I love comfort foods! I grew up eating so much wheat and cheese that I crave it when I am feeling bad. I go through times when I feel just awful.  My stomach hurts, my muscles and joints ache and I get migraines. When I am struggling like this my body does not want much food and I find certain foods make me feel worse. After experimenting with different diets I have found that during these times I need to steer clear of grains and starches. What feels best is raw foods. But raw food did not feel very comforting to me until I found cashew cream.

Cashews are the most amazing nuts! They are so versatile and they blend up smooth and creamy. I use them as the base for many dips and sauces. This Vanilla Cashew Cream is simply divine. Dip fresh organic fruit into it or drizzle it over a fresh fruit salad. It can even be use as the cream in a parfait! If you like vanilla you will love this. It feels so comforting to me. It hits the spot when I am craving something sweet and creamy. On top of all that it is so easy to make!  So grab your blender, make some of this Vanilla Cashew Cream and treat yourself to some healthy comfort food.

Vanilla Cashew Cream: Raw, Vegan

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 cups raw cashews
• 1/2 cups filtered water plus more for soaking
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons raw local honey or 4 soft pitted dates
• 1 tablespoon of good vanilla
• dash of salt

Directions:

Put the raw cashews in a bowl and cover with filtered water. Let soak for  2-4 hours. Drain and rinse well. Put the soaked cashews and all the other ingredients in your blender. Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides if necessary. In my Vitamix this takes about 30 seconds. In a less powerful blender it will take longer. Chill for two hours. Enjoy!

You can store this cashew cream in the refrigerator for several days in a sealed container… if it lasts that long! I store mine in a glass mason jar.