Last December, I decided to eat 100% raw for two weeks. Two weeks turned into two months thanks to the help of this magnificent book: Practically Raw by Chef Amber Shea Crawley. I first heard about this book from one of my sisters who raved about it.
Practically Raw is a user-friendly, raw cookbook that includes cooked options. The ingredients used in the recipes can be found at your local supermarket. I’m not a fan of raw food books that require you to go on a scavenger hunt for exotic ingredients that aren’t sold in most stores. The author/chef even provides substitutions if you don’t have or like certain ingredients! How neat is that?!
This book has recipes for breakfast, dinner, breads, snacks, desserts…everything! The various recipes for kale chips are unbelievable! People frown at the thought of eating kale chips but when they taste them, they’re addicted! I’ve been eating a bushel of raw kale chips every other day now. I was surprised at how easy it was to make RAW coconut butter, nacho cheese from cashews, raisin bread and banana cream pie.
Some recipes require a dehydrator but if you don’t have one, don’t worry! When I started preparing dishes from this book, I didn’t have a dehydrator either. I eventually got this dehydrator and it works like a charm: Nesco FD-60 Snackmaster Express 4-Tray Food Dehydrator It has adjustable settings from 95 degrees to 155 degrees. I normally set the temperature to 105 degrees and it does a superb job at dehydrating food.
I can sincerely say that Practically Raw is one of the best plant-based, raw food books I ever came across. I’m looking forward to eating a 100% raw for 30 days in a few weeks and this book makes it enjoyable to accomplish that goal. If you’re looking to incorporate more live foods, never prepared a raw dish aside from salad, or are taking baby steps to a healthier food program, I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed!
