A dinner party that was Rawesome!

This week Faf and I went to our first ever fully raw-vegan dinner party, it was for one of our best friends birthday's. The idea of a raw dinner party seemed completely harmless, yet once we searched for recipes and actually realized the amount of work involved in "un-baking" the daunting prospect of dehydrating for 10 hours without a dehydrator soon crushed our dreams of raw donuts and pancakes and other delectables.

However, coming good on Lidia's request, we decided to "un-bake" our little butts of, so here are the fruits of our labour.

Lidia delighted our taste buds with her raw sprouted buckwheat quinoa bagels, eggplant "bacon", "caramelised" onion and a cashew and chive cream "cheese",

Faf made a delicious array of raw pate type dips, sun-dried tomato and walnut, pumpkin and pine-nut and one more? She accompanied these with crudites and some sprouted rye Essene bread. She also tried her hand at an "un-stirfry" which was an interesting mix of marinated mushrooms on a bed of parsnip "rice", this one will perhaps take some getting used to :)

Hannah made an amazing avocado, nut based cacao mouse that we ate more like a fondue, dipping some delicious ripe strawberries into.

Taryn's 2 varieties of raw ice cream were to die for, her coconut banana tasted like tropical heaven and her cacao avocado was so rich and creamy, and for a chick who doesn't like chocolate to go all gaga-eyed over this ice cream it must have been pretty darn good!

I made a strawberry and banana chia pie, with a date and almond crust, I had reservations on how this cake would set and slice, but it did both with ease and the taste was amazing.

All in all I'd say for our first raw experience it was a pretty good effort all around, the only problem is now we all want to invest in dehydrators to get a bit more fancy next time!

Q:Why did the tofu cross the road?

A: To prove it wasn't a chicken (of course!)

Tofu, what a weird and wonderful creation, to many a daunting and perhaps frightening ingredient, so many varieties, how would you ever know the right type of tofu to use for the right dish? My suggestion, experiment! (Or simply follow this step-by-step guide to tofu) ;)

Tofu or bean curd is a high protein food made from coagulated soy milk, pressed into mould and the result is a wonderful white block of goodness. There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu, hard or firm tofu (this type has had more water pressed/extracted from it), soft tofu and silken tofu. Amongst these main types of tofu you'll also be amazed at the variety of ready marinated, smoked and flavoured tofu products available, not to mention tofu deserts! Tofu is what I like to think of as a medium for flavour, as tofu itself has very little flavour or smell, so it can be adapted into just about any dish you desire.

Types of Tofu:

Firm: This type is drained and pressed, although will sometimes have some water in the packaging, and can still contain quite a bit of moisture, but this type of tofu holds it' shape and has almost a meaty type texture, something you can sink your teeth into. This type of tofu is perfect for marinating and adding to stir-fry's, making kebabs with mixed vegatbles, slicing and baking and using in sandwiches or salads, or as a vegie burger alternative. This type of tofu also crumbles very well so can be used as a mince meat alternative for dishes such as spaghetti Bolognese.

Silken: or soft tofu, is the undrained or pressed tofu, it just barely holds it's shape and has almost a custardy type of texture. This type of tofu can be used as an alternative to cream in soups, or sauces, a great addition to smoothies to add an extra protein kick, or can be used for creating dairy free deserts such as "cheezecakes". The possibilities are endless with this type of tofu as it's texture lends itself to being used so many different ways!

Fried: Sometimes you may come across a yellowy kind of bubbly looking tofu, this type of tofu is generally firm tofu that has been deep fried (often available at asian grocery stores). This type of tofu doesn't require much preparation and can be cut up into cubes or slices and added straight to stir-fry's or soups.

There are so many types of tofu once you open your eyes and your mind to the possibility, and with it's many health benefits (high protein, low fat, isoflavone content) it is a perfect addition to any meal.

Why not give it a go?

-Fafahine x

Coconut Oil Deliciousness..

I've got a lovely bunch of Coconuts...

It is definitely time to start using Coconut Oil in place of old crappy margarine & butter.

Not only can you put this stuff on your sandwiches but you can add it to smoothies or spread it on crackers. Plus, it's not just a great dose of healthy fats that you'll be getting, but a whole raaaange of health benefits... !!

Yep, Coconut oil is well known for its Lauric acid content, which not only promotes immune function (as it transforms into monolaurin), but studies have shown monolaurin to have the capability to destroy lipid coated viruses & bacteria, like influenza, herpes and even HIV!

For those who are worried about increasing the fat in their diet, or those with high cholesterol, remember that Coconut oil is a plant product, and therefore cholesterol FREE!

PLUS, being rich in medium chain triglycerides (MCT's) (unlike other forms of fat), our liver can metabolise it in a similar way to how it utilises carbs as fuel. It's so easily absorbed that it doesn't get left to circulate the blood stream and build up in the arteries like other fats can!

The best part is that these special MCT's have even been shown to support function of the thyroid, boosting our metabolic rate by an average of 12 % !!

As for your SKIN - because our cells are primarily comprised of saturated fats, regular consumption of Coconut oil promotes cellular health by reducing oxidative damage, and in turn creating younger, healthier, more hydrated faces and bodies!

Coconut Oil is considered one of the most stable oils - with a smoking temperature of 232 degrees celsius, so it really is your BEST option for frying & baking.

* 3-5 tablespoons a day is considered a therapeutic dosage, so get onto this superfood ASAP, not just for all the health benefits, but for that amazingly delicious coco-nutty taste in every bite!!

- Fafahine x

Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky, concious breathing is my anchor

Mindfulness is an empowering practice that allows you to enjoy the present, and live to fullest in the present regardless of circumstance.

Mindfulness as a practice is more then just meditation, it is about being present and focusing on your breath for a period of time. The amount of time is not necessarily important in this practice as the better you get at it the longer you can stay focused and ultimately the better your practice will become.

Mindfulness is a practice that is relevant to people in every walk of life as it allows you to better cope with day-to-day life and manage with stressful situations in a more effective way, instead of reacting to stress in a negative way and carrying that stress with you for the days and weeks to come, the practice of Mindfulness allows you to accept the situation and "let it go" rather than ignoring the situation and allowing it to manifest and take over your subconscious, and become detrimental.

Give it a go!

Begin with focusing on your breath for only 5 minutes a day, it's 5 minutes, not long, but you'll be surprised how difficult this task actually is! If your mind wanders in this time, simply acknowledge the thought pattern and "let it go" and try to regain focus on your breath.

Like any practice it does take time to develop, and the more frequently you do this, the easier it will get...

Fafahine x

"Please Sir, Can I Have Some More..?"

That's nawt how you make porridge...
This, however, is !!

What could be more nourishing than a bowl of organic rolled oats, a touch of quinoa, and an abundance of superfoods, cooked to perfection upon the stove?

The best way to start your day...
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup quinoa
3 dates (torn up) or sultanas
1 heaped tsp cinnamon powder
Bon Soy, Oat/Almond/Rice milk as desired

1/2 banana chopped
1 heaped tsp Chia
1 heaped tsp LSA (linseed, sunflower, almond meal)
1 heaped tsp pepitas
Manuka honey (to taste)

Start by placing a saucepan on the stove at low heat. Add quinoa and oats, cover with 2 cups of water and place lid on top to fasten cooking time.
After 10minutes, remove lid, check if quinoa has expanded (tails appear), and begin stirring to avoid the mix sticking to the base.

Add dates and cinnamon. Followed by milk (as desired) depending on the consistency you prefer - the more milk and the longer the cooking time, the creamier your oats will be!

When ready, pour the mixture into a deep bowl, and add the sliced banana, chia, pepitas, and LSA. Last, but not least, add manuka honey to taste! Leaving this to the end will ensure you do not destroy the beneficial anti-bacterial properties of this amazing product.

* Walnuts or almonds are also a delicious addition if you like some crunch with your smooth porridge!

This amazing start to your day will ensure you have the adequate fibre, protein and essential fatty acids your body requires along with multiple other essential nutrients (namely Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium).

Fafahine x

You Smoothie...

Smoothies are a great way to start your morning, and with such an amazing array of super foods to add to them it can be a complete source of protein and fibre and essential fatty acids (EFA's) in a convenient and delicous drink. Some of our favourite ingredients to add to our smoothies are the amazing Chia; Chia is an ancient seed which has more omega 3's and fibre than any other plant in nature. Chia is an easy ingredient to add to smoothies, porridge, muesli's or even salads and soups because it has next to no taste and is so mild that you barely notice the tiny morsels of wonderful nutrition you are adding to your daily intake!

Coconut water or milk is another fantastic addition to your smoothies, as it contains a huge amount of vitamins and minerals with a great amount of electrolytes perfect for rehydrating you first thing in the morning, or after physical exercise. Coconut is often used in thirds world countries as intravenous rehydrator when saline solution is unavailable! The wonders of this food are amazing, and added to your morning smoothies will only enhance your wellbeing.

Coconut, Date Smoothie:

1x Frozen banana (always taste best when slightly over ripe!)

3x medjool dates

1/2 a cup of coconut water/or milk for drinking

1 tbsp of Chia seeds

Combine these ingedients in a blender or use a bar mix to blend well, if the smoothie is still too thick thin it down with a bit of water or soy/oat/rice milk, simply delicious!

Fafahine x

MY BEST FRIEND IS BIKRAM

For those of you yet to experience the wonder that is Bikram yoga, it is the most amazing form of exercise some of you will ever try.

Commonly known as "hot yoga" Bikram was developed by Bikram Choudhury in the 1970's and has spread world wide and developed a huge following in recent years. Each class is the same, comprising of 90 minutes, in this 90 minutes you do a set of 26 postures (asanas), and 2 breathing exercisies (pranayama). The Bikram room is heated to 39C and has a 40% humidity, this heat is said to aid flexibility, and reduce injury potential whilst systematically restoring health to every muscle and organ in the body.

Don't be put off if you experience nausea or dizziness in the first 2-3 sessions, as this is quite normal, it can take a few sessions for your body to acclimatise to the humity and temperature. Do your best to stay in the room for the 90 minutes, and if the need arises simply lay down on your back in "shavasana" as this is the best way to recover and lower your heart rate and enable you to continue when you feel able.

Bikram in my opinion is the best of both worlds, it is a meditative practice with the peacful aspects of yoga (once you get the hang of it) and a physical workout that leaves you feeling completely rejuvinated and detoxified.

So why not give it a go?

Fafahine x