Preparation? Aaaaarrrrrrgh!

[windwoman]

I've always hated cooking.
I hate chopping, dicing, grinding, etc.
Raw foods seemed like a great choice for me.
Is there anything QUICK that I can eat?
I have diabetes.
Fruit smoothies are too many carbs at one sitting.
:confused:

[justinesmith]

Windwoman ~ I would HIGHLY recommend the book 80/10/10 as it discusses in great detail the relationship between diabetes and fruit. Good luck to you, I hope you find what you are looking for! :D

[Rawkinlocs]

smoothies you can add greens to in order to cut back on the sweet/sugary side

A food processor is one of raw fooders (who do preparation) best friends as there is no chopping and dicing by hand...just toss into the processor and chop in there!

You can make raw eating as simple or as "complex" as you want...some do not do any recipes at all but rather stick with just fresh, whole fruits and veggies. But for some that's a bit mundane and boring so you can eat simply and then when you want a bit "more", try some recipes.

Now this forum is chock-FULL of recipes ranging from very easy to more advanced, if you will. I also highly recommend doing a few things:

- Visit raw potlucks/gatherings in your area if they are available so you can get to try different things (for free) and swap recipes or just get recipe ideas

- Do some online searching for raw recipe sites, blogs, etc. to locate and try out simple recipes

- Do some searching here on RFT to get some ideas

- Get a copy of Alissa's book as she has a wide-range of recipes, again, from very simple and quick to more complex

But again, you CAN do this without the recipes but if you ever find yourself being bored or not satisfied with a more simplified diet and your mind is thinking to run to the nearest (insert fast food joint here) or to grab (insert quick and easy cooked food item here), then you may wanna get some recipes in your repertoire and at the very least have a few things you can easily whip up so you don't feel deprived and end up giving up.

A few suggestions to get you going:

Mock Salmon Pate
by Alissa Cohen

A delicious pink pate with a hint of salmon flavor! I eat this all the time on top of a large salad with a vinaigrette dressing. It’s such an easy pate to prepare and oh so delicious!

* 2 cups walnuts
* 2 stalks celery
* 1 large red bell pepper
* 1 large scallion
* ½ -1 teaspoon sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.

Serving suggestions: This can be served on a plate as is, over a salad, rolled up in a green leaf or spread on crackers.


Date Nut Torte
by Alissa Cohen

Fudgy, creamy and sweet!
I bring this with me when I’m visiting someone I’d like to introduce to raw food. People can’t believe it’s raw! And it’s one of the quickest and easiest desserts to make.

Base of Tort:

* 2 cups raisins
* 2 cups walnuts

Frosting:

* 1 cup dates, pitted and soaked
* 1/2 lemon, juiced

For base:
1. In a food processor, combine raisins and walnuts and blend until well blended and moist. (This will take a few minutes and you may see it forming a ball. Just make sure the raisins come out looking like a fudgy mixture and are not still grainy)
2. Remove from processor and mold onto a plate in a round circle about 1 1/2 inches thick.

For frosting:
1. In a food processor, combine dates and lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
2. Spread the frosting on top of the torte.

Note: I like this served at room temperature as the frosting and torte are still sticky, but if you want a firmer texture that will be easier to slice, refrigerate it for a few hours.

These two are great for satisfying the desire for something savory and filling AND satisfying the sweet tooth and they're easy-peasy! :)

[spiralgirl]

The Date Nut Torte is excellent. I've made it and loved how fast and easy it was to prepare when I want something sweet in a hurry.

[windwoman]

Thank you, both. I definitely need the encouragement.
I'll be ordering Alissa's book. :D

[subbacultcha]

A great quick thing that I make when I'm feeling lazy is cut an avocado in half, mash it up in the skin with some lime juice, cumin and a pinch of salt and pepper.

[EZ rider]

I eat a lot of my food with no more preparation then to pull grapes from a cluster or peel a banana etc.