Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration comes from the least expected places. My father in law is diabetic and to make a long story short, my frustrations with his diet (or lack of) had brought me to contact a raw chef that I didn't realize was so famous for his culinary talents. I would blab on here about him if I knew I wouldn't sound like a schoolgirl, but honestly, for someone famous to hand out their phone number to you in order to help with a life or death situation is humbling. Maybe that's not quite the word I am looking for, but we all become on the same level of humanity when this situation presents itself. It's always a breath of fresh air to see someone of his caliber to not have the ugly ego that so many do.

Matthew Kenney is his name, and he has become a source of inspiration for me- he is a gentle spirit with wild raw culinary talent with vision to spare. He teaches at his restaurant in too-far-awayVille. I have signed up for just the beginnings of culinary school starting September and only dream of one day finishing at one like his. But is 45 too old? Hell no. Life is young. Never too late. I say. Enjoy the creative God-given talents and passions.

Look him up. He just may inspire you as well.

Raw Food Classes & Retreat

My recent raw food retreat was a hit-  minus one couple who showed up and then left, thinking it was a place where there would be room service at 3am and raw food being made 24/7.  No thanks!  Funny thing was, she said she'd stay if I was gonna be there 24/7...   and no she wasn't picking up on me HA!

I hooked them up with methods, recipes and inspiration- After all, I wanted to send them home feeling they could do this themselves;  it's really not that difficult after a little know-how. We did some dehydrating for chips, breads and crackers,  made some of the recipes here on my blog (raviolis, nutmilks, cheese, pasta) and had a Benriner mandoline sent to their homes (at their expense and their request).  Paula said the first day was worth the expense of the entire weeks stay, and keep in mind they can be spendy!

At the end of the week, they had pitched in and bought a massage certificate for all my hard work;  Although it was alot of work (carting my stuff back and forth to the venue is MUCH harder than just teaching at home!)  it was something that was an absolute joy to do;  I love seeing others catch the vision and want healing for themselves.  Some people will never "get it"-  the vision of true health through eating healthy and taking care of your body. 

I think I'm finished creating my introduction to Raw Foods 101 and am ready to put something on the calendar and make calls & emails to those awaiting for the big day.  I want my first class to be perfect, and alas, I am not perfect;  so I will just bite the bullet, say my prayers and trudge forward into teaching others how to make things that are healthy for you;   Ya know, things like ice cream, chocolate tarts, pasta sauce,  chips....    haha, but really, I'm serious.  Come and see.  ;-)

Sometimes the best dressings are the simplest; cut off both ends of an orange, and with a knife, cut off all the peel (including white) from end to end. Cut out segments over the salad, allowing juices to sprinkle on the salad and then drizzle with flax oil or olive oil. Bon Appetit!