A not so random selection of Laura's everyday favorites

Hemp Milk

Laura actually likes Hemp Dream but I can't find an image of it anywhere so instead I put an image of the brand I like called Living Harvest. It seems they just came out with a new version, which is unsweetened and vanilla flavored. I think it looks better than Living Harvests original vanilla hemp milk because it has virtually no sugar, no carbs and fewer calories. It's good and creamy maybe even a little nutty tasting too.

Unsweetened carob chips by Sunspire

These are a long standing favorite of Laura's. I also kinda like the Vegan carob chips by Sunspire too. I think these might be an acquired taste but they are kinda great for snacking on.

Artisana Raw organic Cashew Butter

Just plain delicious! Laura likes to eat this frozen, straight out of the jar and chip away at it. I am not sure how, but she manages to eat a jar of this in a day or two.


Here is her favorite make at home sweet snackie treat originally found on foodandwine.com.
She says they are "RAWSOME"!

Coconut-Almond Balls with Dried Fruit
1 cup raw almonds (5 ounces)
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
1 cup dried pineapple (4 ounces), coarsely chopped
1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted (4 1/2 ounces)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

In a food processor, pulse the almonds with the salt and vanilla seeds until very finely ground. Add the pineapple and dates and process until the mixture holds together. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in the cranberries. Roll into 1-inch balls. Roll the balls in the coconut until coated. The coconut-almond balls can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.


These next ones aren't salty nor has Laura ever tried these so they probably shouldn't be included in this post about Laura's favorite foods. But this variation was inspired by her recipe. They are also pretty good, because they have that magical ingredient, Chocolate.

Chocolate Salty Balls makes 10 aprox 20g each
1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
4 dates (50g)
1/8 tsp salt
1 tbs agave
2 tbs water
1 scoop protein powder (NOW, unflavored)
Almond extract- about a half of a cap full

Put in food processor, make into balls, and dip into melted chocolate... if you’re into that sort of thing. Refrigerate for about 20 mins or until chocolate hardens. Eat balls!!!


Genji Ginger Miso dressing

Though she usually makes her own salad dressings she has recently come across a ready made one that suits her standards. Genji Ginger Miso dressing is sold in the front aisle of sushi bars @ Whole Foods. I couldn't seem to find am image of this either but after looking around on the Internet this product seems to have a big following. I haven't tried it yet but am going to look for it next time I am at whole foods, or what Laura fondly refers to as "whole paycheck".

Vegetables

As for vegetables... it's all about sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, both treated rather simply. Cut into chunky pieces, tossed with olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted in the oven till cooked and slightly crispy.

Maybe one day she will send me the poem she wrote about sweet potatoes. And might there be a poem about Brussels sprouts in works?