Beverages

watermelonSummer makes me lazy at times, so much that I have been showing my blender all the love and neglecting my poor little juicer. I can't help it, I really really dislike washing the juicer! I always end up getting splashed with water even when I try to prevent it. Plus all of the pieces that need to be clean seem like a hassle, so I turn to my blender! But I must say, I don't mean to use this as anything against my juicer. It's the best juicer I've ever had and is so efficient in that it is slow juicing, extracts maximum amount of juice and is not loud at all. I use a Omega VRT350 Juicer and a Vitamix 6300. I have a list of What's In My Kitchen if ever you are interested in what I normally eat/use.

Raw Vegan Fruit Beer Ice Cream Floats! Root Beer and Coca Cola ice cream floats were where it was at when growing up. I used to attend a day care program after school and we had ice cream floats almost every Friday. I used to think it was the best thing ever...until I had this. Having had learned of the {horrible} effects soda could have on our bodies, I vowed to never again have one. But, when they are served around me, I can't lie...I do tend to miss the floats quite a bit! Especially because I start to reminisce on my childhood. So in order to fullfill these cravings, what is there to do? What there always is to do in cases like this, veganize it. That term has been frequent for the past 3 years of my life, and forever will be. I love being able to veganize old favorites of mine. Not only do I have fun experimenting in the kitchen, but I love sharing my recipes with my family in hopes of bringing them one step closer to considering a plant-based diet. Without further or do, I present to you my RAW and VEGAN Fruit Beer Float xx

Mint Matcha Coconut Cooler

This summer in LA has been unbearably hot most days. I feel like I always say this, but summer seems to be getting hotter each year. This is actually probably true, and I have been told it is caused by global warming and the destruction of our atmosphere, but I don't really want to get into that here. Besides, this drink is what you're here for, right?

I was given the opportunity to try out the Kiss Me Organics Matcha last week, and I came up with this as my taste testing recipe! I tried the matcha alone, but I am not a matcha expert and honestly could not judge it based upon that tasting. So into a recipe it went!

This organic matcha is very fresh and has a naturally strong aroma to it. Don't be frightened - that's how all the antioxidants say hello!

I was inspired by my favorite Moroccan Mint Latte from Urth Caffe. For those if you in California, I definitely recommend you try it out when you're by an Urth Caffe! They have them all around LA and in Berkeley as well (which is where I first tried it). I wanted to recreate the drink in my kitchen, but in a more weather-friendly form. The drink is warm, but I wanted something cool. I originally was going to just make  an iced latte with coconut milk, but I also wanted to decrease the fat without compromising nutrient density AND flavor, so I went with fresh young thai coconut water.

Mint Matcha Coconut Cooler

[caption id="attachment_2246" align="aligncenter" width="560"] Image via Good Eggs LA[/caption]

I found out that my mom's friend's niece delivers raw organic almond milk in my area, whaaat!? How did I not know about this!  I finally got the chance to meet Cece and she is such a sweetheart. I wish we had connected sooner. We talked about her and her company, Raw Nut Milk, and she kindly gave me a sample of her "Rose Chai" almond milk to sample. Oh myyyy, it tastes just like a chai tea latte I am officially obsessed with it.

Her whole menu is filled with organic artisan spice and herb infused almond milks and an almond creamer. It is all organic, and dairy- sugar- soy-gluten- gmo- filler- binder AND preservative-free. She's servin' you the local leche jam packed with all the good stuff! The milk is sweetened using organic wildflower honey, but she will kindly sub it out for dates when requested. She will even make it salt-free and add custom ingredients that you wish for to ensure you are satisfied. Can't have almonds? NO PROBLEM! Walnuts can easily be subbed in.

Where does she deliver? San Gabriel Valley + parts of LA! Check out her website for all of the info. And guess what LA locals? Raw nut Milk will soon be available with Good Eggs, an online marketplace bringing fresh local groceries to your door!!

I got the chance to meet with her over Plant Food For People's Vegan Jackfruit Tacos at one of our favorite spots Organix LA. It is great to meet someone that I can relate to in terms of our interest in health and our motivation to promote it. She was kind enough to answer questions I had for her, and to allow me to share it here with you all.

Cinnamon Basil Almond Milk + 'Raw Nut Milk' Interview

Golden Kiwi Pitaya SmoothieI always love visiting the asian market by my home and picking up a few fruits/vegetables that I do not normally eat or that I have never tried. If you are looking for something new, definitely try this out. I know that these markets do not sell organic produce, but once in a while I like to visit them and get a taste of something new. Plus, they always have jackfruit and durian, so it is worth the trip. I picked up these golden kiwis my past visit. I have tried them before at my auntie's house, but I never was able to get my hands on some individual ones of my own, as they always sell them in large bulk boxes. Well, this time they had them out with all of the other produce. I grabbed a few and when I got home I discovered that my Pitaya Plus smoothie packs had just arrived in the mail, so I decided to combine the two into a smoothie and see what happens.Golden Kiwi Pitaya SmoothieWhat I created this beautiful smoothie that will definitely now be one of my favorites. If you do not have golden kiwi, use a green kiwi, as I am more than sure it will still be delicious.