Earlier this year, I headed California way and sampled the bizarre foods of Los Angeles. I loved shooting the segment with raw foodie, Ani Phyo. Even though I've tried nearly everything that crawls on the face of earth and she's a raw food/vegan chef, we really hit it off. While I'm not going to give up my carnivore lifestyle any time soon, her dishes are creative, delicious and I'd definitely try them again.

For those of you wanting to explore raw food further, we'll be giving out FREE copies of her book, Ani's Raw Food Kitchen, to the first three people to send an email to info@andrewzimmern.com with "I Like It Raw" in the subject line.

Chocolate Shake
Hemp Sunburger on Flax Flatbread
Italian Rawzagnia
Chocolate Raspberry Ganache Cake
Strawberry Parfait
Blackberry Cobbler

This is the menu I created specially for Andrew. At first glance, these may not sound that bizarre. But what if I told you they’re all uncooked, unheated, and made using only fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. This may sound weird, but trust Andrew when he says they taste delicious!

To make my mylk, I blend cashews with water. I add dates as a sweetener, add coconut oil for richness, and cacao powder for antioxidant-rich chocolate goodness to make a creamy chocolate shake. Hemp Sunburgers are made with garden vegetables full of vitamins and minerals, and sunflower, flax, and hemp seeds for protein and essential amino acids that keep us healthy and looking our best. The Chocolate Raspberry Ganache cake (see photo below) is made with walnuts, dates, and chocolate. And frosted with blended dates, avocado, and more chocolate.

None of my foods use refined sugar or flour, and they are all wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and cruelty-free. Because they are not cooked, they are packed with water from fresh fruits and vegetables to help hydrate our bodies and our skin. The fiber fills us up and keeps us feeling satisfied longer so we eat less. Plus, all this food is very nutrient dense. Every bite is packed with nutrition. You won’t find any empty calories in my food.

This way of eating is the healthiest and cleanest, good for your health and our planet. You don’t need to go nuts or be extreme. Everyone can benefit from adding more fresh, whole, ideally organic ingredients into any diet. I encourage everyone to check out your local farmer’s market, where you can find the freshest, tastiest, and most nutrient-rich seasonal and local foods.

Ani's Hemp Sunburger on Flax Flatbread Recipe

Ani's Strawberry Parfait Recipe

For more fast and easy recipe ideas, please visit me at www.AniPhyo.com