This Rawsome Vegan Life:Recipe Review & Cookbook Giveaway!

This Rawsome Vegan Life:
Recipe Review & Cookbook Giveaway! 

When I was offered to receive one of Emily's von Euw's new cookbooks, Rawsome Vegan Baking, and review a recipe inside, I was thrilled. I've followed Emily's blog for a long time, admiring her increasingly amazing photography and her laid-back blog post writing. She regularly posts drool-worthy recipes that are not only raw, but vegan and gluten-free as well. She basically takes veganism to a whole new, raw dessert-filled level. And she seems like a gal I could have a good time with, and I like that. 
When I received the cookbook in the mail, all wrapped up in its yellow manila folder, I tore it open and immediately had to pour through. Some of the pictures I recognized from teaser posts Emily herself had put up, but most were new to me: and GORGEOUS. And the best part? Emily's recipes are as simple as it comes; whole foods, like dates, nuts, and coconut oil make an appearance in nearly every recipe, but are all so differently arranged and combined. Plus, you can eat at least 6 of the cookies in the recipe that follows, because its all such good-for-you food. (Okay, 6  may have been overdoing it. Or not. No judgement here!)

I got to pick a recipe of Emily's to review, and had to go with her Raw Chocolate Cookies Sandwiching Vanilla Cream. In my own words, RAW OREOS! As a kid I loved these mega-crap-filled brand name sandwich cookies and ate rows and rows without every worrying about animals, my health, or my waistline...ah, to be 7 again. Now that I am concerned about those things, I vehemently avoid foods with so much processed sugar, wheat, and chemicals I can't even begin to pronounce; So when I saw Emily's recipe, I was beyond excited. A chocolatey, cream filled sandwich cookie that was totally guilt-free? SOLD! And the very best part? Emily's letting us give one of her cookbooks away to one of you! Below, enter to win your OWN, FREE COPY of Rawsome Vegan Baking and make these in your own kitchen...'cause they are so, so worth it. Better than the originals in flavor, texture, and eat-ability!

And before I give you the delicious recipe, a note from Emily herself:

"These are splendid. I love re-creating popular sweets because many people can identify with them and get excited about a healthy version of their favorite treats. I mean, really who doesn’t love Oreos? I just don’t love their long list of processed ingredients. So, here’s a simplified Oreo recipe, full of good-for you stuff, such as oats, cashews, dates and cacao. Relive childhood fun and dip a couple in a glass of vegan milk." Let's eat!

RAW CHOCOLATE COOKIES SANDWICHING VANILLA CASHEW CREAM 
(aka RAW, HEALTHY OREOS)

COOKIES
¾ cup (68 g) oats
1 cup (175 g) pitted dates
2 tablespoons (15 g) cacao powder

VANILLA FILLING
½ cup (73 g) raw cashews
2 ½ tablespoons (50 g) pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

TO MAKE THE COOKIES: Pulse the oats in your food processor until they become a coarse flour. Add the dates and cacao and process until it forms a semi-sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add more dates. Roll the dough as thinly as possible onto parchment paper, then cut cookie shapes with a cookie cutter until you use up all the dough. Optional: Dehydrate for a few hours, or until they harden—this will make them crunch like the original.

TO MAKE THE FILLING: Blend all the ingredients until smooth; you may have to add some water to make it creamy. Put the filling in the fridge for 3 to 4 hours, until thickened.

ASSEMBLY: Spread the vanilla filling evenly onto half of your cookies, then press the remaining cookies on top of the frosted ones. Makes about 10.

You made it! This is where you can enter to win one of your very own copies of Rawsome Vegan Baking from Emily Von Euw. One lucky winner will be chosen on Saturday, March 29th! Be sure to enter as many ways as you can below- each completed action is a SEPARATE entry- so you have more chances to win! A HUGE shout-out and thanks to Emily at This Rawsome Vegan Life, who you should follow on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest, because she is truly awesome. If you don't win, or don't even want to wait to find out who does, you can order your own copy of Em's book here. Otherwise, good luck!The giveaway is over, and we have a WINNER of our Rawsome Vegan Baking cookbook giveaway! The lucky winner of their very own copy is...Veggie Loops! (Assuming thats your real name...hehe.) I've emailed you and look forward to sending your your copy of Emily's raw-mazing book! Thanks to everyone that entered, and to Emily for letting us be a part of her book tour. We love ya, Em!