Raw Cashew Milk

Once again in the spirit of starting the year off on a positive note, I wanted to share a delicious treat that you can concoct to help you along with any cleanse or clean eating plan.  Did you know that cashews have one of the lowest fat contents of any nut and they're packed with iron, copper and magnesium?  On top of that, the fat they do contain is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which has been known to improve cardiovascular health and help prevent diabetes.

Now that you've read my pitch for the cashew, let's talk about why I love them so much - they're delicious.  Cashews have a mild sweetness that I find really enjoyable without being overbearing or cloying.  I'm also a fan of almond milk, but I think the added benefits of cashews definitely make this a beverage worth trying.

Raw Cashew Milk
1 cup raw cashews
3 cups water
1 tablespoon agave nectar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or the scrapings of one bean)

- Combine water and cashews in a blender and mix at high speed until the liquid takes a thin, milk-like consistency
- Add agave, cinnamon and vanilla and blend for an additional 30 seconds on high
- Strain the liquid into a bottle (optional - if you're okay with a bit of texture, you can skip this step) and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- This should yield just under a quart