Long before I became a raw Foodist, I loved grilling portabella mushrooms with seasonings in place of steak. I smothered them with grilled onions and the flavor and texture where just wonderful substitutes for meat when my family wanted steaks for dinner. When I began converting to a mostly raw food diet, I started looking for ways to replace some of my old favorites. Spaghetti and Meatballs is one of my favorite comfort foods. Something about sharing a good Italian meal makes everyone you're sharing it with feel like family. Searching the internet for raw vegan meatballs was met with disappointment on my part. I found most recipes where not much more than ground nuts with spices. I wanted something heartier, more 'meaty'. This recipe incorporates the use of portabella to give it that 'meaty' texture I was looking for the same way I used to use portabella's in place of steak. I came up with this recipe based on ideas from several sites I searched through Google but I can't give credit to any one in particular, nor can I take complete credit myself. Cheers!

I knew beets were the bomb and spent some time surfing for the perfect raw beet burger - I found several raw and vegetarian recipes - this one I adapted mostly from the addicted to veges and petit chef. I hope you like!

This mousse is packed with gifts from the jungle. The avocado, coconut, and cocao provide antioxidants such as B vitamins and vitamin C, E, A, and K, minerals like magnesium, potassium, copper, and iron, tons of fiber, healthy mono unsaturated fats, as well as Omega 3s and 6s, and the anti-fungal, metabolism-boosting lauric acid. The cacao even has a chemical called phenylethylamine that is a known mood elevator. Even those who aren't fans of avocado will love it and will never guess that this chocolaty concoction is made without dairy. My husband requests this dessert routinely; I am always happy to accommodate him due to the speediness of the preparation process, ease of clean up, and because I love him.
This recipe has some ingredients you might not expect, but they really do complement one another. If you cannot find coconut butter, you can substitute coconut oil (just be sure to use cold-pressed and not one that is hydrogenated). Coconut butter is solid at room temperature and can get quite hard when it is cold. To make the butter easier to scoop and measure gently warm it by placing the jar in a pot of hot water for a few minutes. I list 2-3 tablespoons of agave because unlike my husband--who has a major sweet tooth--I prefer a little less sweetener. I usually scoop some out of the processor for myself after 1 tablespoon of agave and then add extra sweetener for him.

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Adapted from The Balanced Plate by Renee Loux

Another can't-believe-it's-raw recipe. This raw brownie recipe's main ingredients are walnuts, raw cacao and dates... mixed together just perfectly. Have a peek at the walnut brownie recipe (http://rawfoodhealthwatch.com/raw-vegan-recipes/walnut-brownie-r...) on my site if you curious of the potential health benefits of these brownies. Also included are the quick instructions for the optional, but highly recommended, icing.

These Orange Creamsicle Tarts have the same smooth sweet orange flavor with a delicious chewy Macaroon Crust. They are so gorgeous to serve and taste even more divine!

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