Cashew cream is a vegan substitute for dairy that is easy to make by blending raw cashews and water. It can be used in desserts or as a coffee creamer, and can be flavored with fruit juice, oil, or spices. Cashew cream is richer than soy milk and works well in cooking and baking.
Often used as a substitute for dairy in vegan foods, cashew cream is the creamy result of combining cashews and water in a blender. Cashew cream is simple to make and is often used in desserts or as a coffee creamer. Ideal for vegetarians, raw food enthusiasts and lactose intolerant people, this spread works well in both cooked or baked recipes or as a cold topping for treats.
Cashew Creme uses only raw cashews. Other raw nuts or seeds, especially almonds, can also be included in the cream. While not often found in grocery stores, commercially prepared spreads can occasionally be found, particularly in those stores that specialize in vegan or raw foods. It can also be ordered online.
To make cashew cream, the nuts are first rinsed, then placed in cold water and left to sit overnight. Alternatively, they can be boiled in water or juice for a few hours before being cooled. Raw cashews don’t have much flavor on their own, so depending on what the creamer is used for, other flavorings, such as juice, may be added.
Once soaked, the cashews are rinsed again, then placed in a blender with fresh water, where they are blended until completely smooth. This process typically takes several minutes. Afterwards, the cream can be strained to ensure that any remaining cashew pieces are removed. The thickness of the cashew cream is extremely variable, depending on just the amount of water added to the blender. This technique makes a simple cream ideal for cooking.
If a more flavorful spread is desired, cashews are often blended with fruit juice, sunflower or coconut oil, and vanilla. Some recipes may forgo the juice and oil and rely solely on vanilla for added flavoring. If fruit juice is used to boil cashews, it is usually saved for use in the blend.
Sugar, to taste, can be added to the mixture. Other spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, may also be included. Flavored cashew cream is often used as a topping for desserts or as a creamer for coffee.
Cashew cream is richer than soy milk, a popular vegan dairy alternative. It also works better in the kitchen or in the oven, particularly in reductions, because it acts more like milk or creamer. Unlike soy milk, cashew cream contains a lot of fat, which is what gives it its creamy texture. When heated, the water evaporates leaving the fat behind, just like cream. Soy milk does not contain fat, so this process does not occur.
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