Count me in!

[Denise Nicole]

Well I am ready to go raw! I have begun my journal and look forward to the journey. So far food has been a problem. With no book to work with I am cluless on what to prepare. I do love salads and fresh fruit, but it does get rather redundant and look forward to suggestions. I work outside the home for several hours a day (generally 10 without travel time) so on the go, or easy to prepare is great.

[Denise Nicole]

Oh, I also noticed most people have a food processor, dehydrator, jucier (anything else?), anyway when researching the "good" brands they seem very cost prohibitive. Am I wasting my money by buying a cheaper brand (having to buy another one later)? Or should I just make the commitment somehow and buy the "better" brand? If so which one first?

Also are there ready to eat items at the health food store I could buy such as crackers, and juice or do I need to make my own?

What should I buy (besides fruit and veggies) to create most recipes? I have carob powder, braggs, cold pressed olive oil, anything else?

Sorry for all the questions!

[sailaway]

Hello Seasiren,
Congrats on going raw. It makes all the difference. If I had to chose one item to buy I would start with a Vita -mix blender. I know they are a lot of money but I burnt out 2 blenders in about as many months before getting one. ( I make fruit smoothies for my family in the am.) Costco has road shows about 2xs per year and the blender is about $70.00 cheaper there, you can get the dry container at the same time. Or try a home and garden show, County or State Fair as they have them the same price as Costco. I often use the vita mix instead of the food processor. My next big buy would be a Excalibur dehydrator I would buy the 9 try instead of the 5 tray because if you really get into making things and drying things you will use all the trays. Example When I make bread I have to take a tray out in between because of the hieght of the bread. If you have only a 5 tray then you can only make bread on 2 shelves for that 5-8 hour period because the other 3 trays are removed for the dough. I like to combine as many things as possible for energy efficency. And will often make flaxcrackers at the same time. Also as I dry fruits and veggies I want to do as many as possible to get it down with. You can buy a inexpensive mandolin(sp?) that will act as a food processor until you can buy one.

With the name seasiren do you sail??
Good Luck,
sailaway

[Revvell]

Seasiren,

Yes, I'd suggest getting a "better" brand. It will save money in the long run.

I also use a VitaMix and recommend a top quality blender as your first purchase. If you don't wish to pay for a new one, check out what's on eBay. Many here have gotten some really good deals. Also, on Alissa's vids, I believe she uses and Black and Decker. I'm pretty sure those are less expensive than the VitaMix.

The next thing I would get would be a food processor. What can't be made in a blender can be made with a food processor.

Many raw folk don't own dehydrators. They are really nice to have for many recipes: crackers, cookies, etc. yet, at this time, I hardly ever use mine anymore. I was at a retreat w/ Storm, Jinjee and their kids and they don't use one so it's not necessary ~ just kind of nice to have when you see a recipe you like and want to try.

As far as what to buy, I'd suggest finding some good recipes (there are LOTS here and if you google "raw food recipes") and start there. As you do more recipes you'll increase what you have in your pantry little by little rather than going out and purchasing a lot of stuff you might not need immediately.

Best to you on your journey ~

Revvell

[Denise Nicole]

With the name seasiren do you sail??

I live on the ocean and can't imagine living anywhere else! LOL (just came back from the beach actually). I was a Navy brat and have traveled a bit moving every 18 months to a different state up and down the coast until I was a pre-teen. I loved seeing so much of the US and each have their respective pluses, but have found my home for now by the Atlantic ocean.

[sweetgoddess]

Welcome aboard seasiren.
I wanted to let you know, I bought a Black and Decker food processor at the store for $38 and have been using it for 8 months almost daily, with no problems. If you do get one try the ice cream recipe:
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2436&highlight=good+golly+miss+molly

I use my blender every day, ( it is a 30 dollar one ) and my food processor everyday or two. My dehydrator I now use about once a week or less. It is a round one and I dont like it. I would give almost anything for an Excalibur!

Best wishes with your raw journey!
Warmly~
Carmel