I made this creamy smoothie after a bout of illness and it was just the thing to give an energy boost when I didn’t feel like anything too heavy or solid. Similarly, it would make an energy-giving afternoon snack if you’re feeling lacklustre after a hectic day.
10 ready-to-eat dried dates, halved
250 ml/1 cup cashew nut milk (see page 22)
4 medium pears, peeled, cored and sliced
1 handful of alfalfa sprouts (see page 21)
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground flaxseeds (see page 16)
2 teaspoons maca powder (see page 16)
SERVES 2
Soak the dates in 5 tablespoons water overnight. The next day, put the cashew nut milk, dates and their soaking liquid into a blender with the pears, alfalfa sprouts, vanilla, flaxseeds and maca powder and blend until smooth and creamy.
cashews Rich in iron, magnesium and selenium as well as phytochemicals, antioxidants and energy-boosting protein, cashews offer us an abundance of nutrients. Their rich copper content is said to improve bone, hair and skin health.