Thursday, November 12, 2009

Redecorating & Raw Vegan Apple Crumble

So how did Friday finish up for you?  Are we all excited for the weekend?  I know I am because I'm teaching a yoga class Saturday morning like I had mentioned before, and I am soooo excited!  Wish me luck that I don't goof up the heating system or the surround sound.  I'm cool with the yoga, it's the random things of a new studio that can take a class or two to get used to.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Raw Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls.  They are one of my fave desserts because they are sooo easy and satisfying!

And the apple crumble recipe that I'm going to give you is the same: so easy, so satisfying!  But first...

Remember a couple weeks ago when I posted some of the pics of my new bedroom furniture but the nightstand I wanted was on back order?


Well the nightstand showed up and I got it in!  You're thinking, well obviously you got it in, you've got a picture of it.  Well, there were a few moments in my driveway as the 92F heat and midday sun were blazing down on me, and Skylar was about to run into the street, and it was pandemonium as I was wrestling the proverbial alligator to get the nightstand out of my backseat.  

I have no idea how the guy at West Elm got it into the car, but I couldn't get it out.  I sweet-talked a random neighbor to come help me get it out.  Nothing like meeting your neighbors by saying "Hi, I have a piece of furniture stuck in my backseat and could you get it out for me?  You'll want to curse at it and sweat buckets, but pretty please, can you help me in the name of home redecorating?"


And he did.  And there's my capiz shell lamp on top of the Alligator I Wrestled New Dresser.


And they got in the 2nd Euro Pillow I was waiting for so now I have two.  Pillows were on back order too.  Who knew? Guess everyone wanted some Fluff in their life.  And yes, the fluffy factor is running high on my bed and I love it.


So moving onto a quick product review.   I received some MimicCream.  A sweetened non-dairy & non-soy cream substitute.

Lactose, Cholesterol, and Gluten-Free

What actually is it then?  Well, you can see from the Nutritional Profile it's a Creamy & Sweetened Nut Milk


It's not as sweet as the So Delicious Vanilla Creamer I purchased, and there's no vanilla flavor to it.  But if you're dairy-free, soy-free or vegan and looking for something thicker than almond milk, without the coconut flavor of say coconut creme, then check this stuff out.  A great "cream" alternative!

For dinner, there was a Cauli, Tomato, and Sugar Snap Pea Salad on top of Greens and decked out with my Homemade Vegan Slaw Dressing.

And in honor of Mama Pea, I had to post this one.  You can use it as your Gravatar if you'd like, Pea!

I whipped up another batch of Raw Vegan Chocolate Coconut Snowballs.  It takes all of 5 minutes to make, but you have to plan ahead for the freezing part.  Lately I've always got a batch in rotation.

As promised, and because it's still fall-like and apples are abound, I thought I'd remind you of how easy and delish my Raw Vegan Apple Crumble recipe is! 
 
If you've missed the exact ratios of ingredients, check this post out  or this post here for all the nitty gritty.  But here's some of the pics of the un-baking process that went down today.

Almond Meal (which is ground almonds for new readers.  I get lots of private emails on that one.  Grind the almonds yourself, or buy Almond Meal for $4.99 for a bag from TJ's) + Medjool Dates

Grind Til you have your Crumble Crust Mixture in your Canister.


Press into a Container, Sprinkle with Cinnamon if you'd like


Then Take your Apple Pieces, Agave (or Maple Syrup), Cinnamon, Vanilla Extract & Brown Sugar (Last Two are Optional) and Stir.   Again, check here or here for exact amounts.


Pour This Mixture over your Crust

and Make your Crumbly Topping with Oats + Almond Meal + Agave + Brown Sugar (Brown Sugar is Optional but recommended for authentic-tasting reasons)

Crust + Apple Mixture + Crumbly Topping = Raw Vegan Apple Crumble.  Done in 15 minutes, tops.


Don't Drink the Cinnamon-Agave-Vanilla Extract Juice that is running off your apples & seeping through the container even though you want to.



Refrigerate for up to 5 Days.  I dare you to get this past 5 Hours.  It's seriously Amazing!  

Oh, and it gets better with age, so if you can make it ahead by 12-24 hours, that's ideal.  But since life is frequently less than ideal, making it 2 minutes prior to eating is perfectly acceptable, too.

Yoga Today is Janu Shirsana A (Head to Knee Forward Bend).  When you're doing this pose, you should have a very slight twisting of your core to be over your extended leg.

Tip of the Day:  This Contest Ends Sunday so Get In on the Green Action!  Seriously, Green & Eco-Friendly Products can be a little pricey, why not try your hand at winning $25 buck-eroo's?

Your chance to win a $25 Online Shopping Spree!  You really need to get on this one to help green up your life, so go Get Entered Now!!!!!

What's your fave thing to do while you're in your car, aside from watching the road which is Job Numero Uno.  Reason I ask is because it looks like I'm going to be teaching yoga classes at a variety of studios and clubs across Phoenix and I am going to have some commute-time on my hands.  Sometimes I like to talk on the phone, other times music, other times silence and just some quiet moments to collect my thoughts.  What do you do to pass the time in your vehicle?

Stay Tuned For a Q & A Session...



34 comments:

Estela @ Weekly Bite said...

Wow! Raw Vegan Apple Crisp?!

It looks so good!

I also read your post w/ the chocolate chip cookie dough balls! I definitely trying those!

VeggieGirl said...

LOOOOOOVELY furniture!!


In my car, I sing. Loud. Hahaha ;)

chocolate-KAtie said...

Oh man, you are so flexible! Give me some of that flexibility!

P.S. if ya wanna see a ridiculous comment, check out my blog. See, I told you it's not just you! YOU are awesome; they are the ones who need a life.

You have to laugh sometimes at how people waste their time like that!

Anne said...

Love the raw cookie dough balls! Wow, that sounds like an ordeal with the night stand! Glad it all worked out. I've never seen that mimiccreme before-- it looks cool! The apple crumble also looks amazing--it reminds me of thanksgiving, haha :)

Ok, so this is probably cause of all those years of music training and music theory/aural skills classes, but when I'm in my car I love to play music and then make up and sing harmonies to it. It's so much more fun than just singing the melody, and when you get a good harmony it sounds so cool! Haha ;)

healthhappinesshope said...

The furniture set looks AMAZING Averie! And there's no better way to meet neighbors than asking them to help you with manuel labor. ;)

OMG that Apple Crisp sounds fabulous! PERFECT for Autumn.

xxoo
Heather

Erica said...

Best of luck on Saturday! I love teaching at new locations but it always makes me nervous too! Oh my gosh that apple crisp looks so delicious. Going to look at the recipe now. The furniture looks awesome- sleek and simple (thats what Josh and I like too!)

greensandjeans said...

I was actually just trying to figure out what I should do with all of the apples I have in my kitchen! In my car I usually just sing so loud that I make myself hoarse! But, I also really love books on tape. Phoenix has a great public library system that you should definitely check out if that's something you'd be interested in!

Jessica said...

Your bedroom and furniture look so classy! Love it. Also, raw vegan apple crisp? Do you ever run out of ideas?

I also wanted to say thank you for always commenting on my high calorie, butter laden, gluten and dairy-full recipes when I know it's not something you eat. It really means alot to me, girl! :)

TheFitnessFreak said...

Hey you gotta do, what you gotta do to get cool nightstands out of hard to reach places : ) Nice lamp!

Cool cream substitute! That will come in handy with the upcoming holidays.

I am so all over that apple crumble! I need to go to Natural Zing and get those darned oats! I wish I could get them from Amazon.

My favorite thing to do in the car? Sing! I love singing so I have music on all the time.

Crystal said...

I think we new "kids on the block" have to have a crazy thing that can get us to talk to the neighbors... Mine was about the 49 lawn and leaf bags we filled (even though we don't have a single tree on our 7000sq, ft. of property... and then again the next day when it didn't even look like we had raked for 6 hours! Teaching at a new place can be scary- but your going to do awesome- let me know how it works out for you!!! I'm looking into some new studios myself so I'll be right there with ya.. I need to make the chocolate snowballs.. mmm

Bekah said...

Yay for meeting new neighbors. ;)

And for your appple crisp. YUM.

I made more raw chocolate chip cookie dough the other day, and I just went with the feel of it, (no measurements), I almost had a show down with the vita mix. It burnt out right in the middle of grinding almonds, (which went almost to almond butter consistency). I quickly moved the sticky mess over to the food processor to save the day. It was epic.

In my car.. I think, a lot. As I'm an over thinker. If its late at night, and I have a long drive I give my brother a call and catch up.

Katherine B Wood said...

that vegan apple crumble is awesome!! you are so flexible-im so jelous!

Diana said...

I love listening to music when I'm on the car ehheh :)
Everything looks delish as always!

Alison said...

Love the furniture pics - they all look so great! So simple and elegant, I just love it. LOL at the alligator wrestling and how great a neighbor helped you out.

I have no furniture pieces that match. NONE. We have a mish mosh of pieces handed down by family members, from auctions, furniture stores, second hand finds...

When I had a 40 minute commute from home to work I would often listen to audio books from the library! It was a great way to multi-task because way back then as I was coping with the loss of freedom as a new mother, I missed free reading time, and having someone read to me while I was in the car was perfect. It made the time in the car fly by and I felt like I was squeezing more me time in two times a day. I still load audio books on my iPod now to listen to during my runs and it works out great!

shelby said...

Must. Buy. Apples!

I sing really loudly in my car. Like music blasted, dancing around, be still being safe! haha

Alison said...

I'm back because I forgot to say GOOD LUCK on Saturday! Can't wait to hear about it, I'm so happy you're making your way in AZ!

The Voracious Vegan said...

Amazing, as always!

You know, your salads get my tummy growling but your raw desserts send my brain into overdrive! And now...raw vegan apple crisp??? SERIOUSLY!?!?! You are just too amazing.

Frozen Peace. said...

Averie, I made those chocolate chip cookies last night... Oh. My. Goodness. Heaven in a dish! The boyfriend even approved. :)

Thanks for sharing so many great recipes with us!

Abby's Vegan Eats said...

Wanna swap furniture??? lol LOVE your set.. very very chic!

Yeah, Chia Seeds Direct doesnt mess around with their shipping.. that took what like 2 days from cali?? AWESOME.. I cant wait to start using em.

Everyday on my commute home, I call my dad. I KNOW its not good to be on the cell phone, but I use an earpiece thingy so I still have both hands on the wheel. YES I know its still really bad to drive and talk but honestly its the only time I really have to catch up! It also makes my drive fly by!!

Good luck on Saturday..woo :)

The Heisels said...

Listen to all you favorite music on an IPod. That's my favorite thing to do in the car. Gets me in a great mood, which would be perfect before you teach yoga!

Lauren said...

Nice new furniture! :)

The apple crisp looks so good! YUM!

I have seen that creamer in the stores, but I don't drink coffee. I would of totally loved that back in the day when I did (I would drink it black because soymilk was the only vegan option and it tasted nasty in coffee)! :)

Gina said...

I love that you're always able to still smile and look at the camera in all of your yoga poses! Good luck tomorrow, I'm sure you will be awesome!

joyofood said...

I love the bedroom furniture and your bed looks very cosy.

Taylor

K from ksgoodeats said...

You new furniture looks so sleek! I really like your style, it's very classic.

That crumble is making me drool! I'd be so tempted to drink that juice too. Seriously, YUM!

In the car I like to either blast music and sing or drive in complete silence so I can think. It's refreshing to drive without the radio on sometimes.

GOOD LUCK WITH TOMORROW!! You're going to do an awesome job :) I'd go to your class if I were in AZ!

Alisa - frugal foodie said...

Love the remodel! Our furniture is very similar / same color!

lilveggiepatch.com said...

Yep, we have the same furniture, but ours is white. Love it!

That crisp looks so fabulous... thanks for the recipe!

Wishing you a great weekend!

Cindy said...

um, your shell lamp is GORGEOUS! love love love it...and of course your new furniture too!

your apple cruble is a staple in OUR dessert lives so I am glad you are re posting it!

today's yoga pose is the best!!! i actually did those last night! funny!

so commute time. at first I thought you meant...as a passenger and I was going uh uh uh...knit!

ha

but then I realized you meant driving. I try and use that time to be quiet with my head! not always easy. if I need a pick me up I listen to the commedy channel in my XM radio...often I get books on CD and listen to that...

but my drive (45 min each way) is my time to just clear my head and I try to do just that~

so excited to hear about Saturday!
have fun!

chrystad72 said...

Hey! Thanks so much for checking my site out! It made my day=) I love your furniture btw. SO gorgeous. The apple crisp looks fabulous too!

Usually when im in the car I like to just listen to music and think. It honestly depends on my mood. If I have alot going on I use my car time as just some quiet me time..if not I talk on the phone. Sometimes it gives me a few minutes to call my family and catch up with them which is really nice!
Have a super day!

N.D. said...

how do you get certified to teach yoga/fitness classes?

Devan Geselle. N said...

YAY! Q and A post! :)

I am definatly going to make this Raw apple crisp when I go home for Christmas!! I SUCK at baking baking.. but raw baking.. i may be give you a run for yo dough balls ;-)
tee hee.

LOVE YOU!

shannonmarie said...

Cute furniture. I'm not getting anything new at the moment. Instead, I've been cleaning out the house. Jacob's nearly 7 years old, so it's been a while since I've baby-proofed the house. I've got a lot of work to do.

*Naomi* said...

YUMMM that apple crumble looks delicious!

I love the new furniture, west elm's stuff is so chic and modern it looks perfect in your house!! Love the fluffy pillow too! :)

you are going to ROCK your yoga class this weekend, I know how nerve racking it can be teaching at new locations with new people in the class, it can be intimidating, but I know you will do great!!!

xo happy friiiday!

Lara (Thinspired) said...

I think I can make this even though I don't have a food processor, right?! I have a cool blender so I think it will work! What do you think?

Thanks for getting back to me about the tahini! I'll see what a little agave can do next time.

Jenny said...

smart move working your charm on your neighbor .. after all how could anyone resist your sweet sweet face :) the new furniture is so fabulously chic!

hope the yoga class is amazing tomorrow, darling! I want deeeeets!! ya heard?!

love to you!

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