National Pet Month was celebrated in the UK and the USA in April this year.  South Africa for some unknown reason does not set aside a period of time to honour our pets that bring so much joy to so many, old and young.

Vita-Mix Corporation the manufacturers of the Vitamix 5200 Super Blender put together a few amazing recipes to spice up the life of your dogs, cats, horses, kittens and puppies, as their offering for the 2010 National Pet Month. As this was something quite unusual, I thought I would share them with you.

All-natural, homemade Vitamix Pet Treats…

are perfect for everyone in the family, including your pets. Fresh from the Vitamix test kitchen, these easy-to-make recipes are not part of any special pet diet, but are veterinarian-approved for pet safety. Instead of paying for packaging, additives and preservatives, make these healthy pet treats, with natural ingredients and love, in your Vitamix. Your pets will be begging for more!

About the Vitamix^® Machine

The Vitamix machine has the power to perform a wide variety of food processes and does them faster and more effectively than most ordinary kitchen appliances. It does everything without a single attachment and is easily cleaned in seconds.

Most importantly, Vitamix uses whole foods in every recipe. Our machine has the blending power to break down ingredients, so your body can quickly take advantage of their nutritional benefits as well as receive a natural boost of energy.

Here’s just a sample of what else this amazing machine can do for you:

• Make juice from fresh produce in under a minute
• Create hot soup from scratch in just five minutes
• Make healthy, delicious frozen treats in 30 seconds
• Grind whole grains and knead dough in one easy operation
• Chop vegetables in an instant

Veterinarian Approved

The great recipes found in this blog post have been reviewed and found to be pet safe by Dr. Thomas Wood of the Lorain Animal Clinic, located in Lorain, Ohio. The clinic provides comprehensive pet care including internal medicine, nutritional counseling and dental care.

Dr. Wood did his undergraduate work at the College of Wooster and his post graduate work at The Ohio State University. He has been a veterinarian since 1987. Dr. Wood is a member of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association. Before changing your pet’s diet consult your veterinarian.

Look at this wonderful variety of recipes for your pets. Including 6 recipes for Dogs, 5 recipes for Cats and 2 recipes for Horses.

Dog Treats

Gluten Free Liver Treats

2 cups (160 g) old fashioned oats4 ounces (112 g) raw liver (chicken or beef)1 egg2 tablespoons (30 ml) molasses or agave3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil

1. Preheat oven to 180 C

2. Place oats into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds to create oat flour. Pour into a mixing bowl and set aside.

6. Place the remaining ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 30 seconds. Pour over oat flour and mix ingredients to create a dough.

10. If rolling out dough, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling. Roll out the dough 1/4-inch (.6 cm) to 1/2-inch (1.2 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 8-12 minutes depending on size for a crisp biscuit texture.

OR

Spread the dough into an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) lightly greased baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes for a chewy treat. Cut to desired shapes and sizes when cool.

OR

Pipe or drop “kisses” by spoon onto a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-10 minutes depending on size.

Note: Store the chewy version of these treats in the refrigerator.

Frosty Strawberry Treats

1 cup (150 g) frozen strawberries 1 (6-ounce) container plain yogurt

1. Place ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.

Note: Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat. Suggested Serving: 1-2 treats daily.

Peanut Butter and Yogurt Kibble Sauce

Yield: 4 cups (960 ml)

2 cups (293 g) dry roasted peanuts 4 cups (960 g) plain low fat yogurt

1. Place peanuts into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

4. In 1 minute you will hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change to a low, laboring sound. Stop machine and remove lid.

5. Add the yogurt and secure lid.

6. Select Variable 1.

7. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

8. Blend 30 seconds or until smooth.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this sauce.

Tip: This sauce may be frozen in ice cube trays for a cool treat on a hot day. Pop out frozen treats and store in a re-sealable plastic bag in your freezer for an instant, refreshing treat

Beef Stew Kibble Gravy

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

4 ounces (112 g) beef chuck, in 2-inch cubes 2 medium carrots, sliced 2 cups (480 ml) low sodium beef broth 1/2 baked potato 1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum (optional)

1. Cook the beef, carrots and broth over medium heat until the beef is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add potato through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the potato.

Note: Perk up your pet’s dry food with a tablespoon or two of this gravy.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) Serving Amount: Under 20 lbs. 1-2 Teaspoons 20-50 lbs. 1-2 Tablespoons • 50-100 lbs. 2-5 Tablespoons

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Puppy Muffins

Yield: 18 standard sized muffins or 36 mini muffins

1 1/2 cups (300 g) wheat berries or 2 1/4 (270 g) cups whole wheat flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 large apple, quartered, seeded 1/2 cup (120 g) plain low fat yogurt 1/2 cup (120 ml) water 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil 2 tablespoons (30 ml) honey or agave syrup 2 eggs 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. If making flour, place wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and add the baking soda and baking powder. Mix dry ingredients well to combine.

6. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

10. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

Dog Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Cat Treats

Tuna Bites

1 egg1 (6-ounce) can chunk light tuna in water2 tablespoons (28 g) popcorn kernels or 1/4 cup (40 g) cornmeal1/2 cup (100 g) wheat berries or 3/4 cup (90 g) whole wheat flour

1. Preheat oven to 180 C.

2. If using whole grains, place popcorn and wheat berries into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour into a mixing bowl and reserve.

6. Place the egg and tuna (with liquid) into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

7. Select Variable 1.

8. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

9. Blend for 45 seconds. Pour over dry ingredients and mix ingredients to form a dough. If rolling out dough for cutting, let it rest and stiffen for 10-15 minutes prior to rolling.

10. Roll dough out 1/4-inch (.6 cm) thick and cut into desired shapes and sizes with cookie cutters or a knife. Bake for 10 minutes for chewy treats or 20 minutes for crunchy treats.

OR

Spread dough in an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) pan evenly and bake for 15 minutes. Cut into desired shapes when cool.

Chicken Florentine Kibble Sauce

Yield: 3 1/2 cups (840 ml)

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (4-5 ounces)2 medium carrots, sliced2 cups (480 ml) low sodium chicken broth1/2 cup (98 g) cooked brown rice2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, steamed1/4 teaspoon Xanthum Gum

1. Cook the chicken, carrots and broth over medium heat until the chicken is tender.

2. Place the cooked mixture into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth.

6. Reduce speed to Variable 6 and remove lid plug. Add rice through the lid plug opening. Blend for an additional 15 seconds. If using Xanthum Gum add with the rice.

7. With machine still running add the cooked spinach through the lid plug opening and blend until lightly chopped.

Note: Treat your pet with Continental flair by mixing one or two tablespoons of this sauce with their kibble.

Pumpkin POWer

Yield: 2 cups (480 ml) • Serving Amount: 1 teaspoon

3/4 cup (180 ml) water 1 cup (244 g) cooked pumpkin 1/4 cup (34 g) unsalted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

2. Select Variable 1.

3. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

4. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

Note: Pumpkin is a healthy addition to your cat or dog’s diet. The fiber and water content in the pumpkin flesh are beneficial to the digestive tract while the essential fatty acids in the pumpkin seeds promote overall good health.

Soft, Chewy Treats

1 cup (140 g) cooked beef or chicken 3/4 cup (180 ml) low sodium broth or water 1/4 cup (17 g) dry milk powder 1/4 cup (28 g) wheat germ

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease an 8-inch x 8-inch (20 cm x 20 cm) square pan

2. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30-45 seconds or until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Cool and cut into desired shapes.

Note: A nice, soft chewable treat for kittens and seniors alike.

Cat Pudding

Yield: 2 1/4 cups (540 g)

1 package (.35 oz) unflavored gelatin1 cup (240 ml) boiling water1 cup (240 ml) rice milk2 hard boiled egg yolks1 tablespoon flax seed oil2 tablespoons (30 g) plain low fat yogurt2 tablespoons (30 ml) agave syrup

1. Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water and let cool.

2. Place the rest of the ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds. Combine gelatin and blended ingredients by hand. Pour into a bowl or ice cube trays and refrigerate until set.

Note: This pudding is a nice soothing addition to your pet’s diet when they are feeling a bit off. Heat 1-2 tablespoon portions briefly in the microwave prior to serving.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives.

Horse Treats

Carrot Cookies

Yield: 24

2 medium carrots sliced1 apple, quartered2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/4 cup (60 ml) molasses1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 cup (80 g) oats1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Preheat oven to 180C. Grease a cookie sheet.

2. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

3. Select Variable 1.

4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

5. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to pressthe ingredients into the blades.

6. Mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Pour liquid ingredients over dry ingredients and mix well.

7. Drop by tablespoons onto prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes or until brown.

Bran and Molasses Muffins

Yield: 12 standard sized muffins or 24 mini muffins

3/4 cup (180 ml) rice milk1/2 cup (120 ml) molasses2 tablespoons (30 ml) corn oil1/2 apple, cut in half1 cup (120 g) whole wheat flour1 1/2 cups (87 g) wheat bran1 teaspoon baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Grease muffin tins. Preheat oven to 180C.

2. Mix dry ingredients in a mixing bowl to combine. Set aside.

3. Place first 4 ingredients into the Vitamix container and secure lid.

4. Select Variable 1.

5. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.

6. Blend for 30 seconds until smooth using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.

7. Pour wet ingredients over dry ingredients and mix gently to create a batter.

8. Scoop batter into prepared muffin tins and bake mini muffins for 12 minutes and standard sized muffins for 18 minutes.

Store all recipes in the refrigerator or freezer as they are all natural and contain no preservatives

For more information about making these and other treats go to: Healthmakers

Extracted from Vitamix Pet Treats and recipes reprinted with permission of Vita-Mix® Corporation

Where is the Green in this ‘Green Smoothie’?

Michael is the Smoothie artist in our home. Saturday’s smoothie was SO special that I begged him to remember what he put into it and to write it down. Our smoothies are not only packed with superfoods, yummy fruit, nuts, seeds, healthy oils and loads of greens, they are mostly delicious and please don’t tell him…. occasionally horrific! Let me share Saturday’s smoothie with you.  Colour : Kinda bland or slightly chocolatie Taste: Definitely no green detected, slightly sour, I guess that is due to the Vitamin C in the Baobab fruit (what amazing energy), subtle sweet undertones and a great nutty flavour. Consistency: Full bodied but quite pourable Quantity : 2 full litres divided by 3 = 2 full glasses each Nutrition : Overwhelming!!

So here it is…..

Michael’s Super Saturday Smoothie 2 plums (including skin but with seed removed) 2 nectarines (including skin but with seed removed) 1 banana, peeled 1 yellow cling peach (including skin but with seed removed) 1 small pineapple (remove skin) 1 large handful of green grapes (including skin and seeds) 10 Small Spinach leaves (swiss chard) 2 Bloody sorrel leaves (it’s real name) (this sour leaf masks the green leaves) 100ml Soaked flax seeds 1 handful Soaked pecan nuts (measure after soaking) 1 handful Soaked cashew nuts (measure after soaking) 2 Tblspn Boabab Fruit Powder SEE http://lifestyle4health.co.za/baobab-fruit-powder/ 4 Tblspn Raw Chocolate Powder 1 Tray Ice Cold filtered water to achieve correct consistency

Here is Vita-Mix’s Tomato Ice Cream Recipe

Measures and terms have been changed to suit local lingo.

Tomato Ice Cream

2 cups (480 mL) ripe tomatoes, quartered 1/2 cup (120 mL) sugar, or other sweetener 1/2 teaspoon (3 mL) pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup (120 mL) nonfat dry milk (soy or othre milk may be substituted – CET)

2 cups (480 mL) low fat milk cubes 3 cups (720 mL) ice cubes (soy or othre milk may be substituted – CET)

Place all the ingredients in the Vita-Mix jug in order listed
Secure the 2-part lid and Insert tamper through lid. Select VARIABLE speed #1. Turn on machine and quickly increase speed to #10; then to HIGH. If necessary, use tamper to push ingredients into blades while the Vita-Mix is running.
In about 30 seconds, test the “stiffness” of the ice cream. If it will stand up in a cup like soft serve ice cream, it is frozen and should be served immediately. If it has the consistency of a milk shake, quickly add one more cup of frozen cubes. Blend for 5 seconds and serve. Makes about 5 cups.

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This Raw Baklava Recipe is from Juliano’s Book Raw -Uncook Book

Ingredients have been converted from US to Metric

3 cups OATS

2 cups PITTED DATES

FILTERED WATER for soaking dates and oats

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1 cup RAW PECANS

1 tsp MACE

2 cups raw WALNUTS AND ALMONDS coarsely chopped

Soak the oats and dates in separate containers with enough water to cover for 2 hours. Drain.

In a Super Blender combine oats and maple syrup or honey and blend until creamy.

Spoon blender contents, about 3mm thick onto a solid Dehydrator sheet and dehydrate until crispy, about 6 hours.

Transfer oat crust onto a pie plate.

Set aside.

In a Food Processor (or Oscar Juicer), homogenize dates and pecans and spread a 2.5cm  layer of the mixture over the oat crust.

Evenly sprinkle one third of the walnuts, almonds and a pinch of mace of date-nut paste. Repeat the layering process until you’ve used all the date-nut paste, nuts and mace;

• it makes up to three layers

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Imagine visiting a planet where all the food was gourmet and Raw. Yes I mean as in not cooked! My family, meaning my husband Michael and twin daughters Tammy and Lisa enjoyed the pleasure of just that – a visit to PLANET RAW in Santa Monica, California,USA. Juliano and Ariel offer more than just Raw – they offer 100% Organic Raw Vegan. Quite a claim!

We were so keen to taste as many dishes as possible that we ordered 2 items of each course. So, we started with 2 warm soups and since raw food is So nourishing and satisfying that huge portions were not necessary. The soup however was so delicious that we could actually have fought over that last spoon. Then onto sushi and with a description like Mustard Toasted Eel who would think that was raw vegan?  Entrees included a green curry pasta made from zucchini pasta mixed with an amazing thai nut curry kream topped with coco-noodles and a Truffle kream linguini. I recall the one ‘pasta’ dish was topped with thin dried mango fruit leather ribbons that were tasty and colourful and added tp the contrasting texture of the dish. When it came to desserts, two just was not going to cut it so we went for 3. Chocolate mouse, cheese cake and velvet strawberry mouse. Pictures paint a 1000 words – take a look at this.

The menu is extensive and the dishes are colourful, magnificently presented and very tasty. In addition to the food Juliano and Ariel offer a large range of juices, smoothies, organic coffee and organic wine. The bill with the tip worked aout at R175,00 a head which was certainly not excessive for this handmade organic gourmet food in $.

To see more images go to Planet Raw in the Gallery -coming soon

for one of Juliano’s recipes from his book RAW – The Uncook Book go to: http://lifestyle4health.co.za/category/recipes/

We had been drinking a combination of carrot juice with the addition of some beetroot and celery. On doing some research I felt that this freshly squeezed juice that was unbuffered by any fibre contained too much sugar. At about the same time I was reading about green juices but was mentally having a bit if difficulty in coming to terms with extracted GREEN juice. Then after more research I discovered the amazing benefits of adding lemon to green juices and green smoothies and decided to give the green juice a go. Well, I was really surprised at how enjoyable a green juice can be. I don’t have a fixed recipe but have got a general pattern that you can follow to keep this highly nutritious juice palatable.

GREEN JUICE

Juice this combination through a cold pressed masticating-type juicer and drink as soon as possible. (If you use a Green Power Kempo u can store the juice for upto 72 hours), otherwise an Oscar DA 900 juicers will do a great job.

Rawlicious By Peter and Beryn Daniels 223 pages

This book is the result of an idea whose time has come, an idea that most intuitively know and recognise – that to be healthy, happy, naturally nourished and completely connected to our surroundings is our birthright. After years of eating raw foods and superfoods and running raw food courses, both Peter and Beryn, have both met, inspired and been inspired by a growing number of people who are becoming aware of the amazing transformative and healing potential of living foods.

Rawlicious is a beautiful, full colour book with magnificent photos of the authors, the prepared foods and fresh produce. It is an environmental masterpiece being printed on triple green™, a 60% sugar cane fibre , chlorine free, from sustainable afforestation. Being much more than a recipe book covering topics such as nutrition, what raw food is and why we should eat raw food and the benefits of eating raw food. The book is clear that Health is not all about food. Moving to a raw food diet is a major event that needs some hand holding. Peter and Beryn take you by the hand and take you through what is needed to succeed with it, including:

• The equipment required to make eating raw easy and delicious
• Stocking a raw kitchen
• Growing your own food
• A stunning variety of recipes to keep any family on track, and the helpful pictures and easy to read and follow step-by-step instructions

There are tantalising recipes for:

Juices, Smoothies, Nut Milk, Butter and cheese, Soups, Salads, Sauces & Dressings, Snacks, Simple Meals, Bread and Crackers, Gourmet Meals, Beverages and Healthy Desserts.

This book is a natural expression of Peter and Beryn’s experience. They have lived and practiced the concepts and recipes in this book, and continue to do so joyfully. It will inspire you and give you a lot of information on a healthy lifestyle and healthy living.

A local first for raw food – Well done Peter and Beryn! You have set a great standard for others to follow in the quest for health and healing through raw food.

Rawlicious is available from http://healthmakers.co.za/store/Raw-Food-Cuisine/

South Africa will be forever grateful to Peter and Beryn Daniel for coming back home to SA with a head full of knowledge and generous hearts. So many lives have already been changed through the Raw Food Courses that they run throughout the country. At the Natural and Organic Products Exhibition, they demonstrated the amazing delight of raw food with the Vita-Mix Super Blender, the Oscar Juicer and the Ezidri dehydrator and kept audiences spellbound with their interesting and informative talks. Healthmakers slotted in perfectly into Beryn and Peter’s new venture when they started running their course mid 2007 by offering all the equipment that makes preparing raw food easy and delicious.
The highlight of the show for the Daniel’s was the launch of their beautiful book Rawlicious. The gallery of photos in the book will draw you back to the earth to remind us that food is from the soil and not the supermarket. The recipes reflect the simple but tasty foods that make up a raw food diet and the book encourages you to essentially get right into their kitchen.
Raw food, through their courses has taken on a whole new dimension, where people who are not even vegetarians, cannot believe that raw food can taste so great. They also share some no-nonsense information about disease and nutrition but generally claim to just being raw food chefs.
Their gourmet raw food delights are enhanced both in taste and nutrition through the superfoods that they introduced to South Africa and promote.