Sunday, February 24, 2008

More of my favorite raw stuff....

Here is a great substitute for cooked oatmeal, using soaked oat groats (also known as steel cut oats). It's so good that Dad wants Mom to start using this as their regular oatmeal. It's from the book Raw Food Made Easy.

Whole Oatmeal (Makes 2 srvgs)

2 c. soaked oat groats
1/2 apple, peeled and chopped (I used unpeeled pear one time and actually liked it better)
2 Tbsp. pure maple syrup or raw agave ( I use agave)
2 Tbsp. water
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 c. almond milk
2 Tbsp. raisins

Combine all ingredients, except the milk and raisins, in food processor fitted with the steel blade. Blend well. Stop occasionally to scrape down sides with a spatula. Serve immediately with the milk and raisins. Oatmeal will keep in the fridge for 3 days.

Soaked Oat Groats (makes 2 cups)

1 1/2 c. oat groats

Place the groats in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 8-12 hrs. at room temperature. Drain in a colander and rinse well. Place the groats back in the bowl and cover with fresh water. Soak for another 8-12 hrs. Drain and let air-dry in colander for 30 mins. Stored in a sealed container in the fridge, the groats will keep for 3 days.

Almond milk

2 1/2c. spring water
1 1/2 c. soaked almonds (cover almonds with water in a mason jar and soak for 8 hrs)
3 pitted medjool dates
Dash of salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Place water, almonds, and dates in vitamix or blender. Blend on high speed until very smooth. Strain through cheese cloth or fine-mesh strainer. (Save the pulp for other recipes, or through it into your cereal or oatmeal.) Return liquid to the vitamix and add the salt and vanilla. Mix well til smooth. Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it will keep for 5 days. Make sure to shake well before serving!