A simple recipe Josh and I adapted off goneraw.com inspired by all the wild Rhubarb growing in and around the GTA.

Rhubarb pie ingredients:

Crust: 2 cups soaked almonds, 1 cup of dates, 2 tsp of honey, 1 tsp of cinnamon and a handful of shredded coconut

Filling: 4 Cups of wild rhubarb peeled and chopped 1 inch.
2 cups of fresh strawberries, 1/4 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of psyllium husk and a few whole strawberries for garnish

additional needs: 9 inch pan and/or pie plate
food processor
fridge

Wild Rhubarb Pie Ingredients

Rhubarb pie preparation:

Step 1: Blend together all the ingredients for crust except the coconut in a food processor, the final product should be sticky. Sprinkle coconut into pan and then begin assembling your pie crust by pressing it down into the pan. Make sure the distribution is equal all around.

Place in fridge until it is ready for the filling.

Step 2: In a food processor blend rhubarb to a slushy consistency, add honey and mix well. In a separate bowl combine the 2 cups of strawberries and psyllium husk with the blended rhubarb, mix by hand.

Spoon this mixture into the pie crust and garnish with strawberries.
Allow 6-8 hours for it to set inside fridge before serving.

* additional honey can be used, sweeten to taste. It is rhubarb after all…

Enjoy

What are Vibrams you ask? Well, they almost appear to be a hybrid between water shoes and toe socks, minus the fluff. The actual shoes consist of rubber padding and mesh material with individual compartments for each and everyone of your little toes. The idea is the design of these shoes “makes your feet healthier by allowing them to move more naturally and freely.” And let me tell you, my experience wearing Vibrams offers few complaints. I did get a few blister the first day I broke them in but that was entirely my fault. Note to self: Embrace Moderation.

Now onto the good, these shoes were extremely comfy (when not chafing against my bare skin) and quick to dry. I found they worked remarkably in keeping the body working with its natural rhythm. Also, they seem like an exceptional tool to use if you have the desire to work in and toughen up your feet. I also ran a steady 5km in them one afternoon and the results were equally favorable, although I wouldn’t have jogged any further. Unless your ankles are super strong already I would suggest moderate distances and gradually working your way up. This will give your body a chance to integrate the change and prevent any unnecessary injury.

If I had to give these shoes a star rating it would hover around a 4.5/5. I say this because they are not 100% convenient given our Canadian climate. You would probably be well advised to avoid these shoes in the winter, spring and possibly the fall depending on how cool the temperature is. But if you are so fortunate to live in an area where the weather remains temperate I would suggest nothing but the Vibrams and whenever possible, bare feet. If you are considering getting a pair visit the website and educated yourself. It’s full of useful tips, reviews and lots of inspirational people wearing the same shoes sharing their experiences. Too cool! Plus it will give you something intelligent to say to all the people who are quick to point and laugh, not that we mind that sort of thing anyway.

Happy Hiking!

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com

You may be consuming pesticides, chemical hormones, additives, and refined and processed food. You may be consuming the very illnesses we see developing worldwide, such as cancer or diabetes. You may be contributing to the degeneration of our species simply by purchasing produce from your neighbourhood grocery store. You may also be unaware that you are feeding our children these same things. The future is in our children’s hands.

Ann Cooper, the director of nutrition services for Berkley Unified School District spoke in 2007 about changing school programs to teach children the real importance of eating healthy, and how to do it locally and organically. If you have some time, watch as much of her talk as possible.

We can make a difference.

*Use raw organic ingredients where possible for best results*
Crust

1/2 cup raw hazel nuts (not soaked)
1 cup fine shredded coconut
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh pitted dates
1/2 cup raisins

1) Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until finely ground. If you are using a blender it’s better to cut up the dates by hand and add in the raisins after you’ve blended the hazel nuts, coconut, and vanilla.
2) Mix all the ingredients. You may have to keep adding in a little bit of water until mixture can be pressed and stuck together. Get messy and use your hands.
3) Press mixture into a crust pan to form pie crust.
4) Put crust in freezer while making the filling.

Filling

2 large avocados, not too mushy
1/2 – 3/4 cup raw cacao powder
1 orange, juiced
1/3 cup fresh pitted dates

1) Blend the dates and orange juice until dates are dissolved.
2) Add avocados and cacao powder and blend.
3) Continue blending until the mix is creamy and thick.
4) Remove crust from freezer and pour chocolate mousse on top.
5) Return to freezer for 3-4 hours.

Think about it… Humus-based organic gardening, growing organic food the way nature intended. We can have nutrient rich organic food grown from humus made from a natural process using only the leaves from trees.

This is what our friend Diana Livingstone is trying to accomplish in Bali, Indonesia. We at Organic Exposure cannot stress this without stress enough. Thankfully there are greater forces at work guiding us all on our own paths. To return the favour Diana has arranged a concert. What better way to thank our mother than to switch to humus-based gardens and exude vibrations of gratitude from our souls through the art of music.

If you are lucky enough to be in Bali or planning on visiting for April 30th, 2011, the ‘Thank You Mother Earth’ benefit concert will be held at Gaya Art Space, Sayan, by the Committee for Sustainable Gardening. Check out the flyer for more details.

Thank You Mother Earth Benefit Concert Flyer

Want to get involved with Diana and Thank You Mother Earth Benefit Concert? Donate prizes for the silent auction and/or raffle. Right-click the link and choose “Save Link As…” to download the donation form.
Silent Auction and Raffle Donation Form