I’ll be honest with you, for years now I’ve been turning my back at the raw foods movement because I thought it was a bit extreme…that and I love coffee and popcorn, and oatmeal, and, well, you understand. But in the last few weeks I’ve been a little raw-curious.
Maybe it’s because of the humidity and the very thought of turning on my oven makes me sweat.
Maybe it’s because I have wonderful, fresh, local produce at my fingertips.
Or maybe, just maybe, it’s because of Raw Food author, Ani Phyo’s moist-delicious cake recipe that goes something like this…
- 3 cups nuts (you pick…almonds, walnuts, cashews, Brazil, whatever)
- 1/4 t sea salt
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 t vanilla extract
Toss your chosen nuts and salt into a food processor until coarsely chopped. Add the dates and vanilla and mix until it well combined. Remove the mixture and form into a cake-like shape. And if you want to get fancy, I suppose you can put it into a cake pan.
Now for a few tips:
- Medjool dates are recommended for this recipe because of their high moisture content. If your dates are dry (and trust me I’ve had a few dry dates, arr, arr) just soak them in water for 10-20 minutes
- If your mixture is too dry blend in a few more dates, a tiny bit of water, or a natural sweetener like honey or agave
- If you have a Vitamix, use it! I blended the entire recipe in my Vitamix…it was a piece of cake!
- If you want chocolate cake add 2/3 cup cacao, carob, or dark cocoa powder
- If you want to make 1/2, 1/3, or 1/4 of the recipe, be my guest
- If you want to make the entire cake and you have leftovers, it freezes like a champ!
- If you’re looking for ways to replace glycogen after a tough workout this recipe is a natural choice
- If you want brownies, form the batter into a rectangle (Ha!)
- If you want frosting pick up a copy of one of Ani Phyo‘s books for some really amazing recipes
This recipe kind of reminds me of the homemade Larabars Ali and I made a few weeks ago. And it really reminds me of Katie’s raw chocolate cake recipe that Evan has been talking about (a lot! ;-)) lately.
Now I really must go to the gym for a… 
…play date!
Miz says:
June 9th 2010seriously we would have so much fun (AND ID BE SOOO MUCH MORE ADVENTUROUS) if you were my neighbor.
theres a house for sale on my block…
Jessica@HowSweet says:
June 9th 2010You know how much I hate veggies, and even I am raw-curious! I do not like Larabars, but there are a lot of other raw treats I really enjoy!
The Candid RD says:
June 9th 2010yummmm. Great recipe! I think raw is good, but 100% raw is a little much. No way could I ever do that, it’s too restrictive and I’ve lived the life of a restrictive eater before, not fun. I agree though, turning on the oven these days is tough!
Tracey @ I'm Not Superhuman says:
June 9th 2010I’m raw curious too, but I don’t think I could do it long-term. I like too many cooked meals. How anyone eats raw during winter is beyond me.
Jody - Fit at 52 says:
June 9th 2010That last pic is too funny! I don’t have anything to process the dates. I while back I tried a similar recipe but my blender did not handle it that well. :-O Sure sounds good! As for raw… not gonna happen for me but I don’t mind trying things here & there.. just not an every day thing for me…
Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday says:
June 9th 2010That does seem a lot like larabars!
Lindsey @ Foodie on the Rocks says:
June 9th 2010If I didn’t already own every kitchen gadget, BESIDES a vita mix and a dehydrator, I could totally see myself getting into the raw thing. But in a more flexible way like some veggies still eat fish and eggs. I don’t think I could give up all cooked/hot foods! In winter, I can almost always be found with hot tea or cider in hand and a big piping bowl of soup!
kalli@fitandfortysomething says:
June 9th 2010i am raw curious too…..if i had a raw chef i think i would be in heaven!
Evan Thomas says:
June 9th 2010Ahahaha, you’re right! We do think a lot alike!
I’ve just been moving towards raw because I don’t want to turn on the oven lately, and that’s more than a good enough reason for me
Naomi(onefitfoodie) says:
June 9th 2010mmm that looks good !like one big lara bar! I sometimes wish I could do the all raw thing, I know how good it is for the body…BUT I dont think I ever could! I love all food way too much :) I would make that cake in a SPLIT second though!!
Jennifer @ shesafitchick says:
June 9th 2010I am raw curious as well, but I don’t think I could give it my 100%. There are just some things I am not willing to give up LOL!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says:
June 9th 2010I’m raw-curious too!! And yes, summer is the perfect time to experiment with it! I think I might do a raw challenge (when we get back from Europe…raw + gelato = no go.) :-)
Fit Chick in the City says:
June 9th 2010I so wish I had a vita-mix, then I would make more raw recipes. However, I’m not raw curious but do try to eat more and more raw foods. That and I love Pure Food and Wine, but can’t afford to eat there except on special occasions.
april says:
June 9th 2010I could never do raw- I need my protein! But I do love some nuts and those bars look delicious!
Alyson @ Nourished Fitness says:
June 9th 2010Some of the best desserts I’ve ever had are raw.. dates = nature’s candy :)
Mary (A Merry Life) says:
June 9th 2010I’ve been curious about the raw movement for a while. I don’t think I’ll ever go 100% that way, but I would like to start incorporating more into my diet. Perhaps starting with this. Hehe. ;)
Kris | iheartwellness.com says:
June 9th 2010YUM! I love raw treats!! Healthy, satisfying and good for your sweet!
I eat probably about 80-85% raw because I love the way it makes me feel…but I am not totally sticky with it ;)
XXOO
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says:
June 9th 2010Ani rocks. I am more than raw curious, I am raw. And also a bodybuilder. I need to read your blog more..all of your commenters are my peeps too :) If you need raw ideas, holla! I love making my nutmilk w/ vanilla extract or cinnamon too. And raw cake, say no more, i love my raw brownies!
FatFighterTV says:
June 9th 2010I’m like you in that I like too many cooked foods, but I would be willing to give a few raw recipes a try. Thanks for always making me smile with your wit. ;)
Jo says:
June 10th 2010Eating raw is very extreme. When compared to eating raw, being a vegan is a cinch! I eat a lot of raw foods, but for dinner I find myself cooking vegan dishes. Eating raw- (and plant-based) is so good for you though! And I feel like a new woman since I started doing it. You should give what I’m doing, eating 50-70% raw a whirl and see how you like it.
Allie (Protein Girl) says:
June 11th 2010Totally giggled in my tea. I am also Raw Curious (don’t tell my meat and potatoes hubs).
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