I love raw fruits and vegetables, but I am not (nor do I intend to become) a raw foodist. I do, however, enjoy experimenting with raw food recipes — they yield bright, concentrated flavors and intriguing textures. Plus, they open up a whole new galaxy of food-related puns: “I RAWlly love these nori rolls!” “This gazpacho is so punk RAWk!” “Hey baby, do you like it RAW?”
One thing that makes me cackle with disbelief, though, is when hardcore raw foodists make outrageous statements about how the uncooked version of a particular product tastes “just like” or “better than” the original.
Susan over at Rawmazing starts off her Raw Sweet Potato “Fries” recipe with quite a doozie: “Being raw doesn’t mean giving up some of your favorite foods.” Well, that’s true … assuming some of your favorite foods include partially dehydrated root vegetables and pureed pine nuts.
But my favorite bit o’ blasphemy has gotta be joannabanana From Gone Raw, who describes her Raw “Brownie” recipe (i.e. crushed nuts, dates and cacao powder) as “the best brownies I’ve ever had.”
If that’s the case, hon, it’s been quite a while since you’ve had a brownie.
Like I said, I have nothing against raw food — it’s tasty, healthy and most Americans would do well to eat a bit lower down on the food chain. But proclaiming a pan of chilled nut-date-cacao puree “the best brownies?” That’s just wRAWng.
(Photo via eHow)
Anna
3 months ago
Yes! This reminds me of a thing you hate: those yogurt commercials (and, generally, people coming up with ‘tastes just like!’ substitutes for yummy things.
Susan (Rawmazing)
3 months ago
Maybe you should try them. For people looking for healthy alternatives, these (and I am sure the brownies) can really hit the spot. People are waking up and realizing that the traditional versions are slowly killing them. With 70-80% of all of our chronic illness, including cancer, heart disease, and diabetes not to mention the crisis we have with obesity, coming from the food we eat, healthy alternatives are needed.
Alexandra Franzen
3 months ago
Hey Susan. I have tried raw brownies – they’re totally delicious! – but I still maintain that they are not a literal replacement for the real thing. :)
And sorry if my tone sounded a little snarky — your blog is gorgeous and I hope you keep on RAWkin’.
Susan (Rawmazing)
3 months ago
You are right…not literal, but we try our best to keep or become healthy. And sometimes, we manage to come up with some pretty darn tasty, very healthy stuff! Thanks…btw.