Raw food. Have you ever tried it? I’m not talking about a green salad with ranch dressing either. I’m talking real, whole foods…RAW.

I have enjoyed raw foods for many years. However, in recent years, they have quietly slipped out of my nutritional strategy.  The reasons are not clear. I think its been an unconscious result of many factors, all of which led up to this season of re-invention which has defined 2010. Regardless, they are making a come back in my plan and I am thrilled. My body is especially excited!  

So when my buddy and personal trainer, Brian Johnson of The Movement Dallas (http://www.themovementdallas.com), gifted me with a Raw Apple Pie this week, I was in heaven. Yes, I shared. In fact, of everyone, I think I had the least. But that’s okay. I can and I will make more. And with that, I share the recipe and a big THANK YOU to Brian for his very kind, nutritious and delicious gift as well as his  inspiration as I continue forward in my reinvention. You rock, man!! 

Raw Apple Pie…eat it in good health!! And make it the first of many raw foods to enjoy in your nutritional strategy!

Ingredients:

For the crust…
2 cups raw almonds
2 cups organic pitted dates
Pinch of sea salt

For the syrup…
1/2 cup pitted dates or raisins
1 organic orange

For the filling…
5-6 whole apples
1 cup organic raisins
2 tbs cinnamon

Begin with the crust.  First put a handful of almonds in the food processor and grind.  Sprinkle on the bottom of the pan as a base layer so that the crust does not stick to the bottom.  Then put your almonds and dates, along with a pinch of sea salt, into the food processor.  Grind that up, and then form this sticky crust into the pan using your hands.

Next, make the syrup.  Mix your dates or raisins with a peeled, seeded orange.  Blend until it makes a pasty syrup.  Add a little water if you want a thinner consistency.

Then, for the filling, peel and slice 5 whole apples into a mixing bowl.    Add syrup and cinnamon to apples and toss with hands.  Take half the apples and put into food processor and blend.  Fill pie with apple filling.  Layer top of pie with remainder of apples and sprinkle raisins on top.  It is then ready to serve!