.
3. Toss everything together in a big salad bowl.
4. In a small mixing bowl mix all ingredients for the dressing together. Pour it over the salad mixture and massage the dressing into the salad with your hands. It's great to feel your food, while you are preparing it:)
5. Smile and enjoy:)

Mixed bliss balls

I call these balls bliss balls, because first of all they are super easy to make, that's bliss #1, second of all they taste AMAZING, that's bliss #2, and third of all you can make a nice gift to your friends with them so they as well feel the happiness :) That's bliss #3.. enough reasons to make them right away :))
Ouh and I forgot... they are super healthy, 100% gluten free, dairy free, egg free, great to just snack on them when you have a sweet tooth, or as a post-workout snack :) ... bliss #4, 5, 6, 7... :):):)  

What will you need:
- 1 cup cashew nuts, soaked for 2-3 hours
- 2 cups dates, soaked for 30 minutes
- 3/4 cups almonds, soaked overnight
- 10 grams cocoa butter (or coconut oil)
- 60 grams wild dried apricots
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- pinch of salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ginger powder
- pinch of cardamon
- 1 tsp date syrup (or maple/agave syrup)
- coconut shred, sesame seeds, thinly cut almonds for coating

Method:

1. Rinse all soaked nuts and dates, set aside.
2. Melt the cocoa butter on a bed of hot water.
3. Place the cashew nuts, chia seeds, date syrup, melted cocoa butter together with the dates, apricots and spices to the food processor. Process until a smooth, sticky paste is formed and everything is well combined. If the paste is too dry, you can add more date syrup or a bit of water.
4. Add the almonds and pulse a few times, so the almonds are not completely processed and some coarse pieces reamin in the paste.
5. Take a small portion from the paste and form small balls between your hands.
6. Coat the balls with coconut shred, sesame seeds or cut almonds .. as you like :).

I prepared small bags with mixed bliss balls in them and gave them to my friends :) You can make them too and make someone else happy :D 

Mango avocado salad

This salad is absolutely on the top of the list of my favorite salads! I love it and make it at least once a week :) It is super easy to make, satisfying as a separate dish or as a starter. I hope you will start making this salad too, it really worth to give it a try ;)

Serves: 2-3

What will you need:
Salad:
- 2 avocados
- 1 ripe mango
- 3 cups of mixed salad
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds

Dressing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp hemp seed oil (if you don't have, use another oil, which you like)
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- salt, pepper
- 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice  

1. Cut the avocados and mango into small cubes. 
2. Wash and drain the salad.
3. Toast the sunflower seeds on a nonstick pan until golden brown.
4. Mix all ingredients for the dressing and massage it into the salad.
5. Serve and enjoy :)

Valentines day raw cake

Do you celebrate Valentines day?  We don't really make it a special day, as we think that we should express our love not only on one particular day, but whenever we feel like giving a nice love gesture or a little gift to each other :) And that is certainly more often, than only one day in a year :):):)
Nevertheless, it was a good excuse to make another raw cake, this time with less nuts and more avocados :)

What will you need:
For the crust:
- 1.5 cups of dates
- 2 cups of walnuts
- 1 tsp vanilla
- pinch of salt
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tsp cocoa

For the filling:
- 0.5 cups of dates 
- 1 cup of cashews 
- 3 avocados
- 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil  (or 12 tbsp)
- 200 grams frozen berries
- 1 tbsp psyllium husk 
- 1/2 cup or rice milk (or more, if needed)
- 2 tbsp agave nectar
- 2 tbsp raw cocoa powder
- pinch of vanilla 
- pinch of salt


Method:

1. Melt the coconut oil by simply putting the whole jar in a pot filled with hot water. Wait until the coconut oil melts. 
2. Crust: Place the dates and the coconut oil in a food processor and process until a smooth paste is formed. Add in the walnuts, salt and vanilla and pulse a few times, so the walnuts stay chunky. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of either a cake or pie form. Put the crust to the freezer to set for approximately 30 minutes.  
3. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Place all ingredients into a high speed blender but LEAVE the cocoa out. Blend on high until a very smooth and creamy batter is formed. If you need, add more rice milk (or liquid sweetener for a sweet tongue :) to the paste. If you don't have a blender you can as well use a food processor. 
4. Take about 3 tbsp of the batter in a separate bowl for decoration.
5. Add the cocoa powder to the blender, and process until everything is mixed well together.
6. Pour the filling over the crust, distribute evenly using a spatula or by shaking the form side to side.
7. Take the paste for decorating, which you have previously separated (in step 4). Put it into an icing kit, and decorate your cake following your own fantasy :)
8. Place the cake to the fridge and refrigerate at least for 3-4 hours. The best is to refrigerate overnight, covered.
9. Serve the cake immediately after taking out from the fridge.  

Green spinach smoothie

Easy, as usual :) Just drop a few ingredients in a blender, and you have got a delicious smoothie. I make from usually 2 liters of smoothie and drink it during 2 days or so :) 

What will you need:
- 4 handfuls of spinach
- 1 orange
- 1 apple
- 1 banana
- juice of 1/2 lemon
- filtered water (appr. 1liter)

1. Add the spinach and water to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the remaining ingredients and keep blending until you get a really smooth texture.
3. Pour the smoothie into a cool glass and enjoy :)

Easy mixed salad

I had this salad the other night for dinner. It takes about 5 minutes to prepare :)  I bought the salad mix on the market, yumi yumi, so delicious :)

We shared this portion within 2 people.

What will you need:
salad mix: 
- 3-4 cups of mixed salad
- 1 medium avocado
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- 1 cup of whole, green olives

dressing:
- 1 tbsp hemp seed oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp sweet mustard
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1.5 tbsp homemade hummus (optional)
- salt and pepper

1. Toast the sunflower seeds in a pan on medium heat, until they become golden brown. Remove from heat.
2. Wash all veggies, cut the tomatoes and avocados. Mix all ingredients for the salad mix and add the toasted sunflower seeds.
3. Mix everything together for the dressing in a small bowl and pour it over the salad mix. Massage the dressing in the salad (I like to do this step with my hands :)

Enjoy :)

Pink raw swirl cake

Hi all. Isn't this cake pretty? I find it very nice with the swirls. I have tired the swirls the first time :) It is very easy, I will describe it in the recipe.
I made this cake a long time ago, when we still had roses in the garden, but I wouldn't mind having a piece now :) how about you? :)

What will you need:
Crust:
- 2 cups walnuts, soaked for 3-4 hours
- 1 1/4 cup Medjool dates, soaked for 30 minutes
- pinch of salt
- a bit of pure vanilla

Filling: 
Cashew "cheese":

-1 3/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked for 3-4 hours

- 2 tbsp raw honey

- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted

- pinch of salt

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- 1 frozen banana
- 3/4 cup Medjool dates, soaked for 30 minutes
- approximately 1/2 cup rice milk (or any other plant based milk)

Berry filling: 
- approximately 1/2 cup rice milk
- 120 grams of frozen mixed berries
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted 

Method:

1. Place the walnuts for the crust in a food processor and pulse until a coarse meal is formed. Add in the dates and process until you have a sticky dough. Press the dough firmly into the bottom of either a cake or pie form. Transfer the crust to the freezer to set for approximately 30 minutes.  
2. Meanwhile, prepare the cashew "cheese" filling. This is done simply by placing all the ingredients into a high speed blender and blending until you have a very smooth and creamy paste. If you don't have a blender, don't worry, you can as well use the food processor. However, I find that processing the cashew with all other ingredients in a high speed blender gives even a more creamier texture.
3. Pour 3/4 of the filling over the crust, distribute evenly using a spatula or by shaking the form side to side. But not too much shaking here ;)
4. Add the berry filling ingredients to the remaining cashew "cheese" in the blender. Blend until smooth. The berry mix should have an ice cream texture, it shouldn't be too watery.
5. Take pieces of the berry filling with a spoon and place it over the cashew  "cheese" (which is still liquid), leaving spots of the cheese filling visible.
6. Take a wooden stick and start mixing the berry filling into the cashew "cheese" simply by making little circles all over the cake. Go crazy :) This will mix the two layers together nicely.
7. Place the cake to the freezer and freeze for  3-4 hours. Cover, and freeze overnight. 
8. Take the cake out from the freezer 15-20 minutes before serving. 

Enjoy :)

Easy green smoothie

Hi all.  Here is a simple green smoothie recipe. Great for breakfast or on detox days :) 

What will you need:
- 1 sweet apple (I used Topaz apple)
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 handful of lettuce
- 200 ml water
- 250ml almond milk
- stevia, if needed

Put lettuce and cucumber to a high speed blender together with water and almond milk. Blend on high until smooth. Add chia seeds, apple and stevia (if used). Blend until all well combined and texture is smooth. 
Enjoy :)

Xmas raw snow balls

These Christmas snow balls are very easy to make and will make you and your friends and family happy :) You can prepare such raw balls in a few minutes and pack them into a nice Christmas package for your friends as a gift.  This amount makes approximately 22 raw balls. 


What will you need:
- 180 grams of Medjool dates (or 13 bigger dates), soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 cup cashews, soaked for 2-3 hours
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp vanilla
- shredded coconut for coating

1. Place dates and cashew nuts to a food processor and pulse until they combine well, but the dough is not completely smooth. You should be able to see small pieces of cashew nuts.
2. Add remaining ingredients and pulse a couple of times.
3. Take a small part of the dough with your fingers and form small balls between your hands.
4. Coat the balls in coconut shred.
5. Refrigerate the balls for 2-3 hours before serving. The balls keep fresh in the fridge for 4-5 days.

Enjoyyy :)

Very green smoothie

I call this smoothie a very green one, because this time I didn't add any other color to the smoothie, only green veggies and avocado ;) Ok, plus the pea protein powder :P The smoothie mug is as well green :) I got the mug from a friend of mine, and I am in love with it, I take it everywhere with me:):) It is from a Swedish company called Sagaform.  The smoothie holder is BPA free and it seals perfectly. No drops in the bag :):) 


Ok, so here is the recipe:

- handful of spinach
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- 1/2 avocado
- a bit of parsley (according to taste)
- 1 tbsp pea protein powder
- filtered water

Put the spinach, cucumber, parsley and water to the high speed blender. Blend until smooth. Add the avocado and the protein powder. Blend again.

Enjoy :)

After party green juice

 

Here is the scenario: you have been partying all night and had a bit too much to drink ...familiar?  Now there is next day in the morning and your head is hurting... familiar again? :))) This is the perfect time to make a super energizing green juice, like this one. This super delicious vitamin bomb will keep you awake and you will not need to grab a cup coffee. It will as well help you with hangover, because its very alkalizing and it is full of vitamins!
Of course, you can drink this juice any other day, even if you were at home all night :D 

What will you need: 
- 5 kale leaves, stems removed
- 1/2 medium cucumber
- appr. 2cm ginger
- 2 handfuls of spinach
- 1 medium sweet apple
- 1/2 lemon

Juice all ingredients in a juicer. Serve in a stylish glass and sip it slowly. Enjoy every ingredient and feel how the juice helps your body to awaken.  Drink your juice 15-20 minutes before breakfast on empty stomach, so all nutrients can be absorbed.

Enjoy :)

Oriental raw balls

These balls are very easy to make and remind me those oriental sweets from the middle east. I guess that is because of the cardamon. Try them out, they are fast, 100% gluten and refined sugar free healthy treats :)
 


What will you need:
- 1cup of brazil nuts soaked, overnight
- 1/2 orange juice, freshly squeezed - optional 
- 15 Medjool dates, soaked in orange juice (or water) for 30 minutes
-  1 handful of dried wild apricots
-  a pinch of salt
-  1/2 tsp ground cardamon
- sesame seeds for coating




Place the Brazil nuts to the food processor and process until  a sandy texture is formed. Add the remaining ingredients and process until everything is well combined and a smooth dough is form. Form balls with your hands and coat them in sesame seeds.

Enjoy :)