Chocolate Cashew Milk (Vegan)
I feel like I have learned of many people over the past few years share how they have been eliminating, or at least taking it easy when it comes to consuming cows milk. Many people are switching to different milk alternatives and now it’s a whole industry, you can make milk from practically anything! When I started reading the ingredients on the back of these milk alternatives I was very unimpressed, there are a lot of “fillers” to preserve the milk. I was really frustrated by this so I decided to start making my own. I was shocked by how easy it was, and more importantly how much better it tasted! The only downside is that it really doesn’t last for more than 5-7 days. So I usually batch the milk, freeze the excess and thaw as I need it. Problem solved! Also, I do not strain the nut milk because my Vitamix does a fabulous job of thoroughly mixing the milk together. But if you don’t feel like you’re getting a good mix and your milk is separating I would recommend straining it with a cheese cloth or nut milk bag.
Plain Cashew Milk
Ingredients:
1 cup raw cashews (soaked in hot water overnight)
Pinch of sea salt
4-5 cups of water
Vanilla extract (optional)
Vitamix! Or high powered blender
Once the cashews have soaked overnight strain the water off and add them to the blender, start with 3 1/2 cups water and add the sea salt. Turn on the blender for about 60 seconds. At this point the milk will be rich and creamy! You can stop adding water if you want more of a cashew cream, which is amazing in sauces and soups. But of you want more of a lighter milk add all of the water and add vanilla extract if desired. The consistency of the milk is up to you, I feel like I make it different each time.
Chocolate Cashew Milk
Ingredients:
4 cups cashew milk
1 Banana
4 dates
2 tablespoons coco powder
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend for about 60 seconds or until the dates are fully incorporated. The banana adds a wonderful creamy, weighted texture to the milk.
If it’s winter and you’re craving hot chocolate this chocolate milk is absolutely amazing heated up on the stove. I wouldn’t even tell anyone that it’s a “healthy” version of hot chocolate, just give it to them and see what they think, they will probably be surprised!
