I am so grateful this week to Joshua and all the staff of Integrative Nutrition for an amazing retreat/conference in Costa Rica! The conference inspired me in many ways; emotionally, spiritually, energetically and even in the culinary sense. I left there feeling like a new woman. Outside the amazing people, beautiful scenery and intense self- development and business training, I believe the raw chocolates and cakes had a little something to do with it. Yes my friends, the Blue Spirit Retreat, located in Nosara harbored a to-die-for raw chocolate and dessert bar. Let’s just say that I spent a lot of time at the bar while on vacation with my new friends;) My how things have changed in my life!
As a self-diagnosed lover of all things sweet, I was pleasantly surprised at how satisfied I was by small amounts of the raw, organic and vegan treats! Mainstream desserts that we have grown accustomed to are loaded with artificial colors and flavors; not to mention highly processed sugar, dairy, flour and other junk that even the winner of this years spelling bee would have trouble pronouncing. I must say it felt wonderful to honor my body and not feel crappy for indulging in something that also tasted delicious!
Inspired by Costa Rica, and my beautiful roommate Jessica (she is the owner of Beaming With Health) I came home on a mission to create a delicious fruit pie my whole family would love!
Mission accomplished!! Not only did I make this pie in under 10 minutes, but it is also kid tested and approved!
Ingredients
Crust:
2 cups almonds, pecans, hazelnuts or macadamia nuts. (I used almonds)
1/2-1 tablespoon coconut oil
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or one vanilla bean
5 pitted medjool dates
2 tablespoons agave nectar
Pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg (optional)
Place nuts in food processor or vitamix and process until crumbled and close to flour-like. Add the coconut oil, vanilla, agave, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pulse another 5-6 times. Add the dates last, one at at time, and continue to process until the crust holds together when you squeeze it between your fingertips. Press into a pie tart or pan and freeze for 30 minutes. You can also make mini pies! (pictured)
Toppings
Take any fruit (preferably organic) you like and cut it up into small pieces about the size of your thumbnail. Here are some suggestions that everyone is familiar with but don't be afraid to go crazy! Starfruit anyone?
Kiwi
Mango
Peaches
Strawberries
Blueberries
Raspberries
Remember this pie needs to stay cold because it is made from real, whole foods and is not processed.
Keep cold right up until serving. Enjoy!!
Pura Vida,
Rachel
