Half Raw Eating: A Moderate Path to a Healthier Family

I’m a firm believer in moderation.  It is through moderation that we are able to make big changes in the lives of our families, society as a whole and improve the well being of our planet.  Our family strives to eat at least 50% Raw, over time we will slowly increase the amount of Raw foods and reduce the amount of meat.  Reducing meat is easy for me (a former vegetarian) and nearly impossible for my omnivore husband.  Baby steps are vital if I hope to create change in this house.

Here’s a simple recipe for Raw Nut Butter & Raw Jam to enjoy on a warm slice of whole wheat or whole grain gluten free bread.

Raw Nut Butter Spread

1 cup dry Raw almonds

1 cup dry Raw sunflower seeds

1/4 cup local, Raw honey or agave

Raw coconut or almond oil (if needed for blending), add a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.

Process in a blender until smooth and creamy.  Add sweetener and oil slowly, you may need not need all of it, or you may desire a bit more.  If you want a crunchy spread, add a few chopped nuts and stir in after the spread is made. Store covered in the refrigerator, this will separate so stir prior to use.  If you desire a flavor perk in your nut butter, check out Kay’s post.

Raw Mixed Berry Jam

1 cup boysenberries and raspberries (or whatever berries are in season locally or stored in your freezer)

2 Tbs. Raw, local honey or Raw agave

We like to squash everything up using a potato masher (versus a blender or processor) to maintain the fruits natural pectin, which helps it stay thicker.  You can process in a blender if desired, you may need to add a tablespoon of psyllium powder for thickening. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Use these spreads on fresh bread, crackers, banana or apple slices, try the jam on top of ice cream or whatever tickles your taste buds!

Eat Well. Be Well.

Photo Credit: Raspberry harvest by avlxyz on Flickr under Creative Commons License.