An almost imperceptible shift in the light. A slant of golden, the earth’s turning reflected in sunflowers’ faces. The skies blue again after a good night’s wind and rain scrubbed the smoky haze that had descended over the mountains, stacking them like so many cardboard cutouts. Around the edges the air is cool, threaded with the promise of chill. The creek meanders along, more leisurely than lazy, having left the frenetic pace of runoff behind. A grasshopper symphony plays from grassy fields, blanched seed heads bowing in the breeze. Walking along the path I see these musicians leap, a striking resemblance to butterflies in flight, all yellow laced wings and suspended animation.
Chokecherries ripen along the creek corridor. One old tree at a prominent crossroads always produces a good crop, which I never touch for want of leaving them for the wildlife that needs them far more than I. My tendency is not universal, and I noticed yesterday that it had been stripped of the vast majority. I reckon it’s the same gatherer I met some years ago as he tromped along this path, plastic gallon milk jugs fashioned into berry buckets strapped to either side of his belt; rubber boots and suspenders and a keen focus to get those chokecherries before anyone (or anything) else did.
The first five years I lived in here, I would wake one fall morning to find a large pile of chokecherry-studded bear scat at the end of my driveway. Just one pile, once each year. I imagined a wizened, wise bear making his rounds, meandering along the creekside trail, stopping by that old chokecherry tree and eating his fill. Walking along, pausing briefly at my driveway before making his way through the adjacent field and upcountry.
Last year there was no scat pile, and I don’t expect one this year either. The field has been plowed under and converted into high density housing at a dizzying pace. “Progress,” they say. The bear, I would guess, is steering clear of this progress, the concrete and excavators and diesel fumes. I hope he comes back to visit the chokecherry tree, at least. There are still a few fruits to be had.
Before totally turning away from the fruits of summertime, and since stone fruit is still abundant at market, I want to share (as promised on Instagram) this recipe for Apricot Vanilla Raw “Cheesecake” with a Maple Pecan Crust. While I used apricots, peaches or nectarines would work equally well (as would, I expect, blackberries or blueberries). Please let me know what you think if you give this recipe a try. I hope you enjoy it!
Apricot Vanilla Raw “Cheesecake” with a Maple Pecan Crust
Ingredients:
Crust:
- 1 1/2 C (105 g) raw, unsalted pecans
- 1/2 C (70 g) almond flour
- 1 C (200 g) packed medjool dates (about 12 dates)
- 5 T (45 g) hemp seeds
- 1 t vanilla powder
- 1/4 t salt
- 1/4 C coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
- 2 T maple syrup
Filling:
- 3 C (400 g) raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/2 C coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly
- 1/2 C maple syrup
- one 5.4 oz can (160 mL) coconut cream
- juice of one lemon
- 3 apricots, halved and pitted
To top:
- 6 apricots, pitted, halved and sliced thinly
- Mint, for garnish (opt.)
To prepare:
The night before:
- The night before you wish to make the cheesecake, soak the raw cashews in a bowl of cool water. To soak: cover the cashews with a couple of inches of clean water in a large bowl, cover lightly, and refrigerate.
The crust:
- The next morning, cover the base of a 7″ springform pan with parchment paper and attach the side piece.
- To make the crust, place the pecans in a food processor and pulse until they resemble a coarse meal.
- Add the remaining crust ingredients to the pecan meal in the food processor bowl and process until the ingredients are well blended.
- Pour the pecan crust onto the parchment-lined springform pan and press down firmly until the crust forms relatively uniform layer.
- Place the crust in the freezer while you prepare the filling.
The filling:
- Wipe out the food processor bowl.
- Drain the cashews in a colander and rinse well with clean water.
- Place all of the filling ingredients *except* the apricots into the food processor bowl.
- Blend until a smooth consistency is achieved (you want to process long enough so that the filling is not gritty).
- Remove the springform pan from the freezer and pour about 1/2 inch of the filling onto the crust.
- Place the 3 halved apricots, cut side down, into the filling. Wiggle them around a little so that the space where the the pit used to be fills with filling.
- Pour the remainder of the filling into the pan, cover lightly, and place in the freezer for at least 4 hours.
To serve:
- Place the cheesecake into the refrigerator about an hour before you want to serve it so that it can thaw. Release the clamp from the side of the springform pan. It won’t release right away, so don’t worry! It will slowly pull away from the sides of the cheesecake while it’s in the fridge.
- Just before serving, wash, halve, and pit the other 6 apricots. Place them cut side down on a cutting board and slice them thinly.
- Starting from the outside and working in, arrange the apricot slices so that they are slightly overlapping in concentric circles. Garnish with mint if desired.
- To cut raw cheesecakes, I find it easiest to use a hot, dry knife. Simply run the knife under hot water and dry it, then use immediately.
- Enjoy!
To save:
- Slice any uneaten cake into individual serving sized pieces and freeze them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw for 30-60 minutes before eating.
What a joy to read this post in its entirety. Beautiful writing and photos and I’m sure this cheesecake is divine as well!
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thank you so much, annika! i really appreciate your taking the time to seek out my blog and read through the full piece. and yes—the cheesecake is yummy! 🙂
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Totally agree!!!!!
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thank you so much! i am really glad you enjoyed it.
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Kristin, you have such gifts–for writing, for photography, for cooking AND for making us want to eat everything you describe and show us! (I wanted to dive into the apricot cheesecake immediately.) Your photos are luminous. The text is resonant. As my editor always tell me, “Put us in the moment.” You do.
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Thank you so much, Aunt Marian—for taking the time to read my blog posts and for your support and encouragement. I’m hoping to be more consistent with my writing and posting in the coming months. Next time you are in Montana, this cheesecake is on the menu! 🧡
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Yes, you placed me right there. Enjoyed the entire package. I look forward to more. Thanks for sharing
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Thank you for taking the time to read and for your kind words!
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What a lovely piece. YOur words complement the photographs so beautifully.
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Thank you so much, Antoinette. I am glad that the story resonated with you, and that you enjoyed the photographs. I really appreciate your kind words and support!
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Is chokeberry the same as elderberry? Just wondering. The sweet looks delicious!
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That’s a great question! I actually had to look it up, and it appears they are different (though they look quite similar). The chokecherry is in the rose family, and the elderberry is in the family Adoxaceae. And thank you for your kind words on the cheesecake. It’s a tasty treat!
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Yum, that looks so delicious! And beautiful photos as well!
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Thank you so much, Erica! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, and as for the cheesecake–it is a very tasty dessert!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for sharing it with your readers!
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lovely photos and ode to grasshoppers. This is a seaon to relish, and you’ve brought it to life.
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Many thanks, Elaine! There is so much magic in the natural world. I am always grateful when I have the opportunity to slow down enough to notice and appreciate the little things.
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Looks absolutely decadent ❤
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Thank you so much, Patrice! It is decadent, for sure. But also made with ingredients you can feel good about (and a lot of love!).
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the cake looks yummy
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Thank you so much! It is a delicious and refreshing dessert–a great way to celebrate summer produce!
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Thank you so much for sharing my post, Gina! I appreciate your support and kind words, and I hope you are able to make and enjoy the cheesecake! It’s a favorite dessert of mine.
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Beautiful photos. The story was sad and sweet. So much developing it pushing wildlife into smaller spaces and here in Florida people are up in arms when they see a bear on a panther crossing their land. The demand overshadows the common sense voices. The cheesecake looks soo tempting! Thanks for sharing
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Thank you for your kind words, Lindi, and for taking the time to read through my post. Florida has such a rich and unique wildlife heritage; I hope that people realize the richness we enjoy when we share our wild places and wild spaces with other creatures. (And I hope that you are able to make and enjoy the cheesecake!)
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This looked SO yummy! Thanks for sharing not only the recipe but also taking us with you on a trip through memory lane! Beautifully written! 🙂 ❤
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Thank you so much for your kind words, K.M.! I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed the post. I hope you are able to make and enjoy the cheesecake!
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https://globalknowledge2.wordpress.com
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Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for the link to your site!
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Beautiful images and delicious recipe idea. Terrific post.
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Thank you, Jane, for taking the time to read my post and for your kind words! I hope you are able to make and enjoy the cheesecake!
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What a beautiful portrayal of an otherwise ignored part of our lives – “nature”. Absolutely mesmerizing. I hope I ll make some cheesecake soon too !
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Thank you for taking the time to read my post and for your appreciation of the natural world. There is so much beauty and inspiration all around us if we pause long enough to notice. (And I hope you like the cheesecake!)
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Absolutely, there is so much that we can learn from nature and thrive on it for a better future too !
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i agree 100%! nature is a wonderful teacher.
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Reblogged this on clawingmywayin.
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thank you for sharing this with your readers! i am glad that it resonated with you.
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Reblogged this on .
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i am so happy that you enjoyed my post! thank you for sharing it with your readers.
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welcome 🙂
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thank you for sharing my post! i’m glad you enjoyed it.
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lovely photographs, good recipes, thanks. What theme are you using?
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thank you so much! i am glad you enjoyed them. as for the theme: are you referring to the wordpress layout? if so, i can try to find out—i don’t remember off the top of my head!
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Thanks, WP used to mention at bottom of each post which of their 100s of themes was used. Such as Edin or Libretto or Twentyseventeen ….. But don’t go to too much trouble.
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Oh nice place. That recipe is divine!
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thank you so much! montana is beautiful, and the dessert is one of my favorites! i hope you are able to try it!
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It was such a lovely read. And the cake looks divine!
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thank you so much! i appreciate your kind words and am glad you enjoyed it. the cake is delicious—i hope you are able to try it!
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Hard to ignore photos and recipes..both perfectly complementee eachother..a job well done👍.
I write short Nd long stories Nd all sorts of writeups ….have a look at my page sometime..lamidesextract.wordpress.com Thanks in adv
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Thank you so much! I am glad that the various parts of the blog convey a common thread, and appreciate your kind words. I look forward to taking a look at your blog.
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Mmmm! This is UNBELIEVABLE! I will try this out ASAP!
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Thank you so much, Gabriella! I appreciate your taking the time to read the post and am glad the dessert calls to you! I hope you are able to make and enjoy it.
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A really good piece
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Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for your kind words! I am so happy you enjoyed it.
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I like how there is a personal connection to the recipe. Thank you for for sharing
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Thank you for taking the time to read and for your kind words. I always try to describe how the recipe relates to the theme of the post, and I’m glad that it resonated with you!
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WOW! This too yumm.
Love to have it. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you for reading and for your enthusiasm for the dessert–it is delicious and I hope you are able to try it!
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What a lovely post! I appreciate any gluten free dessert recipes, and this looks absolutely yummy. Plus, you set a wonderful atmosphere of the season where you are. Thanks so much.
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Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and for your kind words! I am glad the words placed you in Montana, and I hope you are able to enjoy this gf cheesecake at some point. It is delicious!
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What a beautiful post! Full of vibrant photos and excellent writing. Thanks for sharing!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I am glad you enjoyed the writing and photography. I am excited to be doing more of both these days!
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What a lovely post…love all the photos too!
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed the post and the photos. More to come soon!
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awww it broke my heart that the bear couldn’t come back. I hope he stays clear too. I enoyed your writing a bunch! Very well written.
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Thank you so much! I can’t help but keep an eye open for him and his sign, but I can’t imagine him wanting to deal with all the ruckus. I appreciate your taking the time to read the piece and your kind words!
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I will make this! ❤️Two years vegan beating hubby’s type 2 diabetes 1 day at a time! We don’t eat many desserts but I’ve been wanting a pretty one so enticing even finicky family will eat! Thank you for sharing photos of beautiful place also!
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oh, that’s wonderful, sharon! food is incredibly powerful—more so than we often think. i am so happy to hear that a plant-based diet has been successful in helping your husband manage diabetes. i hope you enjoy the dessert! i would love to hear your thoughts/feedback once you’ve had a chance to try it 🧡
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thank you for sharing my post!
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Looks and sounds delicious. The pictures you included are stunning. Thank you for sharing.
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thank you so much for your kind words, piet! i am happy you enjoyed the photos and hope you have the chance to make and enjoy the recipe!
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Wow, what a wonderful blog post – beautiful writing, great recipe and truly great photography.
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thank you for your kind words! i am so happy you enjoyed all elements of the post, and very much appreciate your support!
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Yummy 😋. That cheese cake has my name on it 😊. Stunning photos!
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thank you so much! i wish i could share a slice of the cheesecake through the screen. i hope you have the opportunity to make and try it! 🧡
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This is the most beautiful writing I read today and great photography I have seen today. Following you from now on.
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Thank you so much for your kind words, Jaan! I am happy you enjoyed the writing and the photography, and very much appreciate your support and the follow!
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VERY GOOD WRITING
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
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Very good
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it.
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Wow, what gorgeously inviting photos – I’ll have to try your recipe, it looks divine.
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Thank you so much, Sheree! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos and hope you are able to enjoy the cake as well!
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Reblogged this on Eileen Lyn Wah.
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I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Eileen! Thank you for sharing it with your readers.
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My pleasure! Lovely posts!❤️
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Truly a great read! Love this post. Beautiful pictures, and ohhh it looks so delicious!
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it and hope you have a chance to make and enjoy the cheesecake!
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I shall!!
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Lovely post and I’ll bet the cheesecake is just as beautiful.
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Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoyed it. The cheesecake is delicious! I hope you have the chance to try it 🧡
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The chokecherries took me back to Pennsylvania where I grew up. We had many of them in the woods nearby. Love the photos.
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Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the post and that it transported you. I need to look for them next time I’m back in Ohio (where I grew up). I love finding nature connections across the miles!
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Yes, I enjoyed your post!
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Wow! Your writing, photography and recipe are amazing! I appreciate the hard work that you put in to this and will be trying this recipe. Nothing short of spectacular!
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Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I actually just found a flat of organic apricots at Costco yesterday and am planning to make this summer treat again too. I hope you enjoy it!
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I really enjoyed the writing in this post. As I look out at our smoke-filled skies in Alaska, this week, I find the line about the mountains, stacking them like so many cardboard cutouts, particularly appropriate. I have been trying to figure out how to describe this visual and you captured it perfectly!
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