nuts

I’ve been eating a plant based diet for about 3 months now and I’M LOVING IT!  My taste buds have changed and I no longer crave animal products.  Eggs used to be my favorite food, now I don’t miss them at all.  I have had my blood work checked monthly and all of my nutrient levels, including iron, are exactly where they need to be.  

I realize this type of lifestyle eating is not for everyone, but I do know that everyone can benefit from eating more fruits and vegetables!  The recipes that I will be posting here at New Nostalgia will be mostly plant-based, as I post what I make and I am in a huge discovery phase when it comes to healthy plant recipes.  

While I have not been craving animal products or salt, I do have an occasional craving for sweet.  Because of this, I have been on a hunt for healthy recipes that will satisfy my sweet-tooth, and will please my family and pass for “dessert.”

THIS IS ONE OF THOSE RECIPES!  

It tastes like a treat but it is healthy enough to let my kids eat it as part of their breakfast!  It is super simple to make and contains no processed oils or sugar.  It is just fruit and nuts, baby!  Love it.

1 cup dried apricots (the original recipe used dates)

1/3 cup walnuts

1/3 cup cashews

1/3 cup almonds

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1-2 Tbls water (do  not need if using dates)

2-3 bananas, sliced lengthwise

4 ounces strawberries, sliced

4 ounces strawberries, blended into a puree

4 ounces raspberries

1 can mandarin oranges, drained

Blend the crust ingredients together in a food processor to acheive a sticky consistency.  Press the blended crust ingredients into a pie pan. ( I coated my fingers with coconut oil).  Lay the bananas on top of the crust and press along the sides.  Place the strawberry slices on top of the bananas.  Pour the strawberry puree over the strawberries and bananas, and press into the gaps.  Place the raspberries and mandarin oranges on top of the pie.  

Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour or longer before serving.