Almond Milk and Chocolate Balls

The first time I tasted raw almond milk my taste buds did back flips! I wasn't sure what to expect but the taste far exceeded any other milks I've tried. It's simply delicious!

Fortunately, it's quite easy to make your own almond milk with all-natural ingredients, and for a fraction of the cost of store-bought varieties. Here's a simple recipe for all-natural almond milk:

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw almonds
3 cups of filtered water
2 dates (optional) or 2 tbs agave syrup

Directions:

1. Soak almonds in water for at least six hours.

2. Drain soaked almonds, and blend with 3 cups of fresh water until you get a milk-like consistency. Blend with dates or agave syrup if you like your milk with a hint of sweetness. Add a pinch of sea salt.

3. Strain once with muslin cloth or a strainer to remove almond granules.

You can purchase cheap muslin cloth from a fabric store like Spotlight.

The result is a delicious, creamy milk that's free of added oils, concentrated sugars, and synthetic nutrients. This all-natural almond milk keeps for 3-4 days in an air-tight jar in the refrigerator.

You will have almond pulp left over. This is good for making dehydrated raw breads, cakes, cookies etc. This time, I decided to use the leftover pulp to make raw chocolate balls (did I mention I'm a lover of all things chocolate?). Yum! I was inspired by a delicious raw chocolate ball I bought at Alive Organics yesterday - you know, something for the long journey home. It was so delicious I HAD to make my own.

RAW CHOCOLATE BALLS

I made three versions: Raw Chocolate Apricot, Raw Chocolate Date and Raw Chocolate Almond.

RAW CHOCOLATE APRICOT BALLS

1 cup soaked and rinsed almonds
1/2 cup cashews
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
3/4 cup dried apricots
5 medjool dates
2 tbs agave syrup
1 tbs virgin coconut oil
1 tsp vanilla essence
pinch cinnamon
pinch sea salt

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend thoroughly. Place mixture in the fridge for half an hour and roll into balls. Roll balls in coconut. Store in freezer.

RAW CHOCOLATE ALMOND BALLS

2 cups soaked and rinsed almonds
OR 1 cup almonds and 1 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup agave syrup
4 tbs raw cacao powder
1 tsp vanilla essence
1/4 cup currants
1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch sea salt

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend thoroughly. Place mixture in the fridge for half an hour and roll into balls. Store in freezer.

RAW CHOCOLATE DATE BALLS

1 1/2 cups almond pulp
1/4 cup raw cacao powder
1/4 cup agave syrup
1/4 cup currants
5 medjool dates
1 tsp vanilla essence
1 tbs virgin coconut oil
pinch sea salt

Place all ingredients into a food processor and blend thoroughly. Place mixture in the fridge for half an hour and roll into balls. Roll balls in cacao powder. Store in freezer.

A Little Bit About Raw Cacao


"Raw chocolate is one of the most powerful sources of magnesium on the planet. Not only does magnesium help with alertness and activity, it also helps elevate your mood.

Magnesium is one of the most deficient minerals in the human body. Depending on where you find your studies 60-80% of Americans are deficient in magnesium. No wonder we're sluggish, agitated and stressed!

Raw chocolate is the same reason you've heard that chocolate is good for you... except that the cooked and processed form that you get in your Cadbury's bar does not have the same composition as it does when it's raw.

Raw chocolate also contains tryptophan--an essential amino acid--which helps naturally produce serotonin in your body. This is great news for those who need an emotional boost."(LiveAwesome.com)

Raw cacao comes in different forms - powder, beans, nibs, butter and paste. In Perth, you can find it at Manna Wholefoods in Fremantle or Alive Organics in Bayswater (or ask at your local health food store).

What is A Raw Food Diet?

"What is a Raw Food Diet?

A raw food diet is primarily comprised of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic and sustainably raised plant-based foods. Most raw foodists do not consumeanimal products of any kind, nor foods containing chemically processed or pasteurized ingredients. While some raw foodists include raw (unpasterized) dairy products, raw meat, raw eggs, and sushi into their diets, the majority of those who self-identify as “raw foodists” are vegan. While the exact definition of raw food varies, a basic guideline for raw food is that it can not have been heated above 118° F (48° C)." (rawwashington.org)

Why eat a raw and Living Food Diet?

There are many reasons why a raw food diet is beneficial, including giving your body the best tools to heal itself from illness, looking and feeling younger, and losing unwanted kilos.

Enzymes

Raw foods are not heated above 118 degrees F, therefore the enzymes are not destroyed in the cooking process. These foods retain an enormously higher nutrient value than foods that are cooked. Enzymes aid in digestion and absorption of food and will not cause toxicity in the body as most cooked foods do.

Raw foods also have an alkaline PH, which is ideal for optimal health.

Dehydrating

There are a few kitchen appliances that can be very helpful when starting out: a blender, a food processor, a juicer and a dehydrator. The first three are easy enough to come by but you may have to hunt for a good dehydrator. I found mine in the Quokka (used appliances).One year old and barely used. It was half the price of a brand new one. In Perth, Alive Organics in Bayswater stock them. I have the Excalibur model and have heard it is the best model to get.

With a dehydrator you can make healthy, cheap, raw (when temperatures are kept below 118F), and long-lasting snacks and treats (like these delicious raw granola bars).It's an excellent way to ensure there is always nutrient-dense, raw food readily available so that you do not snack on junk!

Raw Cereal

For breakfast I look forward to raw cereal made from grapes or apples (whatever is in season and cheap) blended with almond pulp and dehydrated. I have this with almond milk and fresh fruit. Yum!!!!

Once you have blended the grapes with almond pulp pour onto your dehydrator sheets and carefully slide into the dehydrator. Then set the temperature to about 110 degrees F and dehydrate for about 12 hours. You will need to remove the teflex sheets after about 8 hours to ensure even drying. Once dry, break each sheet into cereal sized pieces and store in a container in the freezer (that's what I do, anyway). Enjoy them each morning with almond milk and fresh fruit.

A delicious way to start your day!

THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Three months ago I would never have dreamed of changing my diet to eating only raw and living foods. Roasted, fried or BBQ meats with creamy baked veggies and gravy were a staple meal. Being a lover of all things chocolate, giving in to cravings came all too easily. I knew my body wasn't coping well with these foods as I always experienced abdominal bloating and back pain.

The back pain would become so intense at times I would spend days in bed, unable to walk. It was draining me of health, energy and life. That's when the mental battle to stay positive really begins. I knew living like this wasn't God's intention for me so I was determined to find a solution. Having previously tried all medical (except for pharmaceutical drugs) possibilities available, I came to understand that I was either going to have to manage the pain myself, or go to God for healing and a plan of action.

On January 9, 2009 I woke up to severe back pain and was unable to get out of bed and walk. I had a feeling I wasn't going anywhere for a few days. Determination emerged and I threw myself into a time of fasting and praying for answers.

Day 8 I visited my local library (Koorong was too far to drive!) hoping for some books on juice fasting (with no success) but instead found a book about the benefits of eating and drinking living foods. I reluctantly began reading as the last thing I wanted was just another diet and nutrition book. About half way through I knew the information in this book just HAD to be an answer. Even though I was hesitant at first I spent the next few weeks researching raw and living foods. I was simply amazed at what I saw! The delicious possibilities excited me as I knew this was something even I could do - and enjoy.

I've enjoyed eating raw and living foods for 5 weeks now. The new taste sensations have been exciting and my body is enjoying the benefits. The pain levels have significantly diminished and one of the many side benefits is that I've lost unwanted kilos whilst enjoying delicious desserts (see image of raw chocolate brownie) and live, colourful meals.

I invite you to journey with me.