I am a morning person, but I am also a night owl. This has caused my brain and body much grief and confusion. Lack of sleep (for a number of reasons) has left me a little (who am I kidding) a LOT loopy. I avoided caffeine all through school, yet for years I managed to wake up on some natural high, bight-eyed and bushy-tailed, regardless of how little sleep I had.
Not so much these days and winter seems to worsen my condition. Winter, with its unwelcome frigid fingers, clawing at my face, blurring the line between day and night and robbing me of all desire to leave my house.
Still, I am up at the crack of dawn each morning (sans bright eyes and bushy tail). Brush teeth - check. Long, steamy, hot shower - double check. Breakfast - CHECK! Without it, I would just crawl back under the covers and stare at the ceiling, wishing for the all elusive sleep to crawl into my bed.
So yeah, back to breakfast. I normally would opt for a warm bowl of oats in these cooler months, but smoothies are super convenient for us on-the-go folk. And to help shake me out of my slumber, I've taken to adding generous amounts of espresso from time to time.
Remember the batch of Cashew Cinnamon Honey Butter I posted last month, where I mentioned that Cashew Milk would follow. Well, Cashew Milk has arrived and she brought along her new BFF, Espresso!! Don't you dare try to break them up, I may just rip your head off. Kidding, kidding! Maybe...
Go on, drink up!
Ingredients
Cashew Milk:
- 110 g raw cashews 1 cup
- 946 g water 4 cups, 2 cups for soaking and 2 cups for blending
- 21 g agave nectar 1tbsp
- pinch of salt
Smoothie:
- 440 g cashew milk 2 cups
- 14 g instant espresso powder 2 tbsps
- 1 large frozen banana
- 1 g cinnamon ½ tsp
- chocolate shavings to garnish
Instructions
To make the cashew milk:
- Soak cashews for 3-4 hours.
- Discard water and rinse thoroughly.
- To a blender, add the cashews, the other two cups of fresh water, honey and salt.
- Blend on high until combined and smooth. (approximately 1 minute).
- Pour into a sealed container and store in the refrigerator.
- Best consumed within 2-3 days.
To make the smoothie:
- Place all ingredients, except chocolate shaving, in a blender and blend on high until fully combined.
- Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Cashews should be unsalted and preferably organic.
Depending on the blender you use, you may need to pour the milk through a strainer to remove any bits and pieces. I use a Vitamix, and have found I don't need to strain.
Paula says
This would get me going in the morning and may even cause me to lessen my time in the hot steamy showers which I so love!
J says
Oh, I could stay in the shower ALL. DAY. LONG!
Deb|EastofEdenCooking says
What a grand way to begin the day! I love my caffeine in the morning too. The smoothie is a great grab and go idea!
J says
The banana makes it very filling and oh so smooth. Avocado is also a great sub.
Caralyn @ glutenfreehappytummy says
YES. i love how rich and buttery cashews are 🙂
J says
One of my fave nuts, Caralyn!!
Kelly - Life Made Sweeter says
I definitely need help getting up in the morning and this smoothie looks like just the delicious motivation I need! It sounds absolutely delicious!
J says
I think you'll love it, Kelly!
Regina @ Leelalicious says
This smoothie sounds delicious! I love espresso powder for so many reasons. Yum!