Black Bean and Butternut Squash Burritos

I got this recipe from the fabulous 'oh she glows' site and it's as good as it looks. Head on over there  and enjoy as much as we did :)

http://ohsheglows.com/2011/10/24/black-bean-and-butternut-squash-burritos/

Vegan Butter Pecan Ice Cream---Yummmmm

This takes a little time but I swear it's SO WORTH IT! Plus you and your soul will feel much better not supporting the insanely cruel and nasty dairy industry! Sonny-boy loved the whole process and thought it was the best ice cream he's ever had!  If you don't have the time to do the step of baking the nuts, no worries it really is good the raw way too! Enjoy~

Butter Pecan Ice Cream
(Vegan, gluten free, low fat, sugar free)

Ingredients:
2 bananas, sliced then frozen (note that it says slice then freeze. Doing it the other way around is much more difficult.)
1 c. pecans, roughly chopped
1 tsp agave nectar
1 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp coconut milk (optional)

Directions:
Mix agave nectar and maple syrup together and toss with chopped pecans to coat.

Spread coated pecans on a parchment lined cookie sheet and toast at 300 degrees for about an hour.

Refrigerate for 20 minutes to an hour.

Blend bananas, candied pecans, vanilla and coconut milk (if using) together in a food processor until smooth. (Depending on how frozen your bananas are, it may go through a crumbly phase – just scrape down the sides of the bowl and keep blending and it will smooth out). Top with a few of the candied pecans.
from: the amazing - clean green simple site: http://cleangreensimple.com/2011/03/vegan-ice-cream-without-a-machine/

Almond Milk

I don't know why it's taken me so long to figure out I could make my own almond milk that is worlds better than store bought! I never liked having to choose between organic almond milk that has sugar in it or non-organic that has no sugar. I found the happy medium - organic sweetened with dates! BEST MILK I'VE EVER HAD!

In the youtube link below, Mimi Kirk gives a step by step at the beginning of her video on how easy it is to make almond milk. You can also watch the entire video to learn how to make a pretty decadent chocolate milk shake! Per Mimi's suggestion I picked up a few paint strainer bags (for the straining of the milk) for a few bucks at the hardware store. I'll never go back to store bought! :)) Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMEUxszYx5k
Ingredients:

1 cup raw almonds
water for soaking nuts
3 or 4 cups water (depending on how 'thick' you like your milk. You could make your own cream as well using much less water)
2 dates (optional)
1/2 tsp vanilla (optional)
Preparation:

Soak the almonds in water overnight or for at least 6 hours.
Drain the water from the almonds and discard. Blend the 3 cups of water, almonds and dates until well blended and almost smooth.
Strain the blended almond mixture using a cheesecloth or other strainer.

Homemade raw almond milk will keep well in the refrigerator for three or four days.