Friday, April 9, 2010

Delicious Raw Strawberry Cheesecake

-So this whole raw thing has really got me thinking-
I've mentioned before on my other blog, Fanciful how our good friends Keith & Suzanne introduced raw to us. They had us over for dinner the other night and made us the most delicious raw meal. If they didn't tell me it was raw, I would have had no idea - it was that satisfying. Suzanne has this way of living figured out and I couldn't be more thankful for her and Keith's guidance. They have approached it in such a way it showed me it can be easy and that it is easy.
We're not eating strictly raw and we're not doing this because we don't like the way animals are treated etc. (of course it brings peace to the back of my mind knowing an animal has nothing to do with my meal) We're doing this because it makes us happy and we consistantly feel good. I don't ever feel like I'm missing out or even crave something greasy. At least, not yet. In fact I had a yogurt the other day and was excited to get it thinking of how yummy it was going to be and suddenly an unfamiliar feeling came across me - It really wasn't that good. It was the first time I didn't finish my yogurt. Later I learned, your body changes and you begin to create new taste buds. My mind liked the idea of getting a yogurt because it's what I was used to and I'm excited to say it's not what I'm used to anymore.
I made this Raw Strawberry Cheesecake for Mike's Birthday! I looked at a few different recipes on-line and always find myself changing it up to simplify it and make it more my style.
Crust:
1 C Pecans
1 C Walnuts
6 Pitted Dates
2 Tbs Agave
Combine in food processor until sticky, firmly pack mix in pie pan, set aside
Filling:
3 C Cashews Soaked 4hrs then processed in food processor and chilled overnight.
2 1/2 C Fresh Sliced Strawberries
1/2 C Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice
1/4 C Water
5 Tbs Agave to sweetness
5 Tbs Soy Lecithin Granules (I read these are used to thicken smoothies, batter, etc. It really made the filling nice & thick and am happy I gave it a try. You can buy these at a health food store. Soy Lecithin supports learning & memory)
1/2 C Raw Coconut Oil
2 Tbs Organic Vanilla Extract
Add pre chilled & processed cashews, lemon juice, water, and vanilla in blender and blend. Slowly add remaining ingredients until nice and creamy like cake batter then pour over crust in pie pan. I prefer mine a little frozen or refrigerate for 3hr before serving.
~Enjoy~

18 comments:

  1. I saw your first post with the veggie burgers your friends made that I was thinking of trying first but, this sounds so delicious maybe a desert will be first.

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  2. Dear Noel,
    Your RAW Strawberry Cheesecake looks dekicious. . I am loving your new blog with these wonderful recipes.
    You keep showing us these recipes and I'll keep making them.
    Oh dear, this feels like Julie and Julia !! XXXX

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  3. Noel,
    Strawberries are my favorite! I've loved them since I was a little girl ~ and my mom always made me strawberry cakes for my birthday. I've continued the tradition for myself since I no longer live at home, and this year, I'm going to make your recipe here ~ it will be divine! I can't wait for next weekend.

    Bisous,
    Melissa

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  4. This is so awesome Noel!!!
    I'm thrilled you have started this new blog and intend on totally following and trying out all your amazing recipes. I really need to re-think my diet and choices as I start my 5th decade and I'm so grateful for your inspiration and enthusiasm. I can just feel your zest for life and healthy high right through the screen!!!
    I'm loving you and CRU!!!!
    XOXO

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  5. This one I have to try. No raw deal here!

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  6. I love strawberries .. this looks so fabulous.

    I love this new site by the way,
    xoxo

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  7. OMG Noelie! This is insanely beautiful! You had me at the first photo. How the heck to you do it?

    I am kind of scared of CRU cause you may have me stop eating candy. You won't will you?

    LOVE THIS!! Congrats!!

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  8. this looks amazing... and i am so happy to have found your blog... i am a total foodie at heart. xx

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  9. Scoop!
    You continue to amaze me everyday! This blog is most beautiful and CONTAGIOUS!! You've got me craving cabbage and crispy raw crunch!!
    XO

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  10. Viewing all these gorgeous photos and really wishing I wasn't so hopeless in the kitchen! Looks amazing!

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  11. Your photos amaze me. If this dessert is as good as it looks, then it must be delish! The recipe does sound wonderful.
    I am going to try it!
    Thanks for sharing these recipes. They make "raw" so much more appealing. :)
    Love, Dana

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  12. my Grama's Soul12/4/10

    Sounds divine!!

    Blessings,

    Jo

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  13. Anonymous16/4/10

    Oh wow, another wonderful facet of your incredible self you're sharing with the world! Thank you for sprinkling so much beauty and inspiration, dew drop!!! these photos are insane! xoc

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  14. Wow, I have considered eating raw food for a little while, but am so intimidated by it. Your recipes and stories about how you actually prefer it now make it seem so much more achievable - thank you!
    xx

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  15. Sounds delish Noel...I love this new blog of yours, xv.

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  16. Can't wait to try this recipe, thanks for a wonderful blog!

    Kit

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  17. I'm so happy to hear how our lifestyle has inspired you so much. I am thrilled that you and Mike are eating healthier and feeling the amazing results of that. Raw power!

    I've got so many new recipes, and things you need to try... let's get together again soon and have some fun in the kitchen!

    Oh, and BTW... this strawberry cheesecake was simply AMAZING. Try it soon!

    XO

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