the recording for $15. A play back link of the call will be delivered to your inbox after the class.

Flavors of the Mediterranean ~ $45
10 am - 12:30 pm, Thursday December 3rd at Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley

Middle Eastern food is so popular, and with good reason--aromatic herbs, warming spices, and pungent flavors such as olives and feta cheese make this cuisine both exotic and comforting. Now you can enjoy all your favorites, even hummus and falafel, in the raw. These recipes will make you the talk of the town when you serve them at a holiday party!

Please pre-register at www.rawbayarea.com or (510) 334-8424.



Staying "Raw"some in the Winter 

6 - 7 pm, Wednesday December 9th at Cafe Gratitude in Berkeley ~$20
6 - 7 pm, Thursday December 10th via tele-conference ~$15


When the weather is wet and cold, it can be hard to stay rawsome. Chilly weather can leave us all wanting to fill up with warm foods and put our raw diets aside. No need to feel discouraged as the seasons change! There are many ways to stay rawsome and cozy in the winter. In this one-hour class, you will learn plenty of useful tips for staying raw while you take care of your cold weather cravings. Feel successful this winter as you become more vibrant, alive, and satisfied.  In this class you will:

* Demystify your cravings & depression

* Learn how to avoid weight gain, colds & flu

* Discover a dozen of practical, easy ways to maintain a high raw diet in the winter

* Walk away with a Mini-book

Forward this email on to a friend, because this is my first class you can take from ANYWHERE in the world at ANYTIME you want. Pre-register at www.rawbayarea.com or (510) 334-8424.  Cannot make the live call? Don't worry! You can still purchase the recording and get all the materials. 

The first 15 people to register for the tele-call will recieve an additional holiday recipe packet FREE.



Divine Desserts ~ $45
6 pm - 8:30 pm, Monday December 14th at Whole Foods / Cafe Gratitude in Oakland

Love holiday sweets but trying to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars and unhealthful fats? You can make raw versions of pies, tarts, crisps, ice creams, cookies, cakes, and candies that will make you the hit at the holiday table.


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Do you have a raw food enthusiast in your life?  Do you know someone trying to bring more health into their life?  Here is an opportunity to stay home on "Black Friday" and spend more time with your family and friends.

These are my top picks for presents at any price point, and my favorite sources for purchasing them (with an emphasis on local companies).

STOCKING STUFFERS ~ $5 and under


Metric Wonder Cup Measures out wet and dry ingredients much more easily than any measuring cup. $5

Adjust-a-cup Mini  Its a metric wondercup, except the mini-version.  It will measure your ounces, ML, tablespoon, and teaspoon. For only $3.

Turkish Towel - this seaweed grows on the Mendocino cost and is locally harvested by my friend, student and raw food enthusiast Terry Nieves of Ocean Harvest.   It provides ocean therapy, as well as ocean nutrients, odors and sensual companionship.  You take the seaweed into your bath or shower, and also use it to rub on your skin.  So cool!  I bought a package for every sea baby in my family.  (Shhhh, don't spill the secret!) Give Terry a call to order your own at (707) 937-1923

*NEW* Round cutter ring.  This is a great tool for someone who gives dinner parties a lot.  It is often used by pastry chefs, but I prefer to put a ring on a plate, and stuff my salad in there.  Then pull off the ring and you have a Tower of Power - nutritional power that is.  It is a great way to plate layered desserts as well. Available at Sur La Table and other places.

MODEST GIFTS ~ $10 -$20

*NEW* Aerolatte.  This cool toy froths and whisks your dressings and milks.  No more getting out your blender when making a small batch of dressing or sauce.  It is battery operated, and you can even travel with it.  I bought a cheap version of it, and it wasn't strong enough, but I love it so much I want to invest in the real thing asap.

Anything in the Living Light Bookstore.  My favorites include Green Bags, Sprout /Nut Milk Bags, Knife Sharpener, (Vegetable) Scraper, Fruit Knife and the Microplane

An edible garden, starting at only $17.  These fun boxes are made by Garden Fare.  Click here for details.  Options include Culinary Herbs, stylish succulents, spicy & unusual salad greens in many different sassy box colors.

SURPRISE AND DELIGHT THEM ~ $20 - $100ish

How about a gift certificate to one of my classes?  I will provide you with a beautiful card that you can delight anyone with.  Email me and I will get it all arranged.

A gift that keeps on giving:  a scholarship to one of my classes.  I am partnering with local non-profits to identify young adults that want to learn to eat more healthfully.  If you sponsor a class for one student at $45, the student gets to come to the class.  You receive many things:  great karma, a wonderful thank you note from the student AND the recipe packet from the class.  Just email me for more details.

Excaliber Dehydrator used from Craigs List.  Surprise your sweetie with this affordable gift.  She will support your desire to "reuse, recycle".  Or get a new one directly from Excaliber (with teflex sheets) but it will cost you more than one Franklin.

Adjustable Ceramic Slicer - by Kyocera you can get it practically anywhere, such as Sur la Table

Mac MSK-65 Santoku Knife - a fantastic knife at a great value.  Living Light has competitive prices.  A thorough search might get you cheaper, but not likely.  If this price point is too high, try the MAC SK-65 Santoku Knife.  It does not have as many bells and whistles, but it is a great knife for only $62.

Tribest Personal Blender / Grinder PB-300  - Now you can travel with your green smoothies and almond milk!  This small blender will fit into your carry on - and get through airport security without a problem.


CAUSE THEY REALLY, REALLY DESERVE IT ~ $300+

Vitamix Blender - the only blender worth saving up for.  Call my friend Diane Haworth (619) 743-4263 for the best deal around, or wait for Costco to have a sale.

Hurom Juicer - brand new on the market, this amazing blender is heads above any other blender.  Its faster, smaller, quieter, it even takes in your veges on its own.  Really, you have got to see it to believe it.  I love this thing.

Mashed Notatoes with Wavy Gravy

recipes by Chef Elaina Love