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Healthy Cooking Blog: Outside-the-Box Smoothie


Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Cashew Smoothies
written by Dr. Christine Dickson

Raw Cashews in a banana smoothie, I've never heard of such a thing?  
Raw cashews can be pureed into a powder and used as a thickening agent, which is why they are great for smoothies. Most importantly, cashews are a powerhouse food that have many health benefits. Not only are they lower in fat content than most other nuts, approximately 75% of their fat is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Cashews are also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help in eliminating free radicals that cause cancer. Cashew nuts are high in copper, which is very good for flexibility in bones, joints and blood vessels. The cashew nut's high magnesium content also take credit for its healthy heart qualities plus cashews are high in trypotphan an amino acid that aids in relaxation.

Finding fun ways to enjoy cashews is one my favorite outside-the-box techniques to help you take one small step toward improving your health. 

Shopping List for Cashew Smoothies:

All products on this shopping list can be found at Trader Joes, which offers inexpensive, organic options. There are locations in Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon.

1/2 cup Raw Cashews
1 cup Non-Dairy Milk (Soy Dream, Almond Dream, or Rice Dream Milks)
1 Medium - Large Frozen Banana
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 Tablespoon Pure Maple Syrup or Honey
1/4 teaspoon Cardamom (optional)

Preparation Time: Approx. 5 minutes

STEP 1
:
Add 1/2 cup of raw cashews to a standard blender. Make sure the inside of your blender is dry before adding cashews.

STEP 2: Blend until cashews become a powder- approximately 1 minute.

STEP 3: Scrap down the inside of the blender with a spatula to push down powdered cashew to the bottom of the blender. 
STEP 4: Add 1 cup non-dairy milk, frozen banana, maple syrup, and spices to the powdered cashew mixture. Blend for 2 minutes until mixture is smooth and frozen banana is fully blended.

Pour Creamy Cashew Smoothie into a cup and serve.  Makes 2 1/4 cups.