(No Bake) Patriotic Strawberry Pie

Happy Independence Day!

I wanted to make something red, white & blue for July 4th and since, obviously, I am not a fan of food dye, I thought I'd go with the always reliable multi-colored fruit dish!   I really like this recipe that I came across because it's made with fresh ingredients.  I adapted it quite a bit to make it my own and to make it red, (almost) white and blue.  Yes, technically bananas are yellow, but please humor me.  ;-)

This recipe is adapted from VegNews.

(No Bake) Patriotic Strawberry Pie
(serves 6)

Ingredients

For the crust

1 cup almonds

1 cup pecans

1/2 cup pitted dates

1/4 cup raisins

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla

For the pie filling

3 cups strawberries 

5 pitted dates, soaked in water for 10 minutes, drained

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

For the topping

1 cup blueberries

*1 medium banana, sliced thin

Directions

Place almonds, pecans, 1/2 cup dates, raisins, maple syrup and vanilla in food processor.  Process until well combined and a sticky dough forms.  

Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish until evenly distributed. 

Arrange 2 cups of sliced strawberries on top of the crust in a circular pattern and set aside.

Place remaining cup of strawberries, dates and lemon juice in food processor. Process until well combined and smooth.  Pour sauce mixture over strawberries and refrigerate for up to 1 hour to set before serving.

After pie is set, add blueberries to the top left corner to form a square.   Slice bananas and line the slices horizontally from left to right, leaving 1 inch spaces in between each row.

*Don't add the bananas until you are ready to serve.  If you refrigerate them, they will turn brown.

(No Bake) Banana-Berry "Ice Cream" Pie

This is one of my all time favorite desserts!  Yes, a dessert that does not contain chocolate is one of my favorites.  It's rare, but it happens.  :)  I've made it before and remember it being a big hit at a family gathering.  I suppose it's really a warmer weather type dessert, but I really don't discriminate when it comes to what type of weather is best to enjoy a frozen treat!  ;)  

This dessert is all-natural, easy to make and so delicious.  I know you will love it!  

This recipe is adapted straight from my Green Star Juicer Operation Manual.  (If you don't have a juicer, don't worry.  You can still make this using a food processor or blender.  See directions.)

(No Bake) Banana-Berry "Ice Cream" Pie

Ingredients

1 cup almonds

1/2 cup sesame seeds

1 cup cashews

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup dated, pits removed (roughly 6 dates)

1/2 cup pecans

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp Organic, Grade B maple syrup

6 frozen bananas

1 1/2 cups frozen mixed berries

*This recipe requires the "homogenizing blank" screen if using this particular juicer to grind the ingredients.*

Directions: 
For the Crust:

Grind almonds, sesame seeds, cashews, raisins, dates and pecans together. (Note: if using a food processor or blender, soak dates first for 10-15 minutes before processing).

Add vanilla and maple syrup; knead by hand to form dough.  Press dough into a 9 inch pie dish to form the crust.  Refrigerate the crust 3-4 hours (or place in food dehydrator for 45 minutes).


For the "Ice Cream":

Grind frozen bananas and frozen berries together to make "ice cream". (Note: if using a food processor or blender, you might want to add a touch of water, but only a touch!  You don't want the mixture to get too thin).

Place "ice cream" on  top of the crust and evenly distribute.   Slice and serve! 

Nuts, dates & raisin mixture

Making the pie crust...

Making the "Ice Cream"....

Ta-da!

You can freeze any leftovers, just take it out of the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving so it can soften up.  I suggest cutting it into slices and freezing it that way.  That way you can just pull out individual slices as you want them and you won't have to defrost the whole thing each time.


Enjoy!  I know you will!!  :)