The Not So "Cheesy" Cheesecake

That's right- forget your traditional cheesecake! I've discovered something healthier and guilt-free to boot. Delicious and delightful sweet treats that you can take with you anywhere. I had a chance to get the "skinny" on what these PODs are all about from the creator herself, Linda Louise. If you're curious about the cute little cups below- read on to find out more.

Hi, Linda! It’s so great to get a chance to chat with you about your healthy desserts. I can’t wait to tell everyone about them! Can I ask you about how you came to develop your line of vegan cheesecakes? I read that it had to do with the health issues of a family member.

My husband, Terry, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2005. Terry has always had a special talent for finding any side effects to pharmaceutical drugs. We knew that there had to be a better way to handle this diagnosis and then we heard about a special diet that is 85% raw vegan to 15% cooked vegan. We decided to try the diet together, hoping to find a solution to Terry's illness, and not just a band-aid of drugs to suppress it.

Wow! Did you find that it was a simple answer to your husband’s health issues?

The first few months were very, very hard. Everything I had ever been taught and had ever known about food had been wrong.  I grew up and then raised my children on a standard American diet. I simply had not been educated to any alternatives and I never had a reason to question our diets since everyone was relatively healthy until now. I began to question my ability to provide my family with truly nutritious food that actually tasted good. How have we been so misguided?

Determined to keep my family truly healthy, I immersed myself in raw cookbooks and joined a raw-potluck and support group. Eventually, navigating through the organics aisle became easier, green juice became palatable, and most importantly Terry was feeling better.

Sounds like you were up to the challenge, Linda!   I’m really curious about your cheesecakes. How did you come up with the idea?

I started playing around with raw cheesecake recipes and would bring them our potluck as my dish. Everyone would rave about their decadence, texture, and sweetness. Many suggested that I begin to sell them! But that didn't happen until a bad storm kept me away from our potluck dinner one month.

I had prepared a huge, beautifully decorated raw cheesecake and now had no-where to take it. The next day, I asked a local, healthy cafe if they would be interested in buying the cake from me. The owner was hesitant at first, but then to both of our surprise, everyone loved it! Not just raw vegans, but vegetarians, omnivores, and the general public, too! I had provided a dairy-free dessert that tasted as rich as cream itself.

What health benefits are there for the general public when it comes to opting for non-dairy over dairy products, particularly desserts?

People would rave over not only the taste, but also the ease of its digestion.  Many people are allergic to dairy and are completely unaware of it. Looking back, I do think this was an allergen to Terry as he used to be a very high pasteurized, cow dairy consumer. In nature, you never see a grown animal drinking its mother’s milk. And if you use nature as a template, perhaps we shouldn't be drinking milk as adults either, especially milk from a different species. There are plenty of awesome substitutes out there now to use in the place of dairy. That being said, if you do choose to consume dairy, I believe raw, pastured sheep and goat’s milk is superior to cow’s milk. It is believed that sheep and goat’s milk is biologically closer to human breast milk than cow’s milk; making it the better choice for most.

 Do you feel that omitting dairy from your cheesecakes sacrifices flavor or consistency?

Our PULSE Cakes are more dense than a typical cheesecake; but are every bit as rich and satisfying, too. The cashew-based flavors are usually a little bit more firm than the avocado based flavors, but a little bit goes a long way for both.  Our PULSECakes are best enjoyed at refrigerator temperature. The real difference between our PULSE Cakes and a typical cheesecake is obviously our ingredients, which are all whole foods that are actually beneficial to your body and easier to digest.

How do you come up with your flavors, and what are some of your most popular ones?

 I love the challenge of taking a cooked recipe and creating a raw flavor from it.  I was inspired by one of our first flavors, the Dream Lime, to create other avocado-based flavors that were not typically green in color. That vision gave birth to our “Lemon Blueberry” flavor (both of which are now our most popular). I created our popular, cashew-based Mango Tango flavor from a tropical, frozen cake recipe.  Our other popular, cashew-based flavors are Banana Chocolate and Strawberry; of course, our seasonal flavors of Pumpkin, Pecan Pie, and White Chocolate Raspberry all do well in their respective time of the year, too.

 I love the convenience of your PULSE pods. Individually sized desserts that satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt! For those who don't know, can you explain what they are?

Our PULSE Pods are raw, vegan cheesecake-like dessert cups made from organic ingredients.  We have a “produce to pod” philosophy, which means that all of our PULSE Pods are to be filled with only the best, whole food ingredients.  Our goal is to make eating our PULSE Pods just as nutritious and beneficial as eating a handful of fresh fruits and nuts. Our only preservative is the freezer and every flavor is 100% gluten-free, soy-free & GMO-free.

 I want to stock up on some PULSE Pods to keep on hand for guilt-free desserts. Where can I find them?

You can find the retailer closest to you by either visiting our website (www.lindalouise.org/places) or by visiting our facebook map (www.facebook.com/lindalouisepulsedesserts/map). We are constantly seeking to expand our market and to get into new stores, but sometimes we need your help! If you’d like to see our PULSE pods in your local health food store or café, you can now easily request it! Simply click here for an easy, printable request form! We also offer easy shopping and shipping through our website, (www.lindalouise.org/pods)

Is it possible to special order your cheesecakes? 

We do offer special occasion cakes as well that are by delivery only within 25 miles of Harleysville, PA. Special order cakes range from 4"-10". You can check out our website for some ideas and please feel free to call us about sizes, pricing and flavors!

Thank you so much for chatting with me, Linda. I am going to select my rainbow of PULSE cakes right now!

Chocolate in the Raw

You've heard of "Sugar in the Raw"- now I'm here to introduce you to "Chocolate in the Raw." Yes, that's right, there is such a thing. And not only does it taste amazing- it is so good for you too! I had the pleasure of savoring some of Cloud 9's decadent creations. I wanted to find out more about how creator- Helene Leeds started the company. So, I bugged her to tell me more. The interview is to follow. Check out Helene on Fox's Master Chef which is to air next Monday and Tuesday, June 4th and 5th.

Do your "health" a favor and order some Gogi berry and raw chocolate- my personal favorite!

•  Helene, can you tell me: What was your personal journey that lead to your infatuation with raw chocolate?

While living in Switzerland, I was studying for my master's degree in nutrition. Part of the curriculum was on super foods. Chocolate was the one that peaked my interest- due to the far reaching longevity benefits. I was determined to find this food in its original form. Steeped in chocolate, I was on the hunt for raw, organic, pure chocolate. Nowhere could I find this authentic food. Everywhere I turned, the chocolate was laden withe creme and sugar. In the village where I was living I met a woman from Africa at the market. I made a request for an order of chocolate pods. She brought them to me the following week!


I will never forget opening the pods for the first time. Chocolate is truly magical. The tiny white sacs filled with chocolate nibs. Sweet, slimy and sour, pungent and stringent, this is an amazing food indeed.


Knowing of the health benefits and the power- I began to experiment and feed the ones I love and quite honestly, they all disliked raw chocolate. I was determined to find a recipe that they would all love and be able to embrace. Twelve years later- I have evolved the recipe to what it is today.


The long and short of it really is, that the knowledge and power of raw chocolate ignited my love  for it, and those around me get to benefit. This is where my "infatuation" with raw chocolate all began.

• Great story! So I can't help but ask: Why raw chocolate?

Raw chocolate is authentic- the real deal. It contains the purest form of super food nutrition. 

Any other kind of chocolate would be a compromise and a choice toward the pure pleasure of life- but without the transformation.

Raw chocolate shows that being healthy can be fun! It means being able to explore the abundant benefits of this delicious food. 

• So, how would I go about choosing a healthy chocolate?

The average consumer should know that chocolate is a medicinal super food. It is to be consumed with caution and frequently in small amounts. It is acidic in nature and is a powerful food, that should be used with respect.

I would recommend not consuming chocolate that has been heated. I would also be aware of supporting fair trade- which ensures the grower gets a fair wage for their labor.

It is also best to consume chocolate that is not combined with milk and white sugar- since it compromises the integrity of the raw chocolate.

• Fantastic! I am ready to try some right now! What flavors do you offer and how can I get my hands on some delicious and nutritious Cloud 9 raw chocolate?

We currently offer 4 flavors: Cranberry Pecan, Walnut, Original, and Macadamia Goji-berry. We also offer limited time flavors of the month. These flavors are announced as they are prepared. Three sizes are available: 25 grams for $5; 50 grams for $9; and 100grams for $17.

Ordering is available on our website: www.cloud9rawchocolate.com as well as on Amazon, and through our Facebook page.  Additionally, if you would like your favorite local store to carry our chocolate, requests from customers help to speed up the process!

• I must say, I  truly am on Cloud 9 when I'm enjoying your chocolate. And everyone- you have to taste it for yourselves to believe it!

Here's to a Healthy Glass of Vino

It's true when you're not looking for something, it suddenly appears right before you! It's been a hope of mine to find a local vineyard that makes organic wine. 

Then low and behold I find a Buck's county winemaker and restaurant owner- Luigi Desiato. I recently got a chance to meet him at a raw food event where I enjoyed sampling his cold distilled wine. My favorite wine from Fratelli Desiato Vineyards, has been the Rose Blush- delightfully light on the tongue and super low in sulfites. 

Econize is applauding Luigi for using sustainable business practices. He grows the grapes on his land, uses bio-fuel to run his tractor, uses old world style wine making techniques without using animal products, and composts the lees (used grape matter) back into the soil. And in his restaurant- Mamma D's, he even uses solar panels to run the equipment. 

Both the restaurant and vineyard are destinations worthy of visiting. To make it all the more inviting they are nestled in among rolling green farmland and antique shops, which PA is known for. After talking to Luigi's son Nick, who is also chef, I will most definitely be stopping by and sampling the free wine flight during lunchtime on a 

Saturday and having some freshly made calamari with a glass of traditional Desiato Chianti.

Countdown to 200 Winner!

We've hit 200 fans on Facebook! Congrats to...

Trisha Amanda Bootsma

Thank you for being a fan of our page! This eco-prize pack includes a stainless steel reusable water bottle, recycled water bottle pen, eco-cute mouse-pad, recycle logo laundry bag!

(Trisha- we'll message you on Facebook to make delivery arrangements.)

Using What You Have

Need somewhere to store all your little do-dads and such?
I just love boxes, jars, and baskets. I think they are my weakness.
So I figured, why throw out perfectly good shoe boxes. I know. I can make them pretty!
Here is a step by step tutorial for how to pretty up the boxes you already own.

Earth Art

So in love with this view. I had to share it with you!

Wadden Sea gullies through sandbanks. Netherlands- CNES/Spot image/ESA

What an artful masterpiece! So resilient yet delicate.
Every little thing we do affects the place we call- home.
This month Econize is dedicated to find new innovative ways to preserve the planet.
In the meanwhile, enjoy the view!

Green Day

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the 'green campaign.'

For the next few weeks I'll be bringing you 

everything green inspired. 

Starting with the April issue of 

Berks County Living- 

our local premiere magazine. 

This issue is dedicated to all things green.

How to Label Baskets

Like the look of baskets, but confused about what's inside? 

Sort, label, and keep it straight!

Supplies you will need~


scissors, hole punch, twine, chiseled sharpie, sticker labels, & 6x6 inch scrap booking paper

Choose your paper, center your label, give it a whirl freehand. 

 Trim the salvage off the top & punch a hole in the top  two corners.

 {Be careful to mirror the distance on each side.}

        Clip about six inches of twine and weave through vertical slats.    

                                                                                     

                Secure on the inside of the basket with a simple knot. Repeat on the opposite side.

Your basket now has a label! Continue to label an entire row of baskets in a closet or pantry for a cohesive organized look.

First Sign of Spring

Dwarf iris, reticulata

Spring Ahead

As one of my best friends, Ada, just reminded me- this weekend 

Daylight Savings time begins. 

It officially begins at 2:00a.m. Sunday morning March 11th. 

3 Things to Remember for Daylight Savings

1. Make it easy on yourself and go to bed an hour earlier than normal. This, hopefully will prevent that dragging feeling for the next day.
2. Move non-cellular devices ahead one hour before you go to bed on Saturday night as not to confuse yourself when you wake up. {Cell phones should adjust via satellite, so no need to fiddle with those.}
3. Daylight Savings day is also a great time to check your smoke detector batteries as well. That is even more important than getting up on time.

Green Give-a-way Winner!

Drum roll please for this super awesome 

Econize green canteen. 

Jessica Smither McCray of Notice Me Promotions.

Thanks for being a loyal follower and Facebook Fan!

Notice Me on Facebook

22 Days Until Spring Begins

Find some time to enjoy the songbirds by 

trying these helpful meal time tips.

1. Menu plan cook once eat twice. Plan your meals by circular specials. Pork Tenderloin on sale buy one get one free? Plan to make a roast one night and spice it up for pork sandwiches the next night.

2. Clean as you cook. Keeping up with the mess is half the battle to making a meal. As you are cooking put each item away. Wipe down your spills and wash the bowls and utensils. When you're done the only thing left should be the dinner dishes. {You can delegate those to the kids.}

3. Put left overs in single serve containers. Pyrex is my fav. Each serving can be reheated in place of a brown paper bag lunch. Saves on lunch money too.

Sort, Stack & Stash Cardigans

If you're like me keeping cardigans contained can be a challenge. What to do, what to do?

1. Sort by color. Fold identically, think of the Gap store.  

2. Stack by hue. Jewel tones together, white and tan, gray and black, etc. 

3. Stash on shelf in your closet. You'll have tons of space in your dresser and BONUS: 
You'll be able to find what you're looking for!

Use what you own- to make what you own work for you.

Got a closet full of shoe boxes?

1. Take the shoes out and hand them in a hanging shoe organizer. You'll gain a ton of floor space for bigger things- like luggage.

2. Take the empty shoe boxes and turn them into dividers for your dresser drawers.

3. You'll be able to sort those lose belts, scarves, and hosiery. Everything at a glance- right at your finger tips!

Save the Date

Have you ever noticed the day after a bill was due that you forgot to pay it? Don't want to miss another due date? Try these tips.

1. The day a bill comes in take a look at the due date and start plotting the order in which your bills will be paid.

2. I like to put the "due date" as the pay day before its due, right on the calendar. Keep the actual bills nearby- for easy access.

3. On payday, go online, and pay the bills right away. If you prefer snail mail- keep in mind it can take up to 10 days to credit.

Getting the Office Organized

Mail center

1. When the mail comes in decide right away to: file it, pay it, or recycle it. Keep that shredder nearby for mail with personal details. 


2. Divide and conquer. Bills to be paid on the right, first due right in front. {Calendar reminders coming soon.}


 3. Once bill is paid put it on the left to be filed. Once a month stash in your master filing cabinet. Keep for at least one year, or better yet, scan to computer and back up off site with a service like Crashplan, starting at $24.99/yr.

Better to be Safe than Sorry

Organizing the Medicine Cabinet

1. Once a month or every other month purge expired or unwanted meds and vitamins from your cabinet.

2. When purchasing meds make sure you have a good year to use them. Otherwise you'll be throwing money down the drain, like I did with this full box of Mucinex. 

3. Expired medications can be disposed through one of the facilities on Earth 911.com.

Use What You Already Have

If you're like me you have lots of open bags in your pantry and cabinets.
Instead of investing in bag clips and storage containers, try these ideas:

1. Keep a spot in your kitchen to toss all your twist ties & rubber bands.

2. Repurpose binder clips as bag clips.

3. Empty bread bags work great to wrap things up like open packages of bacon or two sandwiches instead of one. (Like for my husband's lunch.)

Econize Green Give-a-away.

It's so simple to enter the Econize Green Give-a-away. 

1. Follow my blog.

2. Fan my page.

You could win this eco-awesome stainless steel water canteen.

Winner will be announced February 29th.*

*All contests subject to change without notice and are administered at the discretion of Econize.

Here are my 3 Steps of Organization

This is what I did during our last snow fall.

1. Take out what doesn't belong like that box of opened pasta that's been in there way too long.

2. Figure out what is the most logical location for everything. Recipes at arm's reach makes sense.

3. Group like things together. Leaves guessing where things are to a minimum.

Welcome to my Blog

Thanks for a taking a trip over to my blog. I'm excited to keep a green diary that I can share with you all. There will be helpful tips to keep it clean and green, organizing tutorials, and health tips. 

To celebrate I'll be doing a "green give-a-way!" Check back soon for details.