what’s up & pistachio cookies.
hello loves.
It’s been forever! How’s your winter going? Without writing 5,000 words, I want to share what my winter has been like and of course, give you something sweet to play with.
I’ve been busy taking care of my new baby, Nourishing Our Radiance. If you’ve been missing me, it’s because most of my attention has been focused over there. So I encourage you to take a look around and check out some of my latest posts & recipes. Plus, you just have to meet Melissa, a gorgeous & deeply inspiring woman that I am so lucky to call both a business partner & friend. We’re planning our online spring course and right now, I’m in super creative recipe development mode. Of course, this means I’ve been eating well and dirtying a ton of dishes.
juicy smiles.
I’m still in Portland and wow, it has been quite the transition after spending the last 3 winters in Florida. Hello cold, damp darkness. Portland is an amazing city, but definitely not for me long term. I’ve never been more grateful for the sun and I cherish those rare days of brightness. Where to next? I hope to update you soon. In the meantime, I’ve been deepening my yoga practice which really keeps my mood up on the gray days. And of course enjoying lots of cozy tea time.
Since the weather has been colder and damper than I’m used to, I’ve been including small amounts of cooked food in my diet. Say what!?!?! I didn’t touch a single bite of cooked food (well not on purpose anyway) in over four years, mostly because I didn’t feel the need for it at the time. Plus, you know raw food makes me feel like I have superpowers. With the new climate and my ever evolving life, I’m now experimenting to find the perfect balance of a sustainable, high raw vegan diet that works for me. It’s been very nice to add some variety–steamed broccoli, lentil chili and my favorite–baked sweet potatoes with a drizzle of coconut oil and a sprinkling of Himalayan salt. Heaven. I sampled some sprouted & cooked quinoa on a couple of occasions, but unfortunately, my body tells me that’s a no-go. My skin freaks out and my tummy hurts. I’m finding it crucial during this time to truly listen to my body as I sample foods that I haven’t enjoyed in the last four years. So when I try something new, I keep gentle (not paranoid) watch on my digestion, skin, energy and mood. Remember, food intolerances show up in many different ways. I’m only eating cooked food a few times a week and always still with something fresh and raw on the side. Oh the excitement!
Ok, there’s more, but I’ll save it. I want to be a better blogger, so more stories soon. Actually I’ve been meaning to ask, what do you want to hear from me? I would love to know how I can inspire and support you better. Do tell.
For now, I’ll leave you with a little sweetness that I whipped up this week. Enjoy–hopefully on a sunny day.
xo!
Natalia
Pistachio Refrigerator Cookies
Makes about 20 small cookies, depending on your scoop
You know I love quick, easy & delicious and this recipe surely fits the bill. I love the unique pistachio flavor & color. Let me know if you give these a try!
- 1 cup raw pistachios
- 1/2 cup raw cashews
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons honey, maple syrup or agave
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of Himalayan salt
Place the pistachios and cashews in the food processor. Process until the nuts are finely chopped. Add the coconut oil, sweetener, vanilla and salt. Process again until all ingredients are combined. If you wish to use a scoop to make the cookies, place the batter in the refrigerator for 2 hours to firm. Remove from the refrigerator and scoop into perfect little cookies. Store in the refrigerator. Otherwise, press the batter into a wax paper lined 8″ square dish. Refrigerate for 2 hours. Cut into squares and serve.
ps–if you love pistachios like I do, you might also enjoy this recipe from the lovely Desi (the Palate Peacemaker) for Cardamom Rose Pistachio Butter. Yum. I don’t think people use pistachios enough!
23 Comments
Desi
February 12, 2012I am drooling over that photo, Natalia! I love refrigerator cookies because they’re an excuse for eating a treat that resembles cookie DOUGH more than anything else.. hehe! So I will definitely be trying these.
Also – random – I had no idea your home base was Portland! I just visited Portland for the first time in December! If I’d have known you were there I would have coaxed you to The Blossoming Lotus for a lunch date!
)
xoxo
NataliaKW
February 12, 2012Aww Desi! So bummed I missed your Portland visit! May we meet along the way somewhere! xo!
robin
February 12, 2012Hi Natalia,
nice to see a new post! if you are looking for another environ come to Boulder! Colorado. we have 300 days of sun per year. we also have beautiful, heavenly snowfall, so you must like a few snow days if you come here. usually, following a snow, it will be 60 degrees and sunny, so the snow does not stick around for long. it is gorgeous here with many of the social scene perks you find in Portland.
NataliaKW
February 12, 2012Hi Robin! I’ve heard such amazing things about Boulder and I think I would love it except for the snow! I really got spoiled in Florida. Winter & I just don’t get along.
xo!
Stacia
February 12, 2012Cutie!!!
Stacia
February 12, 2012As far as blogging, I’m happy to hear pretty much anything you have to saw so keep it coming, now for these cookies, do you soak the nuts?
NataliaKW
February 12, 2012Hi Stacia! I hope you’re well! I didn’t soak the nuts for these cookies. When I’m making recreational foods like this, I often skip because I know I’ll only be having a bite here & there. You could always soak and then dehydrate if you’re worried about digestion.
xo!
Lou
February 12, 2012Love your juice smiles! Too cute
Love what you ladies have been doing with Nourishing…. it’s such a joy to read. Those fridge cookies would totally be a joy to eat too – quick, easy and healthy… LOVE this type of recipe!
NataliaKW
February 12, 2012Thanks so much Lou! I so appreciate you reading along! xo!
Steph
February 13, 2012Natalia,
I was diagnosed with breast cancer (42 years old) last May. Now that I am through my treatment and reconstructive surgery, I’m really trying to focus on better nutrition and exercise. I’m not sure I will ever go to a completely raw diet, but I’m certainly taking small steps to clean up my nutrition.
I just started your “breakfast makeover.” I’m on day two. Matter of fact, my kale smoothie is in front of me as I type.
I can’t remember how I landed on your website last week, but it drew me in. Thanks for kick starting my “smoothie” intervention.
Steph
NataliaKW
February 13, 2012Hi Steph! I’m so happy to know that you are taking such good care of yourself. Remember that even though you think the steps may be small, they will truly have great impact. Thanks for sharing with me. Wishing you the best of health & happiness!
Natalia
Ajniar
February 13, 2012Hi Natalia ! I’m new to you and your creations. I love your FREEDOM to….move to Portland, have a baby and still be as present in your quest to improve the world, and SAVE it from mediocrity. You have truly inspired me all over again. Your food is so much FUN! I also applaud that you are eating baked sweet potatoes! They really are heavenly, LOL. My question is, that although the innovation you bring of using the freezer and the refrigerator to do desserts is your signature, since it’s so COLD now, couldn’t you ask your angels to inspire you to create for the dehydrator as well? I bet if you allowed yourself to come in from the cold, the things that would issue, would be just as AMAZING as what came out of the freezer. Won’t you experiment? Thanks for the wonder.
Blessings, Ajnira
NataliaKW
February 13, 2012Hi Ajniar! Great to hear from you
Ahhh, yes, I love warm treats from the dehydrator! I have some in my book, Pure Pleasures, but I tend to not share many dehydrated recipes on the site. I am trying to bridge the gap between the traditional food world with the raw food world and find that most people do not own a dehydrator. But if I come up with anything in the near future, I will surely share it!
ps–I hope my blog didn’t confuse you, but I am childless–the new business venture, Nourishing Our Radiance, is the baby I speak of
Many Blessings!
Natalia
Dana Pinder
February 13, 2012Hi Natalia; Always great getting your mailings. I have enjoyed many of your recipes! I am working hard on becoming a “good vegan”
despite much ado from outsiders (and some family members). I can be good at home when I am in control however, going out to restaurants and friend’s homes can be a trial. I do cave in at friend’s homes, eating whatever they make to avoid stress. As far as raw food, I am finding that the biggest challenge of all. Many recipes are hard as they require much pre-planning (re soaking and sprouting of nut, seeds,etc). Several years ago I purchased “Raw Revolution” and enjoyed what I made…but…..spent the entire day(S) organizing and planning ahead ~ sadly I am NOT a good time manager….just good intentions…… 
Also, I find after a week or so of vegan/raw, my body needs more protein. I have noticed lately (even to the point of discussing with my holistic doctor) that say, for example, I start a detox and have lots of fruit at breakfast with nothing else, the room spins, I get weak and dizzy. She finally told me not to eat a lot of fruit without protein so my blood sugar stays stable. Did you go through anything like that? Has anyone you know been through that? I have a job in real estate and cannot function when I am weak and dizzy. In the meantime, I am doing my very best at veganism adding more raw foods as I can. Thank you for all your writings! You are a great example!! I certainly appreciate your words today about following/listening to your body and how it feels after certain foods. I will remember that and listen even more closely now! All the best, Dana
NataliaKW
February 13, 2012Hi Dana! Thanks so much for sharing! If the gourmet prep stresses you out, remember that raw foods can be as simple as awesome salads and smoothies! And high raw can be as good as all raw if you’re sticking to nutrient dense whole foods when you’re eating cooked. I know all of that soaking and prepping can be tedious, so when I’m busy, the bulk of my meals are based around simple but satisfying salads and green smoothies. I honestly feel best when I eat simpler rather than complicated raw meals. I just make sure to have some nice rich dressings & avocado to keep me satisfied. An things like hemp seeds and protein to cover me on that end. As for the fruit & blood sugar thing, I’ve definitely learned that I cannot eat just fruit for breakfast. I have similar experiences. Not so much dizzy, but just feeling lightheaded and starving. I find that my body needs some protein & fat in the mix. Currently this is my ideal breakfast: http://www.nataliakw.com/daily-greens/
Keep up the great work! I feel that diets are always a work in progress and we’re constantly evolving as we learn more and more about what our unique bodies need.
Blessings!
Natalai
Rachel
February 13, 2012Can’t wait to try the cookies! I love your Cupcake Heaven cookbook and even put up my cupcakes I made from it on my own blog! Would you mind if I make and review the cookies there also?
NataliaKW
February 13, 2012Hi Rachel! I’m so glad you got in touch! Thank you so much for the kind review on your blog! I so appreciate your respect & not sharing the full-on recipes. You rock! Yes, of course, please make & share the pistachio cookies! You’re more than welcome to share the recipe! xo!
Rachel
February 14, 2012Thanks Natalia! Can’t wait to try these! Also, my partner did a piece highlighting your Nourishing our Radiance class that will appear on zomppa.com next month! We love what you are doing and are so excited to see all of your latest endeavors!
Good luck in everything and hope to stay in contact via the blogosphere!
NataliaKW
February 14, 2012Oh how cool! Thanks for sharing zoompa with me, now I can watch for it! Let’s definitely keep in touch
Calliope
February 14, 2012Thanks for this! I am a pistachio NUT! Okay, I don’t think I was meaning for that cheesy pun to flow out like that…. anyways, I love hearing that you have added cooked food to your diet because you felt you needed it. I have been vegan, raw, vegetarian, etc etc etc, always striving for a kind diet and self nourishing eating, but I have typically added or subtracted foods because I felt my body told me to. I always take comfort in hearing others who have experienced the same… Blessings!
NataliaKW
February 14, 2012haha! Calliope, I love cheesy! so glad you can listen to your body and adapt as needed…it’s essential to be able to do that. thanks so much for sharing with me!
jessica swift
February 14, 2012OK, I just made these cookies and they are SOOOO GOOD! Thank you for the recipe– these will be a regular item in my fridge from now on! Also, I noticed the comment about Boulder above– that’s my hometown! And yes, it’s very very sunny and wonderful there. I bet you’d love it!
I miss living there. xoxo
NataliaKW
February 14, 2012Yay, Jess! So excited you whipped these up so quickly and of course, that you enjoyed them. I just ate my last one and now I’m thinking I need to make more right away! Boulder does sound super cool. I think I just need two homes because I can’t do real winters. I would freak over the snow!
xo!