A question about Alissa'a book

[racer]

I have several raw cookbooks including Alissa's. I have a wife and 2 kids who want to stay SAD dieters. I am on my own when it comes to my meals. I love the diversity in Alissa's book, but 2 key things are missing that seem to be in all the other raw cookbooks I have.

1. Each recipe usually states how many the recipe serves. Alissa's book doesn't do this, so I never know if I need to half a recipe, or quarter it, or leave it as is. Once in a while it will mention a serving size in the text, but for the most part I end up not using her book because I don't want to cook too little or too much.

2. Other raw food books I have will tell you how long each recipe keeps. For instance some will say keeps for 3 days, or 5, or a month. I have no idea how long the recipes are good for in her book. If I have leftovers how soon before I have to eat them? Which dehydrated dishes last a month, and which are only good for a few days?

I really would like to try more recipes in her book, but these things really hold me back. Does anyone else have the same problem?

[wtng4amiracle]

I am so glad you posted these questions. I am just beginning my raw journey, and I have the exact questions.

Any takers?

Thanks,

Cheri

[Rawkinlocs]

This is something you may want to write directly at her office and offer this suggestion/feedback. That way, if/when she ever does another revision to the book, this may be something she'll consider adjusting! :)

But if it helps any, you can use some of MY trial and error experiences - A lot of Alissa's recipes make a LOT of food! If you are the only one eating the raw prepared foods, then I'd suggest (well, I actually suggest that people do this ANY-time they make a recipe for the first time just to avoid wasting a lot of ingredients in the event they don't like it) making either half (or a quarter in some cases) of the recipe! Once you make half of it, then you can determine from there:

1. If you like it enough to want to make it again or make MORE of it next time.
2. If you only need half of it or all of it or to even DOUBLE it next time.

For me, I always end up making half of something UNLESS, I know for certain that it's something I really love and that making half of it will NOT be enough!

As for how long they last, most raw dishes, period, should not be eaten after longer than a couple of days - if you feel something is going to sit in there longer than 2-3 days before it's eaten up, you have the option to freeze "some" things (some stuff freezes well and some doesn't) but fresher is always better. I mean, some stuff definitely tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld (like the chili, for example) - But this is mainly talking about stuff that's not dehydrated.

Now, dehydrated stuff...crackers tend to keep a while but they DO get stale and go soft if left out - so you can refrigerate those and if they need "crisping up" just put 'em in the dehydrator for a couple of hours or so and they get crunchy again. Breads, I've stored bread in the fridge for a couple of weeks...but I've also left some in there (not sure how long) and it did start to mold...I'm guessing because not all of the moisture is dried out of them, otherwise it becomes a cracker!

So, while it's not written out in Living on Live Food...you can probably basically follow the same guidelines as written in most recipe books - I'm pretty sure it's kinda the same no matter who the chef/author.

[dustandbreath]

In my 30 days, I have found the quantities a mixed bag: but you should be able to guess how much it is by the amounts of the ingredients. If you are putting in 10 zucchini . . .

Many dishes have had huge amounts (potato salad, lasagna.) I (the husband) end up being the only one who eats it all, too, though my 3 year old boy thinks all of it is good too. However, the salad dressings I sometimes double. I absolutely LOVE the honey mustard one. I don't know how those keep. I noticed a consistency change after about 4 days, but I was finishing it anyway, and it was fine. I just turned green and sprouted antanae. :P

The stuffed portabella recipe is good for two meals. for one person.

[Morn]

Yes I have had the same problem because I am the only one who eats raw in my family and I often forget to cut the recipes in half as Rawkinlocs suggests. I just went through this last night with the gaucamole recipe (which I love!). It is a wonderful amount for sharing with others but too large for just me. Next time I will remember. I suggest you trying some recipes out of her book (cutting them in half as Rawkinlocs suggests) and then making some side notes in your book for next time.

[RowanC]

In my experience, the recipes in Alissa's book make enough for 4 normally hungry people or two REALLY hungry people. They're almost always way too much for one person. A person could comfortably cut most of them at least in half.

[shine72]

In my 30 days, I have found the quantities a mixed bag: but you should be able to guess how much it is by the amounts of the ingredients. If you are putting in 10 zucchini . . .

Many dishes have had huge amounts (potato salad, lasagna.) I (the husband) end up being the only one who eats it all, too, though my 3 year old boy thinks all of it is good too. However, the salad dressings I sometimes double. I absolutely LOVE the honey mustard one. I don't know how those keep. I noticed a consistency change after about 4 days, but I was finishing it anyway, and it was fine. I just turned green and sprouted antanae. :P

The stuffed portabella recipe is good for two meals. for one person.

I just made the honey mustard one today! OH MY GOSH! It was so good! But for the size salad I eat, it only made one serving! So I know I need to double/triple it next time that way if anyone else wants some I can share!:eek:

[dustandbreath]

that honey mustard is a kicker, ain't it? Glad you liked it.

[marybd]

I use her book constantly. It’s still the best one out there by far.
It’s the only one I use on a daily basis.

My favorite recipes are the pesto stuffed mushrooms, broccoli soup, strawberry crepes, oh, I could go o and on.

It’s the information in the first half that got me to stay raw so for that alone it’s worth it.

~ Mary