For some reason, the idea of making something called raw cashew cream makes me feel very “earthy-crunchy”. (Not that there’s anything wrong with that!) Maybe it’s because there is a certain stigma associated with the raw foods and vegan movements and raw cashew cream falls into their realm(s). It’s unfortunate, really, because there is so much innovation going on there. We may depart ways when it comes to certain foods – definitely soy products for one. But I love finding out all the different techniques other cooks use to find ways around dietary restrictions. There’s a lot of creativity, not to mention some tasty and nutritious food as well.
Cashew cream is a rich creamy base used in many dairy-free, vegan foods. Raw cashews are essential in this recipe. This is because cashews derive most of their flavor from the roasting process. Without roasting, raw cashews have no real flavor of their own which is why they are ideal to create this dairy-free cream. If you follow a paleo lifestyle then raw cashew cream is a great option for dairy-free recipes.
Making raw cashew cream is really very simple. Here’s what you do.
Many of us started a month of Strict Paleo eating (aka Whole30) recently. This recipe for Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus helped our family get through day one and we hope it will find its way into one of your meals soon. One thing is clear, following a paleo way of eating is not going to mean deprivation. Just look at our breakfast. I mean, really. This is good stuff.
Before getting to the recipe I wanted to mention G’s last post. In it, my husband wrote about his fall off the “paleo wagon”. In order to enter his giveaway he asked that readers include a comment on one of their New Year’s resolutions. It’s been really interesting reading the comments and I know many of you are excited, like we are, to start with a clean slate in the New Year. Several people noted their resistance to making “resolutions” feeling this could be a set-up for failure. Instead, there are lots of people who set “goals” which is probably a better way to look at it. No matter what time of year, it’s always a good idea to strive for health and wellness.
Here are some highlights of comments we’ve seen so far:
Loss weight and/or add muscle
Complete a month of strict paleo eating (Whole30) without cheating
“Run an 8 minute mile”
“To believe in myself”
“Make our children healthier”
Be able to “keep up with” kids and grandkids
One random act of kindness once a week
and many more…
I’m really glad G posed the question because we have enjoyed reading the responses very much. So thank you to all who have participated.
Several weeks ago my husband came home from work and happened upon a loaf of bread I had made. It was my attempt at a paleo bread recipe. Later, he told me how happy he was to see bread – something we ordinarily do not have in the house. He saw the bread, got excited … Read more
Salted caramel must be one of the all-time best taste sensations. With the holiday season fast approaching I thought it would be fun to try making coconut sugar caramels and topping them with some beautiful finishing sea salt. There may not be such a thing as paleo candy but I suppose this comes pretty close.
We happened upon the sea salt at a food specialty store while down the Jersey Shore this past summer. The store stocked many indulgences from around the world including exotic olive oils and infused vinegars. But the Hawaiian Black Lava and Red Alaea Sea Salts caught our attention. We procured them with the hope they would find their way into a recipe deserving of their beauty and flavor.
Behold Salted Coconut Sugar Caramels!
Salted coconut sugar caramels are made with coconut sugar, coconut sap (liquid version) and coconut cream. This means the caramels have a lower glycemic index than if we had used white sugar. Does this mean that people with diabetes or weight issues should be eating this candy? I would say no. However, if you are looking for something sweet and fun as a treat, this coconut sugar caramel might be for you. They make great gifts too.
This is what your friends and loved-ones will see after opening one of your homemade salted caramels.
The taste imparted by the coconut sugar/sap is different from regular sugar. The coconut sugar is a little more like brown sugar and the coconut sap has a definite tang to it. It imparts a very distinct flavor as does the use of coconut cream. The vanilla, cinnamon and ginger serve to accent and mellow out the tanginess of the coconut sugar and the ghee gives it that smooth and creamy taste that can only be achieved with the use of dairy products. If you do not have ghee or prefer a vegan option you can try it with coconut oil which will give it a more distinctly coconut flavor.
The first time I made this salted caramel I only cooked it to 250 degrees F before immediately pouring it into the pan to set. It created a very soft finished product that was delicious but hard to work with. I reheated the caramel and allowed it to go to 265 or 270 and quickly poured it out into the prepared pan. This created a soft caramel that held its shape. The next time I made the coconut sugar caramel I let it go to 270 and it stayed there for a few minutes. This created a much harder finished caramel. G actually preferred this version and my boys did as well, likening it to the texture of a tootsie roll. Personally, I liked the slightly softer version the best and thought it was much easier to handle and cut.
The following recipe for Paleo Double Chocolate Pecan Cookies was originally posted at the wonderful site Against All Grain as a guest post. Danielle gave me the opportunity to share a recipe and a few thoughts on the importance of beauty in our lives on her site. If you are not already familiar with Danielle’s site you … Read more
Warning! The recipe for Spaghetti Squash Gratin contains dairy ingredients. This one is going to be hard to resist. So if you are strictly dairy-free you might want to stop reading now. Okay, if you are still reading I will assume you eat dairy products from time to time. Minimally, I hope you are not … Read more
It’s been quite a while since I have written a post! I usually try to post at least once a week but we’ve had some unusual circumstances around here recently which have made it more difficult. For one thing, I started a new job and getting into the swing of that plus home and family … Read more
When my neighbor Tony gifted me with some very fresh venison steaks recently I was excited and a bit apprehensive. Where we live the deer are plentiful and I have long viewed them as pests. Prior to the installation of a high fence for my back yard, our garden was the scene of daily deer … Read more
Well, I managed to survive my first week back at work. Thank you to everyone who wished me well and offered a prayer. I really appreciate it. Making my transition a little easier was my pleasant surprise at the windowed office with a nice view. Yea trees and grass!
The drive is pretty substantial and it’s a good thing I drive a hybrid because otherwise a big chunk of my paycheck would go just for gas! The longish drive gives me the opportunity to listen to audiobooks again. This something I did years ago and really enjoy because it’s a great way to multitask. (I get my books either from the library or from www.audible.com) Right now I am reading Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy. It’s one of those classic novels that I somehow managed to NOT read during school years. There’s a movie coming out in November so I figure now is the time to do it. Hopefully, the 38 hours (yes, 38 hours!) of audio will make my commute more tolerable.
One of the things I have noticed about being back at work is how awkward it feels to sit for most of the day. I SIT in my car then SIT at my desk for hours then walk to lunch or to a printer occasionally but mostly….I SIT. For the last two plus years I have been active from sun up to sundown. Aside from sitting here at my computer writing or editing photos, I am almost always standing or walking. So this is going to take some getting used to. Hmm. Maybe a standup desk is in order….
Here’s a shot of my feet from Saturday morning. It felt so wonderful to get back into my Lululemon leggings and Vibrams after a week of high heels and business suits. Aaah, heavenly comfort on a frosty morning.
After this photo was taken I popped down to the local farmer’s market and found a few lovely ingredients for paleo breakfast. The following recipe for basic paleo egg muffins comes from those ingredients and my need to make breakfast fast and easy now that I’m more pressed for time. It’s one of those recipes that has the potential to get really fancy with the addition of various spices and veggies. I’m keeping it simple because this is the way my kids seem to like it best.
You can make these egg muffins ahead of time then reheat in the morning for a quick meal at home or on the go. All you need is a pound of (ideally organic pasture-raised) pork breakfast sausage and a dozen eggs. With just those ingredients and a little oil, salt and pepper you’ve got breakfast – double it and you have enough for a few days.
Well, today a new chapter in my life begins. I’m starting a new job after being home full-time with my boys for almost two and a half years. It’s a big day for me and I’m excited and a little nervous. Being home has been wonderful and I have enjoyed every second of the time … Read more
