The Thyroid Chronicles

I woke up to a FB message notifying me that I had been tagged in a photo:

Cake of my dreams

My attention was drawn to the beautiful dessert at the center. The raw raspberry black forest cake. The memory was vivid. I could taste it. I wanted it in my mouth, and NOW. I bolted from the bed and googled that shit.

I found the following recipe, from the credited blog. Mind you, the photo is not of my cake. If it were, you would not want to eat it. I am a messy cook, and I make ugly food. Presentation is not my forte. My kitchen is destroyed. Full disclosure: I am eating it out of a tin pan with a tablespoon as we speak.

Go on. Make it. Curl up by the fire and watch the rain with your lovah and eat the whole dang thing for dinner. It’s good 4u!

You know you want it

*Raw ingreds can be acquired thru Amazon linx at the bottom.

First Layer:

* 1.5 – 2 cups almonds
* 1/4 – 1/2 cup cacao powder
* 1/4 cup shredded coconut
* Agave nectar (to sweeten a little)

Second Layer:

* 1 – 2 medium avocados
* 4-6 dates, pitted and soaked
* 1/2 cup cacao powder
* 1/2 cup almond milk
* 1/4 cup almond butter
* Agave nectar to sweeten
* 1 tspn Vanilla

Third Layer:

* 1 cup strawberries

Fourth layer:

* 2 cups cashews, soaked
* 2 dates, pitted and soaked
* 1-2 cups water

Method for putting it all together:

First Layer:

1. Combine the first layer ingredients in a food processer and combine together until crushed and smooth like, if it’s too dry add a tiny bit of water or almond milk until you get the desired consistancy.
2. Next remove from processor and mold it into a cake tin (I use a cheescake tin so I can easily remove the cake once it is fully set but I have also turned this recipe into a pie on occassions too – it will work both ways brilliantly).

Second Layer:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2. Spread this mixture on top of the first layer.

Third layer:

1. Slice the strawberries and layer them over the second layer – or if desired you can crush them up instead of slicing them.

Fourth layer:

1. This is were you will make the cashew cream frosting. Place half the water into a blender and slowly add the cashews in batches. Add water as needed, until all of the cashews are gone.
2. Add the dates and blend until smooth (remember to soak dates you can put them in warm water for a few minutes to soak them or soak them for a few hours if you have time).
3. Spread the mixture over the top of the third layer.
4. Put in the fridge to set.

Then once set add more strawberries or other fruits and mint leaves to garnish.

From http://www.vegansecrets.com/blog/?p=406

Shopping List:

Raw cacao powder: http://www.amazon.com/Navitas-Naturals-Certified-Organic-Chocolate/dp/B0015Z20RU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1264200290&sr=8-2

Unsweetened coconut: http://www.amazon.com/Coconut-Flakes-Large-Dehydrated-Unsweetened/dp/B000KNE954/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1264201124&sr=1-6

Raw agave: http://www.amazon.com/Wholesome-Sweeteners-Organic-Agave-Bottle/dp/B001P74NXM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=grocery&qid=1264201250&sr=1-3