Maya’s Chocolate Covered Cherry SuperFood Smoothie

Our contributor, and Vital Juice Chicago Editor, Maya Henderson is a smoothie genius aaand she has a knack for effortlessly discovering all the best fitness deals, new classes and exciting recipes out in the universe of yum. It’s true. One taste of this easy-to-make Chocolate Cherry Superfood Smoothie and you will become as much of a fan of Maya as we are. This recipe is adapted from Kristen’s Raw Cherry Chocolate Bomb Shake—it takes Kristen’s brilliant combo and amps up the nutritional profile with some superfood goodness like green powder and maca. Read more…

Creamy Millet and Kale Salad

I eat this salad once a week, and when I’m not eating it, I’m craving it. Who knew that a girl who ate her first salad at 19 years old would be loving kale one day? As much as I want to say that it’s the kale itself, I have to admit that it is the rich and cheesey non-dairy sauce that is the true kryptonite. This is a great recipe to try out on the folks that think kale is just a garnish. Feel free to swap out millet for quinoa—both are delicious and work well with this easy to prepare recipe. Don’t have kale around? Try spinach instead. Read more…

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Pie Crust Cookies

These babies are a nice, delicate cross between a cracker and a cookie, with a touch of natural sucanat sweetness. Gluten-free, wheat-free pie crust cookies are easy, fun to make, and a great use of leftover pie crust. Spread organic jam or wild-harvested raw honey on them for a sweeter treat, or top with cold-pressed coconut oil for a buttery cracker. Both are simply delicious. Read more…

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Vegetable Lasagna

This noodle-free, gluten-free veggie-packed lasagna is one of my favorite creations yet. It is definitely one of those recipes you might want to try out at your next dinner party to WOW family and friends who are vegan skeptics. Our recipe for Dairy-Free Ricotta Cheese layers with organic sweet potato, asparagus, spinach and peppers to not only create a beautiful lasagna, but one that tastes extra cheesy and noodley without cheese or noodles. It’s true. It tastes so indulgent, I actually caught myself feeling a pang of guilt after eating a piece last week. Then I giggled, remembering that it was all veggies and nuts and seeds. Joy. Read more…

Raw Buttery Kale Crackers

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If you were to close your eyes and ignore the fact that these crackers were green (and what a handsome green), you would probably think that they tasted a lot like buttery Cheez-Its. Who knew a raw, dehydrated combination of macadamia nuts, organic kale and organic red pepper could do such a thing?

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Raw ShamWOW Shake

My yoga-lovin’ pal, Maya Henderson and I, tag-teamed this recipe creation for an official Kyles Files Challenge—to make a healthy Shamrock Shake substitute. This skeptic-crushing, tasty and nutritious version of the seasonal McD’s concoction “WOWed” Miss Kyles (one of Shamrock’s biggest fans). High-fives all around. The Raw ShamWOW Shake uses my recipe for Raw Fresh Mint Ice Cream and it is an irresistible, guilt-free, chemical-free mix of that creamy, minty flavor we all know and love. Dig in. Guilt-free. Read more…

Raw Green Power Juice

Raw Green Power Juice

There are many combinations for a delicious Raw Green Vegetable Juice, but this one ends up being the one that I make the most. I try my best to make it daily. It is a savory mix of dark, organic greens, parsley, celery, lemon juice and a touch of sweetness from organic carrots. Feel free to add fresh herbs, a clove of garlic, a dash of sea salt, ginger or cayenne to change it up. Don’t have a juicer? Add 1/2 to 1 cup of water and blend these healing veggies until smooth in your high-powered blender. Drink it as a smoothie or eat it as a green veggie soup. Any way is a great way to get in large amounts of chlorophyll and cleansing, energizing greens.

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Raw Carrot Almond Pate

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Raw Carrot Almond Pate is a YumUniverse kitchen staple. You can spread it on Raw White Bread (shown above) or Manna Bread for a quick, healthy a snack or add tomato, fresh greens and sprouts for a sandwich. Scoop some onto a fresh green salad or use it to make a delicious Raw Carrot Almond Crunch Maki. Of course, you can just eat a few spoonfuls plain out of the container. I do it all the time. Raw Carrot Almond Maki is simple to make, delicious and a great recipe that you can change up to make it your own. Try adding garlic, or switching out carrots for sundried tomatoes and parsley for basil. Try adding cumin and coriander. Make it sweeter by removing savory ingredients and adding cinnamon and sundried raisins. Have fun and share what you create with us. Read more…

Raw Salty Sweet Kale Chips

Raw Salty Sweet Kale Chips are a fantastic way to get healthy, quality greens into your diet without even realizing it—except for the color, of course. They are a splendid combo of salty sweet crunch, and yes, kids love them. I will sometimes eat a whole head of kale in one sitting they are so delicious. Munch. Munch. Munch. Pack ’em up in your purse, in your car and at your desk so when hunger hits, you are satisfied with real, quality, delicious food instead of junk. Read more…