Raw Brunch ala Amber Shea’s “Practically Raw”

This past week, I received my much anticipated pre-ordered copy of Amber Shea’s new cookbook (or, shall we actually say…recipe book!) called “Practically Raw“.  I was especially excited about this book because of her philosophy on incorporating raw food into one’s diet.  She boldly proclaims that it truly doesn’t need to be all or nothing, a mantra that I whole heartedly agree with.

My first thumb through the book was so exciting, it actually brought a little tear to my eye…but I’m a total sap when things make me happy, so that was no surprise.  Getting beyond the beautiful photos, I started preparing some of the delicious recipes immediately, and quickly realized I just couldn’t make them all fast enough.  Reaching out to friend Elizabeth Fraser (aka Girl Gone Raw) our solution was to get together for brunch and share prep responsibilities for as many of Amber’s delicious recipes as we thought we could possibly eat in one sitting!

The result? One dee-licious brunch! Elizabeth actually proclaimed that she hadn’t been this full on raw food in a long time…and this is someone who makes raw food with clients all day & all week long!

On the menu (clockwise, starting top left, in the photo above):

• Butternut Squash Chipotle Soup (p 120)
• Flaxjacks (also on left side of plate w/Miso Maple Butter) (p 58)
• Chia Porridge with Blueberries (p 54)
• Morning Mushroom Scramble (p 53)
• Apple Cinnamon Raisin Bread (p 70)
• Banana Bread Squares (p 68)
• Pizza Kale Chips (p 102)
• Chocolate Kale Chips (p 104)…yes, these sound odd, but you must try them to believe them. They taste just like Cocoa Puffs! No joke.

If you’re curious about incorporating vitamin & nutrient packed raw food into your everyday diet, I highly recommend this book.  The recipes are all made with practical, easy to find ingredients, very easy to whip up, and every recipe offers several ingredient substitution options, as well as both “raw” & “cooked” instructions, which are especially helpful for folks who don’ t have a dehydrator (what raw foodies use to “cook” their food without heating it over 115 degrees F).

Here are more photos from our brunch…

Chia Porridge with Blueberries (p 54)

Morning Mushroom Scramble (p 53)

Pizza Kale Chips (p 102) & Chocolate Kale Chips (p 104)

Getting hungry???  I’m headed back to the kitchen to finish off my butternut squash soup leftovers right now!