Raw Blueberry Cheesecake (vegan, gluten-free)

Raw Blueberry Cheesecake

Crust:

2 cups pecans

1 cup dates

a pinch of salt

Cheesecake filling:

3 cups macadamia nuts, soaked overnight

3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 cup agave nectar

3/4 cup coconut oil

1 vanilla bean, insides scraped (or 1 teaspoon vanilla)

2 tsp probiotic powder (optional)

1/2 tsp salt

14 oz blueberries

1. If your coconut oil is solid, place a little over 3/4 cup of coconut oil into a glass measuring cup or, bowl. Melt the coconut oil in a large bowl or sink filled with a few inches of, very warm water, making sure the water does not reach over the top of the cup or, bowl holding the coconut oil. Stir every couple of minutes while you make the, crust, and it will melt faster. If your oil is already liquid, then just measure the 3/4 cup
2. Place all "Crust" ingredients into a food processor fitted with the "S" blade and process until fine.
3. Press crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. (I used a pie pan because I cannot find my springform and had leftover of the filling)
4. Check your coconut oil measurement once it's all melted. It should be 3/4 cup, when melted.
5. Put all Cheesecake filling ingredients into a high-speed blender or process in a food processor in batches until smooth.
6. Adjust lemon juice and agave nectar to taste.
7. Pour mixture onto crust. Tap the pan on your bench/countertop a few times to remove any air bubbles.
8. Put the cheesecake in the freezer until firm for at least 3 hours but, preferably overnight.
9. Transfer the cheesecake to the fridge about 2 hours before serving.

Make Your Own Toothpaste

Most toothpastes, even the ones found in natural food stores, are filled with ingredients that really do not need to be there, including toxic chemical, parabens, and petroleum by-products. When Tom's of Maine was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive several years ago, I started making my own tooth powder. Now I add glycerin to it and it is toothpaste.

This recipe takes minutes to make and I make a little cup of it for each of us. Because there are no preservatives in it, I only make about a month's batch at a time. I use arrowroot because it is less abrasive than baking soda or salt on our gums. I also like mint in my toothpaste but any flavored extract could be used here or none at all.

Ingredients:

3 Tbls Baking Soda

1 Tbls Arrowroot

1 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 tsp Peppermint Oil (food grade)

3 Tbls Vegetable Glycerin (may take a little more)

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until lump free. You can put the final product in a squeeze tube or a small cup. Too keep it sanitary, I typically use either one container per person in the family, or the squeeze tube.

This makes almost 1/2 cup and depending on how much and how often you use it, should last at least 1 - 3 months.

To make whitening toothpaste, add 1/2 Tbls ground sage.

Chia Water (Raw, Vegan, Gluten-Free)

This is a great refreshing "energy" drink. I have felt pretty tired and nauseous in the mornings lately and this is a great pick me up that gives me some energy to last until the nausea is gone. Even if I were not feeling that way - this is a great way to get omegas and water into your diet.

Chia Water

8oz or more water

1 tsp chia seeds

Juice of half a lemon

Add all ingredients to a 10oz or larger glass, let sit for about 10 minutes then drink and enjoy! Chia seeds are different from flax seeds in that the human body can digest them and access the omegas without the seeds having to be ground.

This recipe has:

• 30 calories
• Omega 3 - 819mg
• Omega 6 - 270mg
• Vitamin C - 10.6mg
• Calcium - 31.1mg
• Phosphorous - 45.6mg
• Potassium - 36.0mg

(based on data from nutritiondata.com)