~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Sweeteners are always an area of controversy. I have readers who send me emails questioning some of the sweeteners (raw agave, raw honey, dates, maple syrup, etc. ) that I use in my recipes. I too find it overwhelming as to all the information… read more »

Blueberry Lavender Fruit Leather ~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ I have shared about using lavender in previous recipes, but I want to do a recap here for those of you who haven’t browsed through many of the recipes (yet! :) Lavender is not a very common ingredient used in… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Lavender – Delicate, floral, with lemon and citrus notes, is a good way to describe the taste of lavender.  I am just amazed as to how beautiful this delicate flavor balanced so well with the peach.   A real match made in heaven, or… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ For those of you who love chocolate-covered strawberries, this is your lucky day.  Chocolate covered strawberries have been transformed into a gourmet fruit leather, preserved in time.  This flavor combination must be the most popular taste sensation of all. Close your eyes and listen… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Goodness, my pantry is smelling heavenly right now! (the home of my dehydrator)  I can smell the sweetness of the strawberries and the hint of basil dancing through the air. I had fun making this recipe. Perhaps it was the act of infusing that… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free ~ Let’s talk about pampering… pampering you!  I believe that we all ought to indulge in life and if you’re going to indulge, why not do so with the best?  Give yourself the gift of love and let your actions speak louder than your words.  … read more »

~ raw, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Here is some fun trivia that everyone ought to know about blueberries… There are approximately 500 blueberries in a pound of farmed berries, and 1,600 berries in a pound of wild blueberries!   Wild blueberries are much smaller than cultivated berries and are stronger in… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Banana Strawberry Coconut Fruit Leather is part of my “Gourmet Fruit Leather” series.  I had been spending a lot of time creating and testing recipes for fruit leather with the buzz of back-to-school frenzy in the air. But that got me thinking; fruit roll-ups… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Many of you are well aware of the superfood product called Maca, but I thought it would be beneficial to share a little bit of information on the health benefits of it for those who are not aware of this product. There are many ways… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ I believe in having fun in the kitchen. Because when you do, love and joy will be infused into your recipes.  That may seem like a bit of a stretch for some to believe,  but test it out, I have found it to be… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Vanilla blends naturally with apricot’s sharper flavor. Apricot recipes traditionally call for this sweet, fragrant spice.  You can use either fresh vanilla scraped from the pod or vanilla extract, and it will impart a warm, mellow flavor to an apricot recipe. Because I am… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ Today’s post is simple.  Today’s recipe is simple.  BUT this fruit leather is full of flavor, tasty, tangy, appetizing, sweet and far from tasting simple.  I hope you enjoy it. Ingredients: yields 4 3/4 cups puree 5 cups sliced peaches 1 large banana, ripe 2… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~ I was inspired to make this fruit leather by my Aged Balsamic and Strawberry Ice Cream.  Bob and I love aged balsamic vinegar and have found that there is a fine art in selecting a good one. The quality of which you use will… read more »

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free ~ Apricots and tarragon easily cross the borders between sweet and savory dishes. Tarragon contains notes of citrus and anise, both of which blend well with apricots. Be sure to use ripe apricots when making the leather, the sweetness offsets their mouth-puckering tanginess and adds significant… read more »