Inevitably if you commit to learning anything new, you end up with a lot of materials to support your new venture. The same holds true for raw foods. There are plenty of resources you'll pick up along the way. I have videos, books and magazines and I get asked a lot what the best resources are. First off, I can't definitely say what the best "resources" are since I think the resources depend on your lifestyle, budget, equipment and time restraints, but I can list a few that I like and why.
BOOKS:
Let's start with what I consider the easiest book to use (that I've read, at least). Jennifer Cornbleet's "Raw Food Made Easy
" is a great book for beginners because it doesn't require any special equipment. Though there are some recipes in her book, and some ingredients, that are not completely, it is a great starting point for anyone that's at the initial stages of raw food cuisine. She also has a video that can be purchased separately from the book that takes you step by step through many recipes. It's just like taking a raw food class, except it's a whole lot more affordable.
Another great book on my shelf for the more advanced user is Matthew Kenney's "Everyday Raw
" - It is definitely not for someone new to raw foods, as it does require special equipment (a lot of dehydrating) and lots of advanced planning. One thing that I really like about this book is that every recipe, from the simple shakes to the decadent desserts, is truly delicious. This is the book that taught me to make Chocolate Macaroons and it was super easy (though it takes 3 days to make)
Last on my list for must-have books actually falls in the "magazine" category. The Magazine "Get Fresh" is probably hard to find for most, but is available at many raw foods stores in New York City. It's also available at some Whole Foods Supermarkets. The name is a bit tricky, as it doesn't have the word raw in the title, but that helps get it into the homes of a lot of people that are afraid of "Raw" outright. If you can't find it in the stores, you can get the online version and have it delivered to your inbox. The website address is http://www.fresh-network.com/acatalog/get-fresh-magazine.html
So, that's a bit to start you off. I'll be sure to offer up more next week. Until then, take care of yourself, raw and otherwise.