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A human sushi platter (pictured on the right) was the star attraction at Vegan and Raw Food Cuisine Expert Chef Lauren Von Der Pool's recent Washington, DC fundraiser for agroforestry in Haiti. Agroforestry combines agriculture and forestry by growing trees and crops on the same land.   

Originating in Japan, Nyotaimori is the practice of serving sushi on naked women.  Von Der Pool hosted one in Los Angeles and wanted to bring that LA flair to her native city, D.C.  To ensure a PG-rated event, she plated her dishes on a partially clothed model. 

The benefit crowd feasted on foods that Von Der Pool served on traditional platters as well (see pictures below).  She donated her culinary creations and plans to hold more benefits for Haiti.  The event also marked the 29th birthday of her co-fundraiser, Theodore Wilhite.
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                                              Von Der Pool's
                                                  vegan and raw food table

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                   Fruit platter                          Sweet Chicken                     Sushi platter
                                                          and Cabbage Salad
                                                          served in a Chinese
                                                           take-out container

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Rebuilding Haiti's green economy is important to Von Der Pool because of her non-profit which encourages agriculture awareness.  If you would like to donate to help agroforestry in Haiti, contact Wilhite (pictured on the right with Von Der Pool) at 202-491-2928 or email him at theowilhite@gmail.com.  Ten dollars plants a tree.  Twenty-five dollars plants 250 trees. 

Learn more about Von Der Pool and her exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.      

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No more soggy fried potatoes! -- Place raw, cut potatoes in cold, lightly salted water.  Let them sit for ten to 15 minutes.  Drain then fry them in oil until golden brown and season to taste.  Your potatoes will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

How to cut onions without crying -- Use a sharp knife to slice through the onion.  This clean cut will prevent the onion cells from rupturing and releasing sulfur fumes that typically cause your eyes to water. 



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Chef Lauren Von Der Pool, Vegan/Raw Food Cuisine Expert

March is National Nutrition Month -- The American Dietetic Association sponsors this campaign that's dear to my heart because it focuses on what my non-profit teaches--healthy living through smart food choices and exercise.  If you are not eating enough nutritious foods, this is a great time to start.  Try two of my favorite vegetables--baby acorn squash and asparagus.  Roast or sauté the squash with a little olive oil and chopped garlic.  Add sea salt and pepper to taste.  Roast or sauté the asparagus as well with a little sea salt and pepper, then top it off with Hollandaise sauce.  For more information on National Nutrition Month, click on eatright.org. 

Learn more about Von Der Pool's exotic vegan and raw food cuisine at vonderpoolgourmet.com.

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Do you have a culinary question or tip to share? 

Email your questions and tips, along with your city and state, to  drakeel@drakeelenterprises.com.  We will do our best to publish as many as we can.  

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