Raw Thoughts and Raw Pancakes!

So I have been experimenting a lot with raw foods.  While I don't think I will ever go fully in that direction at this time, it is really fun to try new ingredients, new methods of preparation, and new flavors!  Here's my breakdown of feelings at this time on the RAW:

Why I like raw food:

1. Its totally fun and new to make.
2. It has broken me out of a "boring ingredient rut" and allowed me to introduce at least 20 new foods I had never used before.
3. It feels good knowing that everything I make is somehow great for me.
4. The experimentation has led to my endless research of nutrients and ingredients, and why they are so good.

Why I can't go totally raw at this time:

1. I still freakin love everything else too much.
2. The recipes claiming to taste "just like ____ or ____" really don't.  Sorry.  I would rather not try to replace things I love, but eat them a little less because I'm making room for new experiences. 
3. So far, unless I want a salad, preparing raw foods takes a lot of planning for me, sometimes a lot of prep work, and sometimes a lot...A LOT of time in a dehydrator. And I really don't totally have the patience for that on a daily basis. 
4. Some of the things I cook now I cook for therapy and self healing, and I haven't found a raw recipe yet that makes me feel as good as tending to a big pot of butternut squash soup does. 

That all being said, I will continue with my experimentation.  I mean check this out!...

Raw Pancakes! 

The above is a variation of a recipe in Everyday Raw by Matthew Kenney. His pancakes feature fresh blueberries.  When I 1st made them I felt like they were too sweet, so mine feature goji berries and barberries, which are very tart and were a nice complement to the sweet badder. 

Pretty much all they are made up of are soaked pecans and pine nuts, bananas, maple syrup, water, vanilla bean and a little salt, all in the blender.  I stir in the berries at the end.  You then have to dehydrate them for 24 hours (for soft) or 48 hours for a more cookie-like consistency (my preference).  Its a raw food worth the time.  They are a great sweet treat.