Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Raw Peanut Butter Bars Two Ways

For the Crust:

1 cup almonds 
1 cup raisins or dates
1/4 cup shredded coconut
1 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp maple syrup or agave

- Add everything to a food processor, and blend until fully broken down

- Pat into an 8x8 pan for a thick bar, or a 9x13 for a thinner bar


For the Filling:

2 cups soaked cashews
1 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave
2 tbsp coconut oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup almond, soy or coconut milk

- Add everything except milk to a food processor and blend until completely broken down

- Slowly pour in milk and continue to process until smooth

- Spread evenly onto crust


Variation 1 :Peanut Butter Chocolate



Raw Chocolate Ganache


3/4 cup cocoa powder
3/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/2 cup agave


- Mix together until smooth

- Spread over peanut butter bars and refrigerate



Variation 2: PB & J   
   (Okay...not technically raw)


- Spread with favorite jelly or preserves

- Garnish with peanuts and refrigerate






Best Veggie Burgers

I have done a lot of experimentation with veggie burgers. The mushrooms and tempeh in this recipe make for a very savory and "meaty" burger.

Tempeh-Mushroom Burgers

1 8oz package tempeh
1 8oz package sliced cremini mushrooms
1/8 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 clove minced garlic
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/4 cup vital wheat gluten
2 tsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp Worcestershire
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp spicy mustard
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp liquid smoke or smokey BBQ sauce



 - Mix 2 tbsp olive oil, spicy mustard, soy sauce and balsamic vinegar in a medium bowl

 - Break up tempeh, add to bowl and toss to coat

 - Let sit at room temp or in fridge for 30 minutes to an hour


- Saute onion, celery and garlic in olive oil until soft

- Add mushrooms and cook until tender

- Add salt, pepper, thyme, nutritional yeast and Worchestershire

- Let cool for easier handling


- Place marinaded tempeh, mushrooms, liquid smoke and vital wheat gluten in a food processor

- Process until everything is broken down, scraping down sides when needed

- Form into 4 equal patties


- Brown in a pan with olive oil on both sides

- Build your burger!

Uncooked patties will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional yeast is deactivated yeast. It is prized for its nutty, cheesy flavor, and its high content of protein and B vitamins. It can be found in the baking aisle or bulk food section.