by Roseann Borucki-Zaft
Blueberry is my favorite…but any berries, solo or in combination is the way to go! This is not only a dessert…sometimes we eat it for breakfast, lunch and definitely as a yummy and healthy snack or dessert. Best if eaten within a few days, but trust me, it never lasts that long!
Crust:
2 cups nuts (your choice: almonds, pecans, walnuts, macadamia – don't soak)
2 Tbsp. ground flax seed
1 cup pitted dates
1/4 tsp. salt
Filling:
6 cups fresh fruit (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and/or strawberries)
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. Psyllium powder (or flax meal as a thickener
1-2 tsp. chia seed
1 cup pitted dates
dash of cinnamon
Optional topping:
You can sprinkle a bit more cinnamon on top of your pie. Also consider topping with coconut flakes or decorate it with some berries.
A few words about Dates: I used Black Sphinx, they’re local here in Arizona, but you can use Medjool dates or any other kind. Just be sure to remove all of the pits and (Soak about 10 minutes if they aren’t soft enough. Save the soaking water for your smoothie or next cup of tea… it’s a great sweetener. I have started cutting back on the dates in the filling, since the berries offer enough sweetness. Often times I use only a ½ cup instead.)
Blend raw nuts and ground flax seed in a food processor to a small crumbs consistency.
Add dates and salt, blend well and pour into a 9-inch pie plate; press to form the crust.
Place pie crust in the freezer for about 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
Put 2 cups of the fruit, the lemon juice and the soaked dates (minus the soaking water), Psyllium, chia and cinnamon into a blender or Vitamix, blend to a smooth liquid.
Put remaining 4 cups of fruit into a large bowl. Pour the blended fruit mixture into the bowl and mix it all together.
Take pie crust out of freezer and pour/spread the fruit mixture into it.
You can eat it right away but best if you refrigerate it for about an hour or 2.
Roseann is a holistic wellness coach specializing in fitness, nutrition, weight-loss and whole-body health. She is trained and certified in a variety of modalities and can help people enjoy a healthy and energetic life.
Roseann Borucki-Zaft, CHC, CPT
www.roseannzaft.com