It’s been years and years since I made a vegan lime dessert. We recently made some new friends that are visiting from Brazil and they have explained to me how limes are so popular in Brazilian cooking that they take the place of lemons in everything. I asked my friend what her favourite type of dessert are and she proceeded to tell me that it was a lime custard-type dessert. I made it especially for her because I know that she misses home but is also trying to make small steps toward having a healthier diet. I’m pleased to say that she loved it so much and she said it was even better than the traditional sugar later dessert that she’s used to. That means a lot to me because I haven’t even tasted the original dessert! So I think I got very lucky with the flavour. As much as I love the way this dessert turned out I have to say that I absolutely hate zesting limes. It is such a big effort and takes such a long time! Thankfully the little citrus press that I use to squeeze lemons also works great for limes and oranges so that makes it a lot easier so I don’t have to pull out my big fat juicer! but I still haven’t found an easy way to zest limes! Help!
Recently I’m also trying to make an effort to add more hormone-healthy food ingredients into my desserts. All nuts and seeds are amazing for healthy hormones and healthy neurotransmitters because they are high in tryptophan and magnesium but some are a little more special than others. I’ve always known about the benefits of magnesium and vitamin B6 for healthy hormones but I’ve only recently just been introduced to think as an important mineral for regular periods and less painful, lighter periods. Zinc isn’t a nutrient I have paid special attention to until recently so I’m now making an effort to add a few more pumpkin seeds into my diet as they are a very high source of zinc and actually the highest known source of Tryptophan. (I’m also doing better at eating more legumes) I’m not currently struggling with any period problems anymore and my hormones are more or less in check however I do like knowing about things for prevention and hormone health maintenance. This key lime pie also includes silken tofu which is also a good source of tryptophan and calcium and has phytoestrogens which can help raise or lower estrogen levels depending on what your body needs. They’re also good at lightning periods. (It also gives a great custard-like texture to the filling) This is what I’ve always liked about healthy desserts and raw desserts in particular. You can add so many wonderful ingredients that are so great health and that are not easy to eat regularly unless you make a special effort. It’s also an easy way to eat some calorie-dense food that’s actually good for you without having to eat massive portion sizes at every meal. I know that might sound like a very strange thing to say and I do not promote overeating at all but way too many women are under-eating. Under-eating is bad for so many of our hormones so it’s important to eat enough, especially on a plant-based diet. I can’t think of a more delicious way than to do it this way.
As usual, this dessert is vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, dairy-free and delicious! Enjoy
Find the recipe in my new book “Eating for Hormone Balance: a Plant-based Guide” Click this text to purchase
