Key Lime Coconut Cashew Butter

I'm a big fan of cashews. They're kind of every vegan's best friend, am I right? Soak those babies overnight and they will transform into a creamy cheese to add to your lasagna or a filling for your favorite pie with very little effort. What's not to love?

So when I thought about creating a recipe starring this magical little nut, I knew I wanted it to highlight the sunnier days ahead as well as inspire some double dipping at your next outdoor party. I don't mean to brag but I think I succeeded on both accounts.

1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight 
3-4 Medjool dates, soaked for an hour
1 1/2 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon coconut milk or coconut cream
1 teaspoon coconut oil, melted and slightly cooled
1/2 - 1 teaspoon lime zest

After soaking, rinse cashews and dates well.

In a food processor, blend cashews, dates and shredded coconut until smooth. Add in the rest of ingredients and process until just combined. The end result should be a thick and creamy consistency, in-between a nut butter and a cream.

Serve with your choice of fresh fruit, graham crackers, pretzels, etc. and dip away!

Makes 1 cup cashew butter

This would also be amazing as a topping for your favorite oatmeal or waffle recipe. I can't wait to try it on top of my pumpkin pancakes tomorrow morning! 

In our house, there are always at least three different kind of nut butters in our fridge. In fact when I run out of almond butter, I kind of panic.  Does that make me a total weirdo? Do you have a similar obsession? Make me feel better about myself and tell me all about it!

PB & Jammed Bites

I had a hankering for something sweet the other day. Because the boyfriend and I are trying to save a little money here and there, I dug around my kitchen for inspiration and threw these treats together in a pinch.

It turns out they hit the spot perfectly. You really can't go wrong with classic pb & j.

With or without the crust cut off, totally up to you. In this case, that means roll them in oats or don't - they taste delicious either way.

PB&Jammed Bites

Ingredients:
1/2 cup peanuts, raw and unsalted
1/2 cup medjool dates, pitted
1/4 cup dried berries (I used a cherry/blueberry mixture)
1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter
1 tablespoon of your favorite jam or jelly (you can sub fresh strawberries as well)
pinch of salt
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
*3 tbsp rolled oats

Except for the oats, add all of the ingredients to a food processor and mix until batter forms a sticky consistency.
Roll into balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
*Optional: roll balls in old fashioned oats

Makes about 14 servings

Consider yourself jammed. Parks & Rec, anybody? Anyone? Alright then.

A Lovely Dessert: Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding For Two

Delicious and decadent desserts are kind of a must on Valentine's Day, am I right?

Even though the boyfriend and I don't celebrate the holiday in the traditional sense, we have made it a tradition to cook a homemade meal together followed by a tasty dessert.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy date at home. Chia puddings are super easy to whip up and pack a great nutritional punch as well.

Chocolate Strawberry Chia Pudding (serves 2)

6 tablespoons chia seeds
2 cups milk of choice (I used almond milk but coconut milk would be amazing!)
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/4-1/2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
1 cup strawberries
1 tablespoon agave syrup (or more if you have a sweet tooth)
2 tablespoons cacao powder (you can use cocoa powder as well)

Hand mix or blend all of the above ingredients. If you don't like the texture of full chia seeds, I strongly recommend blending everything together for a smooth, pudding-like consistency. It's up to you if you'd like to blend in the strawberries or add them in later. I enjoy the crunch (and the convenience) so I usually just stir this up by hand.

Toppings:
2 tbsp toasted coconut
2 tbsp sliced almonds

*Optional: dark chocolate, dried berries, granola

Divide into two cups and top with your choice of ingredients. Devour and fall in love!