pb & j, reconfigured.

At Fresh Abundance there is a new gf raw breakfast cookie that is made of germinated raw almonds, germinated gold flaxseeds, medjool dates, thompson raisins, and purified water. I sampled one immediately when they first became available. It was delicious, hearty, and not too sweet: the perfect amount of energy to start a day. Ever since that first bite, I couldn't stop thinking about how tasty it would be with a little peanut butter and jelly on top.

raw breakfast cookie
I am not really a person who loves sweet foods. I mean, they have their place, and I can definitely appreciate them, but in general I will more often choose the salty/savory option. This new treat, however, this is divine. The perfect amount of sweet. I could eat it for breakfast or for dessert. Yum.. and it's so good for me. Next time I think I'll try some almond butter or sunbutter to switch it up.

pb & j raw breakfast cookie
Since 2005 when I was diagnosed as a celiac, I have mostly lost my appetite for bread. Sure, I love a good bagel. That will never change. But bread, I just don't crave it like I used to. Lack of bread cravings aside, this cookie with pb & j may be better than it's traditional counterpart. The heartiness of the cookie, it almost mimics whole wheat bread crust when reconfigured. Unlike with wheat bread though, the cookie provides a diversity of of nutrients, protein, and energy without any shortening or refined sugars.

I shared this combination with Arelya, the FA raw chef, and her response was priceless. I wish I had a video camera as I find that really good food often takes away our words and leaves only sounds of expression. Between bites and sounds of enjoyment she said, "This inspires something deep in my soul."

I smiled.

Yes. Love. Food.

The best part. In the last week I have walked into the Fresh Abundance Kitchen many times to spy a pb & j reconfigured. All Arelya can say is, "You did this to me."

Yes, maybe I did. You're welcome. Enjoy.

Wellness Begins Here

The past few weeks have been like a roller coaster; I have been hanging on and enjoying the ride. I am so thankful for where I have unexpectedly landed. After a good month camping in the woods I have moved into a little apartment on the p.e.a.c.h. farm.

Of the many reasons this is an exciting move, I am most enamored by the fact that I have an oven and stove. A full size oven and stove people!! You see, I haven't had the pleasure of cooking with these lovely appliances for the past three years. How did I manage? I have no idea, but I made it work...with a hot plate and a small toaster oven. Because I am a severe celiac, I make 98% of the food I consume so this was no small feat.

My new love

My first night in the apartment I boiled water to make tea. I couldn't even believe how quickly the whole process occurred. Seriously, I was in complete awe at how fast it all happened. Quick boiling water and an oven big enough to hold a baking pan have given me the itch to cook. I have a feeling this is going to be a very delicious summer; living on a farm, cooking what's ripe and fresh, and sharing many meals with friends.

Wellness begins in the kitchen, and there are surely good things to come.