Ani's Raw Food Essentials

Ani Phyo's new book, Raw Food Essentials, is available now via Amazon and will be in stores on June 1st. She purchased her water kefir grains via HappyHealthyBalance and there is a reference (thanks Ani!) in this book.

She also is sharing an exclusive with HHB readers for her yummy, "Mediterranean Wrap with Red Pepper Hummus" (pg 181 in the book) for you to try asap. Excerpted by arrangement with Da Capo Lifelong, a member of the Perseus Books Group. Copyright (c) 2010.

(Photo: Tyler Golden)

Mediterranean Wrap with Red Pepper Hummus (Bean-Free)
Makes 4 Wraps

This recipe uses collard leaves for wrapping up vegetables, such as spinach, zucchini,
black olives, and avocado, with a delicious Red Pepper Hummus.

2 large collard leaves
2 cups spinach, washed well
½ recipe Red Pepper Hummus
1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced
½ cup zucchini, cut into long, thin spears
¼ cup pitted, chopped black olives

Cut the leaves away from the thick center stem of each collard leaf to make a total of four flat pieces. Top each collard section with spinach leaves. Then, spoon Red Pepper Hummus across the bottom edge of the shorter width of each leaf. Top with avocado, zucchini, and black olives. Roll up into a wrap and serve. Will keep for up to a day at room temperature, or store for a day or two in the fridge.

Red Pepper Hummus (Bean-Free)
Makes 2 Cups

This hummus is made using tahini, as in traditional recipes, but instead of chickpeas, I use red bell pepper and a pinch of cumin for a richer flavor. Sesame powder helps absorb some of the excess liquid from the juicy bell pepper.

½ cup sesame seeds, ground into a powder
2 teaspoons chopped garlic
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups seeded and diced red bell pepper
1/3 cup tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cumin

In a food processor, process the sesame seeds, garlic, and salt into small pieces. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Will keep for 2 days in the fridge.

If you are in the New York area, mark your calenders as Ani will be coming through on:

August 3rd
Bonobo's and Accent on Wellness
18 East 23rd Street @ Madison Ave
$15
+
August 5th
Organic Avenue
2 recipe demo and book signing.
$45- need an rsvp

For more information on Ani, additional tour cities and dates, recipes and un-cooking videos, please visit her site: http://www.aniphyo.com/

Congrats Ani!