A funny thing happened to me on my way to the Olive Festival in Paso Robles this weekend…
At one of the booths sat a psychic, offering tarot card, palm and energy readings. I, of course, being of curious nature have always wanted to cross that off my list of “Things to Finally Try” so I paid my $30 and immediately gave Rose my palms to read.
“You will live a long and good life”…
I sat there wondering if she has ever broken the bad news to someone that they are going to die next week or if that is just every psychic’s modus operandi to make you feel good from bullet point one that I have many full years ahead of me (regardless if that is the truth or not). I immediately began to regret my decision until she started to read my energy and spoke on things of more substance. Like the direction I am going in life…something that has been weighing heavily on my heart as of late.
I’m all ears, Rose.
She said that I was a creative person who was designed to help people and that my career is closely connected to home, meaning that whatever it is that I will do, it involves aspects of home life. She also said that livestock is in my future. Along with fields and fields of land. And a big body of water.
I got a kick out of that one.
But what struck me the most was that she kept saying that she reads a lot of confusion in my life and that I am in the place of being stuck. Precisely. I do feel stuck. I have felt stuck for awhile. And though Rose did not give me anything in terms of how to unstick myself, there was something about her telling me this that gave me a little glimmer of hope.
The changes are coming (both in my life and with Fork and Beans). Thank you for being patient with me, friends. My deepest apologies for not being on top of responding to every comment (something that is so important to me). I am in the process of unsticking…
Cashew Milk Recipe
Raw, gluten, egg, dairy and refined sugar-free
Makes 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 c. cashews (soaked in enough water to just cover the top in the bowl, soaked 1 hour)
- 3 c. water
- 2 Tb coconut oil, melted
- 2 Tb agave nectar (more or less according to taste preference)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- For strawberry milk: Add 1 c. fresh or frozen strawberries
- For chocolate milk: Add 4 Tb raw cacao powder (or regular ol’ cocoa powder will do)
DIRECTIONS
- Blend the cashews (with the water it was soaking in) until it becomes almost smooth like butter.
- Add the remaining ingredients into the blend and mix for 2 minutes or until completely smooth.
- Chill in fridge. Enjoy.
59 comments
Hannah says:
Feb 10, 2013
You blew my mind making your own strawberry milk! It seems so obvious but until now it wasn’t. Genius!
Cara says:
Feb 11, 2013
It is so creamy and lovely too! Hope you like it, Hannah, xo
11 Best Healthy Holiday Christmas Drinks Green Thickies: Filling Green Smoothie Recipes says:
Dec 16, 2012
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andrea says:
Nov 15, 2012
Can you tell me what kind of bottles the glass bottles are? Love them.
Cara says:
Nov 15, 2012
One is from Crate and Barrel (it’s a bottle to put your cream in) and the other is a garage sale find. They are the cutest things on the planet, aren’t they??
andrea says:
Nov 15, 2012
Yes! They remind me of the special canning jars that you can buy .. the Weck jars.. Need to find some!
Sophie C says:
Oct 22, 2012
I made myself a batch of this chocolate cashew milk, and some raw vegan snickers bars this weekend… oh, YUM!! your blog is officially one of my favourite recipe resources
melodyfairitale says:
Oct 19, 2012
This milk seems to be delicious! I have tried making almond milk in past, but it didn’t work out as good as i hoped it to, perhaps, it was because i don’t have a strainer.
I just found your blog so i don’t know anything about you, but changes are always for good, that’s why we have came to this world – to develop and grow, sane everyday life isn’t bad, but it doesn’t really help with our growth either ( in my opinion ).
Rhonda says:
Feb 14, 2013
For almond milk, try to get or make yourself a nut milk bag. They can be fairly expensive, around $17 in Australia but I’ve also found that the sheer nylon wash bags work and they are much cheaper. You can make them easily from nylon or use the seats out of a new and washed pair of panty hose to strain them through. Cashews blend readily, almonds do not and will always leave a pulp which you can dry and blend to become almond meal or use in slices, bliss balls or even in savoury dishes.
Pour your milk into your chosen straining fabric and then squeeze the milk out of it. I sometimes feel that the action is akin to milking a cow (or expressing from breast)as it is almost a pulsing action. Good luck.
Rebecca W. says:
Oct 1, 2012
I used to be so good about drinking my raw milk! Thank you for the encouragement to get back into it. There’s nothing better than a glass of raw chocolate almond milk.
Martine says:
Sep 25, 2012
Hi! I’ve got a question and a comment…
Question: Most of the nut milk recipes I’ve read say to discard the soaking water – any reason why you use it?
Comment: Up until recently, I’ve also been feeling stuck. Unhappy with where I’m at, but totally overwhelmed trying to think about what I want. I also get “swarm brain” (my thoughts are like a bunch of bees flying around my head, actually posting about that tomorrow!), which means that I just think about doing things rather than doing them. The best advice I can give is 1) make space to dream. Even if you can’t identify the specifics of the what/when/where, focus on how you want to feel or what you don’t want. I’m about to make a big life jump and I’m not sure where I’m going to land, but I’m letting how I want to feel and what I don’t want (logistical, environmental, emotional, etc.) to guide me. I also force myself to focus – both in work and in dreaming. Multitasking saps my energy and motivation, and everything just gets muddled. Good luck, and I hope you get unstuck soon!
buffyellenBuffy says:
Oct 18, 2012
I’d also like to know the question about reusing your soaking water, or discarding? Seems a waste to discard it as it has all sorts of nutrients leaked out into it not to mention flavor, but most recipes discard, rinse, and add new fresh water? Please answer someone manyone!
Cara says:
Oct 18, 2012
I wish I had a smart, educated answer for the both of you but the truth is I’m neither
No, the truth really is that I’m lazy. It’s probably gross and dirty water (and if so, then discarding the water and using a new fresh batch is best) but I’m simply lazy and tend to be a rush to just throw everything in. And I like dirt 
Hope this helps ladies! xo, Cara
buffyellen says:
Oct 20, 2012
Ok great thanks. I’ve come up with a solution: Rinse the nuts first to remove any dirt/grubby hands etc. then soak in filtered water but use the water in your milk blend so you retain all the flavour. I tried that this time and it turned out great! (I taste tested the soak water and it was delicious so just rolled with it). Thx!
Cara says:
Oct 20, 2012
This is awesome–thank you for this comment! I will definitely do this next time
Lou Dwan says:
Aug 31, 2012
There was a period for me when I felt like I was stuck in the mud for a long while. The lesson of how to get OUT of the mud and move on if you will was WHY I was stuck in the mud. Life has a funny way of teaching us the things we need to grow. Also I wouldn’t mind being stuck in a sticky mud pile if I could drink chocolate nut milk. YUMMO.
Cara says:
Sep 1, 2012
That is beautifully put, Lou. It’s not enough to realize that you want to become unstuck, but to be aware that the reason you are there is pertinent and must be addressed. Love this! xoxo
Natalyn :) says:
Aug 31, 2012
This nut milk is GOOD.
Had it for breakfast. Thanks Cara! 
Also, I want to let you know that you are an amazing person – I’m sure many have told you that, but it’s true! – and I know that you will get through the rough spots in life. And if you ever need someone to talk to, you’re welcome to talk to us about it. We’re here for you!! <3
Cara says:
Aug 31, 2012
This comment just totally touched my heart. Wow. Thank you so much Natalyn for your incredibly KIND words to me. Wow. Seriously. Wow. xoxo!
Ana says:
Aug 31, 2012
The milk looks delicious, cashew milk is so creamy and good! I like your chocolate milk variation, will be trying that one soon!
And good luck with “unsticking”! I sort of feel stuck too and believe am on the same process myself
Ana
Cara says:
Aug 31, 2012
Hi Ana
I’m raising my glass of choco cashew milk to you and I as we continue our journeys of unsticking! xo
Blondie says:
Aug 27, 2012
And she’s at it again
And, yes, I’m shamelessly writing this in hopes that I, too, will get a comment.
Cara says:
Aug 29, 2012
BLONDERS!!! For you, you can get as many comments back as you wish!
xo
A Tablespoon of Liziz says:
Aug 22, 2012
I love nut milks! I’ve never made my own, but I’ve always wanted to. Cashew milk sounds so good!
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
Methinks I hear some cashews in your cabinet begging to be milked
Purely.. Kay says:
Aug 22, 2012
I just love the use of the mason jars… and those straws.. so cute! I would love to get paid for what I love to do… if you have that secret let me know
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
Aren’t those jars just the cutest??! I heart them so!
I will definitely let you in on the secret once I figure it out–I might have to charge a small fee however
Heather says:
Aug 22, 2012
Wow what a reading Cara – I too have always been curious, we will have a palm/tarot reading at our end of Summer Party, part of me though may not want to hear what they have to say but the other part of me is just too curious not too know.
here’s to getting unstuck & moving forward – I will wait for you with a big glass of strawberry nut milk to pass the time.
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
You should do it. You already know all the answers–it’s just nice to have them solidified from time to time… so really, they aren’t going to tell you anything that you don’t know (unless it involves livestock)… It’s more fun than anything to see the accuracy
Heather says:
Aug 22, 2012
Haha I thought the livestock reference was reffering to you eating meat again…that is if you are even heading in that direction
Sarah says:
Aug 22, 2012
Yum and yum! Great job Cara…so so proud of you.
Keep going on that life journey, and keep seeking the silver lining, and you’ll become exactly the person you’re meant to be. You are loved, girl (even if it has been a long time). xo
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
How fun to see your face over here!! I love it. Thanks for the love, Sarah–it goes right back to you my friend! xoxox
Richa says:
Aug 21, 2012
Cara z farmer! those jars are so cute and the chocolate milk. you got me!
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
HA! Farmer Cara… Can you imagine??! bahaha
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
Aug 21, 2012
These milks look so delicious and decadent!
You take your time my dear, we are all eagerly anticipating these changes of yours!
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
YOU are delicious and decadent!
xo
Gabby @ the veggie nook says:
Aug 22, 2012
I don’t think I’ve ever been described as delicious before….I kinda like it
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
It’s rather fitting, isn’t it?? hehehe
cyclingwithanattitude says:
Aug 21, 2012
Reblogged this on cyclingwithanattitude and commented:
I love this blog and the recipes too.
Laurel says:
Aug 21, 2012
Thief! I made some strawberry hemp milk the other day to bake with. I was going to drink the rest when my nephew, being helpful, spilled a blender, half full of lovely strawberry milk out. Rats. I think his future may be akin to yours – on a sheep farm, in New Zealand!!!
Glad to have you back. xoxox
Cara says:
Aug 22, 2012
Dude, we really need to get out of each other’s heads. This is getting ridiculous and rather eerie…
Beth @ Tasty Yummies says:
Aug 21, 2012
Yum Cara. I love the idea of flavored nut milks. I make my own almond milk all the time, but I have never played with the idea of adding strawberry or chocolate. Love it.
BTW I cannot wait to see all of these upcoming changes. I am excited for you.
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
Thank you for the upcoming changes love… makes me smile! xo
Caitlin says:
Aug 21, 2012
these milks look delicious! i love the strawberry version! i never liked the powder strawberry milk mix growing up(with the bunny on it), but i feel like this would taste more like a smoothie. and raw chocolate milk- yum!
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
That is where you and I disagree–that Bunny milk was my favorite!!! ha.
Caitlin says:
Aug 22, 2012
reeeally? the strawberry? i remember it tasting really artificial. but i loved the chocolate!
Somer says:
Aug 21, 2012
Um cashew milk is my absolute favorite! I haven’t made the chocolate or strawberry versions yet though, so this is inspired. I’m too lazy to soak the cashews so when I’m in a rush, I pour half the amount of boiling water over them, blend then add ice to the top of the jar. Lazy but it works. Dude, the coconut oil addition must make it INSANELY creamy!
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
I love the lazy short-cut actually! This is a great tip, Somer…
Somer says:
Aug 22, 2012
Dawn says:
Aug 21, 2012
Did she also help you figure out how to get a date with Brad?
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
I AM LAUGHING SO HARD RIGHT NOW!!!
Yes! She gave me a potion that will make him fall in love with me and then it inevitably will make me break out into song in the locker room…
xoxoxoxo!!
This comment so made my day!
Dawn says:
Aug 21, 2012
Mission accomplished! And, oh, the singing!!!
Brooke (Crackers on the Couch) says:
Aug 21, 2012
This post is perfect for me right now. My oldest is on a milk detox for a week to see if his stomach stuff is dairy related. The store bought milks are so full of chemicals! He’s been a little sad not to have much in the way of dessert. He’ll love this! As for you, I thought you already had huge… tracts of land.
Somer says:
Aug 21, 2012
Um yes, now she’s just searching for the Holy grail with her bunch of coconuts!
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
Okay you two are seriously making me laugh! I so love how we are talking about my mounds of…acreage over here
Jan says:
Aug 21, 2012
wooooooooooooo Rose! hit some nails on the head, methinks…
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
Methinks Rose did a rather good job at reading my energy as well
Abby says:
Aug 21, 2012
If you figure that out, let me know (just don’t charge me $30, as that could be spent on organic produce.)
And I’m more than willing to collaborate on changing the world with you through food and words and art, so we should probably get started on that…
Cara says:
Aug 21, 2012
If we could figure out a way to get paid for that then I am thinking we would make one friggin’ awesome team!!!