What's better than a chocolate cake?

Recently, one of my Natural Foods Training students shared with me that every year on her birthday, she enjoys a delicious, rich chocolate birthday cake from one of her favorite local bakeries. This year, though, was different. Instead of ordering the chocolate cake, she asked her partner to make her the Raw Banana Crème Pie that she had learned to make in my Natural Foods Training.

Isn’t that amazing?

The fact that she picked something nutritious is hardly the most remarkable aspect. We all have times when we eat ‘healthy’ but the healthy choice is made from a sense of deprivation (“I don’t deserve chocolate cake”) and a lack of self-trust (“If you let yourself have one slice, you’ll eat the whole thing!”).

What was exciting was that she really wanted the healthier pie more than the cake – really She wanted it because she like the flavor and how it makes her feel when she eats it.

Your connection with food begins to evolve as healthy food becomes more enticing than less healthy items. Without dieting, you can lose weight and keep it off. You can maintain your weight without becoming obsessed with it. You may increase your energy and vitality without giving up your love of eating. You can start to make healthier choices with more ease and grace, and instead of deprivation and struggle there is peace – and pie!

The recipe she requested is listed below. I hope you enjoy it as much as she did, and who knows, you might be asking for it yourself on your next birthday!

Banana Crème Pie

I adapted this from a recipe I found on rawmazing.com. That tastes AMAZING!

Crust:

1 cup macadamia nuts

1 cup Brazil nuts

1/2 cup pitted dates

pinch salt

1/4 cup dried coconut

In a food processor, combine macadamia and Brazil nuts, dates, and a touch of salt to make a sticky crumb-like consistency. Sprinkle dried coconut on bottom of 8-inch springform pie pan and press the nut mixture onto coconut to make crust.

Filling:

2 cups cashews, soaked overnight, then drained

1 cup shredded young coconut (you can find this in the freezer section of your natural food store)

¼ cup water

2 Tablespoons coconut oil, warmed lightly to melt

1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice

¼ cup brown rice syrup, maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 bananas, sliced

Process cashews, coconut meat, and water in a food processor until thoroughly combined, pausing to scrape the sides as required. Add the melted coconut oil and mix until smooth. Blend in the lemon juice, sweetener, vanilla, and one-third of the cut bananas, then taste. If desired, add extra sweetness or lemon juice.

Half of the leftover sliced bananas should be placed in the crust. Cover the bananas with the cashew/coconut mixture and top with the remaining banana slices. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up. Enjoy!

Have fun, and until next time, eat well, be well, and enjoy every bite!