banana-cashew smoothie

Happy 2012! May it be a year of health and blessings.

Speaking of health and blessings, this smoothie is full of both (recipe from Real Simple and adapted by little ol' moi--I doubled it, too).

You'll need:

• 1/2 c. raw unsalted cashews
• 2 c. ice
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• I also added some almond milk for more calcium, and dashes of cinnamon and nutmeg

Do this:

Soak the cashews in 1 cup of water overnight in the fridge, then chuck the softened cashews and liquid into a blender. Add the rest of the ingredients, blitz till smooth, pour into a new Christmas-present mug, sprinkle on some extra nutmeg, and drink to your heart's content.

I actually thought it was a bit sweet and next time don't think I'll add the maple syrup at all--bananas add plenty of their own sugar. Cashews tend to be one of the sweeter nuts, anyway.

Definitely going on my make-again smoothie list--so yummy, creamy, and with the spices I added, holiday-full (but don't get me wrong, I could drink this any time of year).

Cheers!