Vegan MoFo Day 12: Mummy Food

Edgar Cayce (1877-1945) is a noted figure in the history of both alternative religion and alternative health. He's also a local boy, from just up the road in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. If life ever takes you to Hopkinsville, there is a wonderful Cayce exhibit at the Pennyroyal Area Museum. Cayce is buried in Hoptown - see photo above, which I took on a tour sponsored by the musuem.

Cayce was not a vegetarian, but his health recommendations indicated a diet primarily composed of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains. He also advocated regular consumption of raw fruits and vegetables. By far, the most popular recipe from his work is "Mummy Food," so called as the formula was given to Cayce in a dream by an ancient Egyptian mummy in 1937. Top that, people. And it's vegan and gluten free.

Being a long-dead ancient Egyptian, the mummy did not provide exact measurements. The following recipe is what is usually given out:

1/2 c chopped dried dates
1/2 c chopped dried figs
1 heaping tablespoon cornmeal
1 1/2 c water

I think a sprinkle of salt is a nice addition, but it is not in the original formula. Anyhow, mix everything together, cover, and let it sit on the counter overnight. In the morning, bring it to a boil and let it simmer until it is done enough for you. I tend to follow the norm in cooking it for a long time - 45 minutes to 1 hour - but suit yourself.

Mummy Food is very rich, so I doubt you will want to eat large amounts. This morning I had about a tablespoon of it with some plain soy yogurt and rolled oats. If you cook it down to a thick paste and then refrigerate, it will set up into a firm block, and you can cut it into cubes for snacks.