Spinach Cheese Dip

As a raw food chef, I’m always looking for new ways to be inspired when making the food I love. I’m sure with any cuisine it’s easy to get stuck in the same routine… same spices, similar dishes, obvious go-to flavors.

I was sent Matt and Janabai Amsden’s new recipe book: The Rawvolution Continues. It’s absolutely beautiful. The moment I received it I broke it open and began pouring through it, absorbing the gorgeous, colorful photographs and salivating as I read through the recipes.

I think this would be an amazing first book for anyone interested in starting down the path of raw food. Maybe someone wanting to eat more living foods or someone wanting to transition to eating completely vegan.

I love that Matt explains how to stock your raw pantry and tips on how to travel and eat raw. I’m constantly asked how to eat high raw and healthy foods when I travel and I really like his advice to bring nori sheets because they can instantly turn any salad into a wrap. It really isn’t that hard to pack healthy foods when you think about all the new options. From dried goji berries and raw nuts + seeds to fresh fruit and veggies and raw chocolate bars, the options are really endless. Obviously my favorite advice he gave is to pack “green powder” which to us Philosophie lovers is Green Dream! He says to:

“pour green powder directly into a bottle of orange, apple juice or water. This simple mixture can supply concentrated vitamins and minerals when you haven’t been eating the most nutritious foods, supply extra energy while you’re on the go, and even replace a meal in a pinch.”

Yay Philosophie Green Dream!

“It can combat jet lag or make up for a bad night’s sleep on an inflatable air mattress.”

yes, Matt, it sure does! :)

A really great tip for going out to a mexican restaurant is to order the largest guacamole, the largest salsa and a large plate of shredded lettuce with cilantro to make your own raw taco salad! Love that!

They also shared that in a 2010 Huffington Post article, addressing air travel, Dr. Joseph Mercola stated, “if you fly at night you can reduce your radiation risk by 99% because nearly all of the radiation from the sun is being blocked by the earth.” really amazing.

I obviously loved all the creative new recipes and ones that I’ve been doing for years (like truffles/energy balls, kale salad, smoothies) with a new, fresh twist. I’ve been so lucky throughout the years to visit Matt’s amazing raw food restaurant in Santa Monica (Euphoria Loves Rawvolution) so as I was reading through his book, I could almost taste the dishes asI read the recipes!

One of my favorite new recipes from this book I will share with all of you is for Spinach Cheese Dip. YUM! Super easy, quick and simple ingredients.

Spinach Cheese Dip

 

Image

  • 2 C chopped avocados
  • 1 C chopped spinach, briefly marinated in 1 T olive oil
  • 1 C raw walnuts
  • 1/4 C chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
  • 2 T fresh lemon juice
  • 1 T coconut aminos
  • 1 t nutritional yeast (use 1/4C cashews if you don’t have nutritional yeast)
  • 1/2 t ground black pepper

in a high speed blender, combine all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Garnish with basil just before serving.

serve as a dip for bell peppers, celery and carrots or with raw flax crackers.

My absolute most exciting recipe I made was the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls because I buy them ALL the time (and they are expensive!) and can finalllllllyyyy make them EXACTLY like the ones I buy for myself! SCORE!

My other favorite recipes from the cookbook were: the Hot Chocolate (would be so taste with Cacao Magic in it!), Strawberry Sangria, Big Nachos, Cucumber Summer Rolls, Sea Cakes with cilantro chutney and all the sushi rolls (especially the atlantis rolls!). My husband (Israeli man!) loved the Falafel Wraps and Kai (our almost-3-year old!) loved the “Cheesy” Broccoli (which we call “trees”. That was the only new idea for kids stuff… I do wish there were more creative ideas for kids but luckily my boys are pretty good eaters so I’ve been doing ok :)

Image

Baby Leo (almost a year old) ADORED the Fluffy Pudding Parfaits and we made them a few days in a row because they were such a hit!

Image

I’m so excited to try more and post pretty pictures from my creative play! Stay tuned… and go get this amazing raw food recipe book!

Leave a comment:

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Other articles:

Warm Winter Chai Smoothie

Chai Smoothie

Enjoy this warm and comforting start to your day with a blend of aromatic chai tea, our energizing and antioxidant-rich Cacao Magic, creamy almond butter, and a sprinkle of warming spices. It’s everything you love about a chai tea latte but with inflammation-fighting antioxidants and a boost of energy, plus almond butter for a great meal replacement when you want something a little lighter first thing in the morning.

Recreate this soul-soothing recipe that will leave you feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

Warm Winter Chai Latte

Gather This:

1 cup warm brewed rooibos chai tea

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp allspice

2 tsp ground ginger (or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed ginger juice)

½ cup almond or coconut milk

2 tbsp almond butter

Monkfruit, coconut nectar, raw honey, or stevia to taste

1 tbsp Cacao Magic


Do This:

Start by brewing a cup of rooibos chai tea. Allow it to steep until it reaches a warm and comforting temperature.

In a blender, combine the warm brewed chai tea, cinnamon, allspice, ground ginger (or ginger juice), almond or coconut milk, almond butter, and the sweetener of your choice. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preferences.

Enhance the nutritional profile and flavor of your chai brew by adding 1 tablespoon of Cacao Magic.

Secure the lid on your blender and blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy. The rich aroma of chai combined with the decadent flavor of Cacao Magic creates a delightful sensory experience.

For optimal digestion and to relish the warmth, it's best to enjoy your Nourishing Chai Brew before it cools. Pour it into your favorite mug or glass and savor each sip.

Warm Winter Chai Smoothie

 

What cold-weathered treat would you like to see made healthy + healing? Share it with us on Instagram by tagging @philosophielove!

Sweet & Simple Cacao Yogurt Parfait

Cacao Yogurt Parfait

There’s something about a parfait that feels oh-so-decadent. This sweet & simple cacao yogurt parfait recipe is rich, creamy, sweet, and satisfying, but it comes with a twist – it's loaded with superfoods. Mixing Philosophie Superfood Blends into your snacks is a great way to get extra proteins and nutrients without the added sweeteners or fillers. It’s the perfect treat to keep you feeling light and energized!


All you need is a nourishing yogurt (regular or dairy-free, your choice!), plus the Cacao Magic Superfood Blend, Cosmic Elixir collagen + adaptogen superfood blend, almond butter, and chocolate. For toppings, add your favorite nuts and sprinkle on pink salt making a picture-perfect parfait!

Cacao Parfait

Gather This:

½ cup coconut yogurt

¼ cup almond butter

1 tbsp Cacao Magic Superfood Blend

1 tbsp Cosmic Elixir or collagen of choice

¼ cup melted chocolate

Sprinkle of chopped pistachios + pink salt

Superfood Parfait

Do This:

Mix the coconut yogurt, Cacao Magic and collagen in a bowl. In a clear cup of your choice, layer half the coconut yogurt mixture then add a layer of almond butter followed by the rest of the coconut yogurt mixture. Top with a layer of melted chocolate and top with chopped pistachios and pink salt. Put in the freezer for 15 minutes and ENJOY!

Cacao Yogurt Parfait

Vegan Cobb Salad with Green Honey Maple Mayo

Vegan Cobb Salad

Salads don’t have to be boring! The secret to a savory and tasty salad? A variety of flavors, colors and superfoods! For this vegan cobb salad, we combined a savory take on coconut chips and a homemade Green Dream honey maple mayo dressing that’s a little bit sweet & savory. 


This salad would also be good as a sandwich, in lettuce cups, and pretty much any way you serve it. The crisp coconut chips and the nutrient-rich Green Honey Maple Mayo will turn any “boring” salad into your next lunch go-to. Enjoy every bite, and don't forget to share this recipe with your friends – they'll thank you later!

Salad Prep

Gather This:

FOR THE COCONUT CHIPS -

2 cups coconut chips

¼ cup tamari

¼ cup maple syrup

1 - 2 tsp garlic powder

1-2 tsp smoked paprika

Pinch of cayenne (if you like spice)

Pinch of sea salt

FOR THE GREEN HONEY MAPLE MAYO [makes about 1/2 cup]

Liquid from 1 can of chickpeas

¼ cup of chickpeas

1 tbsp Green Dream 

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

2 tbsp maple syrup

2 tbsp dijon mustard

1 clove of garlic

1 tsp sea salt

½ cup olive oil

FOR THE SALAD

Spring peas

Snap peas

Radishes 

Pistachios 

Avocado 

Vegan Cobb Salad with Green Honey Maple Mayo

Do This:

Make your coconut topping by preheating the oven to 350. Toss coconut with tamari, maple, garlic, paprika, and cayenne if using. Bake for 10 minutes. Stir about halfway through baking so that it doesn't burn. Remove from the oven, and wait a few minutes until it crisps up.

Make your Green Honey Maple Mayo by blending all ingredients except olive oil until smooth. Add olive oil and blend until everything is emulsified and creamy.

Toss your salad together and arrange to make it beautifully according to you! 

Vegan Cobb Salad with Green Honey Maple Mayo

Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte

Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte

Re-create the Starbucks Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte the Philosophie way with superfood blends, adaptogens and healing fall spices that leave with you a sugar crash. This pumpkin chai latte is made with natural ingredients: pumpkin puree, nut milk, maple syrup and spices. 

 

The detoxing honey, grounding fall spices, and mood-supporting ashwagandha blend beautifully with the chai tea, composed of medicinally active herbs. Since this latte has substantially less caffeine than regular ol' java, you can use it as mood + energy booster anytime of day! 

Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte Copycat

Gather This:

1 tea bag of spiced chai (or decaf spiced chai rooibos)

½ cup nut milk of choice

2 tbsp real pumpkin purée

1 tbsp maple syrup or honey (we recommend Fall Vibes Honey!)

1 tsp Fall Vibes

¼ tsp vanilla extract

Tiny dash salt

Optional garnishes: 1 cinnamon stick or star of anise, coconut whipped cream

Iced Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte

Do This:

In a small saucepan, bring ½ cup water to a gentle boil. Remove the water from heat, add the tea bag, and let it steep for 4 minutes. Before removing the tea bag, squeeze any water remaining out by pressing the tea bag against the side of the pan with the back of a spoon.

Add the nut milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, Fall Vibes and salt to the pan. Pour the mixture into a stand blender and blend for a minute or two, or whisk until the drink is nice and creamy.

Gently rewarm on the stove, then pour it into a mug. Top with totally optional whipped coconut cream and/or garnish with totally optional cinnamon stick or star of anise. ENJOY!!

Homemade Pumpkin Chai Tea Latte

What cold-weathered treat would you like to see made healthy + healing?

Deliciously Spiced Pumpkin Muffins: Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free

Fall Vibes Pumpkin Muffins

These cozy, tasty pumpkin muffins are not just a delightful treat, they're also gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a perfect indulgence anytime of day. They’re more nutritious than they look as they’re made entirely gluten-free and sweetened with real maple syrup. We topped them with dark chocolate which is said to be one of the best sources of antioxidants and can improve blood flow. Plus, they’re made with pumpkin which is actually a superfood!.


Savor the fall flavors, the subtle sweetness of maple syrup, and the delightful combination of pumpkin and spices. No pumpkin muffin is complete without traditional warming spices which is why the Fall Vibes Superfood Blend is PERFECT for these treats that smell & taste just like fall. 


Share these with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself for a little taste of autumn whenever you desire. We won’t tell. ;)

Pumpkin Spiced Muffins

Gather This:

2 cups almond flour

¼ tsp salt

½ tsp baking soda

¼ cup oil of choice

¼ cup maple syrup

2 eggs

⅓ cup pumpkin puree

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp Philosophie Fall Vibes

½ cup of gluten-free dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs 

Pumpkin Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Muffins

Do This:

Preheat oven to 350℉. 

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, salt, and baking soda. Add wet ingredients + mix until well combined.

For that unmistakable pumpkin spice taste, add 2 tablespoons of Philosophie Fall Vibes or your preferred pumpkin spice blend. This is where the magic happens! 

Stir in chocolate chips or cacao nibs and then spoon the batter into paper liners in a cupcake pan. 

Pop your muffin pan into the preheated oven and bake for 22-24 minutes. Keep a watchful eye on them – you'll know they're done when the center is set, and a toothpick or fork comes out clean when inserted into the muffin.

Once they're ready, remove your pumpkin spice muffins from the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes. 

Devour!!

Philosophie Pumpkin Muffins

Blue Butterfly Cashew Butter Bowl

Blue Butterfly Bowl

We’re dreaming of a beautiful blue galaxy with this delicious Butterfly Boost Cashew Butter Bowl! Did you know blue is the color of confidence and calmness? It manifests intuition, balance, tranquility and intelligence. So infusing more of your meal with blue foods can really calm and center the mind especially when you load it with nutrients and ingredients that support brain health, energy and mood.


Enjoy this beautiful bowl made with homemade Butterfly Boost cashew butter and topped with blueberries, nut butter and supercharged raw honey. You can have it in the morning with oatmeal, in the afternoon with quinoa or for dessert with rice puffs - whatever you desire!

Philosophie Blue Snack Bowl

Gather This:

FOR THE BUTTERFLY BOOST CASHEW BUTTER

1 cup of cashews

1 tbsp of Butterfly Boost

1 tbsp of Coconut Magic or coconut manna

FOR THE BOWL

1 cup of quinoa, rice puffs or oatmeal

Butterfly Boost Cashew Butter 

Handful of blueberries

Nut Butter of choice

Drizzle with Berry Bee Honey


Do This:

Combine all ingredients for the Butterfly Boost Cashew Butter in a high speed blender and blender until smooth (add water to create desired consistency). Then in a bowl, start with a layer of quinoa, rice puffs or oatmeal and top with your Butterfly Boost Cashew Butter, handful of blueberries, nut butter and a drizzle of Berry Bee Honey. ENJOY!

Blue Butterfly Cashew Butter Bowl

Archives from 2018