Raw Chocolate Pumpkin Spice "Cheesecake", Anime, and Daft Punk

Another recipe, another joy.

And yet I am putting up two in the same day?  What kind of insanity is this?!  It's the kind of insanity that I enjoy.  But before I share the recipe with you, you'll have the opportunity to engage with me on an intimate level.  Maybe you didn't know this about me but I have one heckuva history with Japanese Animation, or for short; "Anime".

I recently started watching Ouran Highschool Host Club -- FINALLY!  I had read some of the manga before I had ever watched any of the anime, but I was looking for a fun, non-sadistic and romantic-comedy anime series to indulge in; and boy have I ever indulged!  I can (proudly?) say that I was awake until what felt like well after midnight the other night, watching it obsessively.  After I turned off the television and powered down the Wii, I went to bed.  I laid there wide awake for another half an hour or so, thinking, "if I keep watching Ouran like this then it's going to be over too quickly.  There aren't that many episodes in the series, and I'll be really sad when it's all over, and even sadder if it's over in a couple of days.  I really should slow down the pace that I am watching this series at!"
I feel a bit like someone whom knows their relationship won't last for very long but doesn't want it to end too quickly, because it's really fun.  I am trying to recall the last time I was ever love with an anime series like this?  I don't think it's been since I discovered FruBa/Fruits Basket, Full Metal Panic?: Fumoffu, and Strawberry Eggs. Ahh, the beauty of romantic comedies (although I still get a pretty intense knee-jerk/laughing reaction when I watch Golden Boy and Kekko Kamen.  Oh boy.)




Raw Chocolate Pumpkin Spice "Cheesecake"

I came up with this recipe on the fly.  It was just a couple of weeks ago that I put it all together for a Gentle Thanksgiving, and it's been on my mind to remake ever since.  It is absolutely amazing tasting and has a robust pumpkin flavour, which is greatly complimented by the chocolate base.  Mmm, just thinking about it makes me smile.  I am very pleased with this creation.  It truly was a stroke of creative, delicious genius.

While I wrote this blog I listened to:
Daft Punk - Digital Love
(Click to watch/listen)



What you'll need:
Food processor

Vitamix (you may use a food processor, but the consistency will be chunkier.  Which is delicious, too!)

Springform Pan

Wax Paper

Ingredients:
For the base
1 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw Chia seeds
1 Tbs raw almond butter
1 1/2 cup raisins
2-3 Tbs raw cacao power or cocoa powder
1 tsp Celtic or Himalayan Salt

For the "Cheescake"
2 cups raw dates (I prefer Medjool), soaked
2-3 cups raw pumpkin, roughly chopped in to 1-2 inch pieces.  If you are using a food processor I recommend making the pieces as small as possible.
3/4 Tbs Pumpkin Pie Spice, plus 1 tsp (optional)
1/2 cup Earth Balance Coconut Spread, melted
Pinch of Celtic or Himalayan Salt
1 tsp chia seeds optional

Directions: 
Cut the wax paper to fit into the bottom of the spring form pan, set aside.
In a food processor, combine the seeds, raisins, cacao or cocoa and salt.  Pulse until well combined with a sticky consistency.
Slowly pour the base into the spring form pan and press it down so that it reaches all edges, making it as level as you possibly can.  I find that a very small, circular jar (shot glass, anyone?) works well for making the top smooth and flat.

Melt the Earth Balance Coconut Spread in a small saucepan over low heat, keeping the temperature as low as possible. Note: This may take a few minutes if you have it in medium to large chunks.  I recommend making the pieces as small as possible or doing this step before you begin mixing ingredients in the food processor to allow plenty of time for the oil to melt.

Put the dates, pumpkin, salt, and the melted Earth Balance Coconut Spread in to your Vitamix or food processor.  Pulse or blend until well blended, making it as smooth as possible.  Pour the spices in and blend/pulse for about 5 seconds in the Vitamix or 10 seconds in the food processor.  Use a spatula to scoop the "Cheesecake" into the spring form pan.  Top with a pinch or two of chia seeds and spices if you like!

Set in the refrigerator to set-up for about 30 minutes.  Great served with coconut ice cream or eaten on it's own.  I love eating this for breakfast.  It is a truly yummy and nutrient rich way to start your day, and is also quite filling!

Enjoy! ~Aubrie