The number of amazing people I’ve met through this blog keeps growing. One that I’m very grateful for is Cathryn Fowler, a very kind and health-concious reader, who reached out to me recently about the possibility of doing some video work together. Fate’s doing, as right at that moment I was dreaming about a book trailer. Above is what we came up with – a day of meals from the book – breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
The Vibrant Table came out this past week and is now available to buy at bookstores and online. Visit this page for retailer information, a peek inside, press and reviews.
We came back from Russia last week and, without too much mercy for jet lag, I started preparing for my first book signing and cooking demo that happened this past Saturday. I’m pleased to say that everything went very well. This ‘having a book out’ business is still very surreal to me and it was hard to believe that people will come out to watch me cook. I enjoyed meeting every single reader and hearing everyone’s stories, and hope to do many more of these things in the near future.
Over that busy week, we had this quick and easy strawberry milkshake quite a bit, since the berries are gem-like and irresistibly sweet this time of year.
There is a Strawberry Milkshake recipe in Sarma Melngailis’ Living Raw Food cookbook that, in my opinion, is the best tasting milkshake on earth. It involves the meat from a young Thai coconut, cocoa nibs and strawberries, which, as you might imagine, makes for a heavenly combination.
Unfortunately, young coconut meat is not an easily obtainable ingredient for the majority of people. I have steady proof of this fact in the form of countless emails and comments with one single question – what does one substitute coconut meat with?
I found that freshly made Brazil nut milk is the next best thing after fresh coconut meat to use as a base for vegan milkshakes. It’s easy to make at home and is perfectly creamy, thick and delicious. Brazil nuts are also known to be very rich in selenium – an essential mineral to have in our diet – good to know when enjoying this milkshake.
In other news, I will be holding a free Vegetarian Summer Picnic cooking class at the St. Petersburg Rollin Oats Market on June 26th, 6:15pm. To sign up, call 727 821 6825 or email matthew@rollinoats.com
Hope to see you there.
Strawberry Milkshake
to make Brazil nut milk
1/2 cup Brazil nuts – soaked for 2-4 hours
2 cups purified water
Blend the nuts and water in a high-speed blender until smooth. Strain through a clean nut bag or cheese cloth, disposing of the pulp. Keep refrigerated.
to make the milkshake
1 1/2 cups Brazil nut milk
2 cups chopped sweet strawberries
1 frozen banana
2 tablespoons cacao nibs
seeds of 1/2 -1 vanilla bean or a splash of a good vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maca powder – optional
Blend all the ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for up to one day.
Note: When strawberries are really sweet and fragrant, I like to omit banana. That way, the flavors of strawberries and Brazil nuts are more pronounced and the milkshake is lighter. Have your ingredients cold and/or add a few ice cubes.
If you like your milkshakes on the sweeter side, or if your strawberries are not particularly sweet, add 1-3 soft pitted dates and leave in the banana, of course.
Kathryn says
Congratulations on the launch of the book – it looks really wonderful and I can’t wait to buy a copy.
Anya says
Thank you so much Kathryn!
Sini | my blue&white kitchen says
Actually, the buckwheat granola from your book is probably the recipe I’m most eager to try (Question: would you suggest using darker or lighter buckwheat? Most buckwheat available here is rather pale in color but darker buckwheat can be found in ethnic stores. I’ve been told that the darker stuff is better. However, what do you think?). I’ve had a couple of crazy busy weeks with 12-hour work days but hope to get cooking from your book very soon. This strawberry milkshake sounds luscious as well, although, I still need to get a high-speed blender. Again, huge congrats on your book lauch! I hope you’ll have many exciting moments to promote your book as well as connecting with your readers. xx
Anya says
Thank you Sini! I use raw, non-toasted buckwheat groats for that granola recipe, you’ll find details in the book. Can’t wait to hear your experience with the recipes.
sil @ entre jardins says
Hello Anya, I’ve been following your blog for a year or so and love the original, vibrant approach in your recipes. Congratulations on your book! Love the stop motion trailer, I feel it brings out the playful side in the kitchen. Oh and that buckwheat granola looks a bit like the one I’ve been making.. It must be irresistible!
Cheers *silvia
Anya says
Thank you Silvia!
The Naked Fig says
I love brazil nuts for smoothies. This looks incredible. And I can’t believe I haven’t ordered your cookbook yet. Can’t wait to get it and try your recipes!
phi says
BIG CONGRATS. The book is beautiful and nourishing inside out… thank you for your blog, your book, and your wonderful friendship.
xoxo,
phi
Anya says
Thank you so much Phi! It means the world coming from you!
Pang says
Your book is on the way to my house right now, and I am so excited to try many (if not all) recipes.
Love the trailer :)
Book signing in San Francisco, yes? (pretty please)
Anya says
Thank you Pang! Would love to make it to SF to sign the book, will let you know next time I’m in California.
Rachel says
I am a huge fan of your blog so on June 10, when the book was released in Canada, I ran to Chapters on my lunch break just to pick up a copy! The cookbook is fantastic! So many useful tips and charming stories and the photography is beautiful. I have already made the Chocolate Hemp Bars with Prune Caramel (amazing and so addictive) and the coconut black rice with grilled peaches (amazing!!). Congrats on an amazing book! Come to Toronto!!
Anya says
Thank you so much Rachel, I’m really happy that you’re loving the recipes, you made my day!
Maud says
I learned about your blog a few months ago and have been visiting (silently) ever since. I want to congratulate you on your book! It’s very high on my wish list! Hope my wallet will be somewhat friendlier soon: your book is the first thing I’ll buy. Already found some Dutch webshops that sell your book :-)
The milkshake looks delicious by the way, and I just love the presentation / photography.
Anya says
Thank you Maud! Hope the book finds its way on your shelves soon.
Allie says
This trailer is fantastic! I continue to be blown away by your talent with each and every post, I can barely imagine what the book will be like. And I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Congrats!
Anya says
Allie, thank you for such positive feedback, you put a big smile on my face.
Vera says
What a beautiful trailer! I want to eat all of the meals – today!:-)
But will have to settle for the milkshake for which I (luckily) happen to have all the ingredients in house.
Congratulations on your book!
Anya says
Thank you so much Vera and enjoy the milkshake!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
This milkshake sounds delicious! I am also super excited to buy your cookbook- I’m in the middle of relocating at the moment but once I settle in I’m going to try out all the recipes! The trailer for your book is so beautiful, and even though I just had a huge breakfast my mouth is watering again. Congratulations on the book!
Anya says
Thank you Genevieve!
celia eddy says
Such a beautiful and clever video into to your book. I can’t wait to see all of the amazing pages. What an exciting time for you. Congratulations on the book!
Anya says
Thank you Celia!
dina says
great healthy milkshake!
Dawn says
what an apt title for your book! Everything that appears on your blog is brimming with gorgeous colours. Congratulations!
Dani says
What a lovely book trailer, I heart it! And I can´t wait for the book.
Also, gorgeous milkshake, I´ll give it a try this weekend with fresh local strawberries
Allison says
What a beautiful book trailer! Such an exciting time! I am new to your blog and I’m so happy I’ve found it. So much to explore! :)
Melanie says
What a delicious looking milkshake. It looks like something I would drink because it has all of my favorite ingredients. Congratulations on releasing your new cookbook; that’s fantastic!
Anya says
Thank you so much Melanie!
Kitty says
Your video is absolutely great….so imaginative, so creative and beautifully artistic. I hope to see a lot more of these. Your cookbook is also beautiful, and I am eager to try all your recipes. Continued success to you.