If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan or you just want to avoid dairy products, cashew cream is the perfect substitute for dairy cream. I always get good results when I cook or bake with cashew cream. In fact, I use it more often than dairy cream. The image above is the cream that I made this morning.

Cashew cream has a mild nutty flavour and velvety smooth texture. I use it to make all sorts of sauces, soups, smoothies or desserts. Raw cashews (unsalted and not roasted) yield the best flavour.

In addition to their delicate nutty flavour and creamy texture, cashews are rich in protein, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc and potassium. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids and other heart-healthy fats.

Though a single ounce of raw cashews contains 156 calories, cashews may aid in weight control because you only need small amounts to feel satiated. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, if your diet is already low in saturated fat, consuming 1-2 ounces of raw cashews every day is good for your heart, circulation and overall health.

Cashew cream is very simple to make. All that you need are raw cashews, water and a blender or Nutribullet. This week, I used the cream to make some luscious, yet simple and nutritious chocolate cream puddings. I will post the recipe soon.

Cashew cream can be made in less than 10 minutes and can be stored in a covered glass bottle or container in fridge for 7 to 10 days. Here’s the recipe:

Cashew cream

Makes 2¼ cups

Ingredients

• ¾ cup (120 grams) raw cashews
• 1½ cups tepid water

Instructions

In a bowl, cover the raw cashews with boiling water. Let them soak for about 1 hour or until soft. Strain the water and put the softened cashews in a blender or Nutribullet and add the 1½ cups tepid water. Blend for a minute or so until creamy-smooth.

For the 2-minute soak:

Put the raw cashews in a microwave-proof bowl and cover them with water. Put a lid on and microwave on high for 2 minutes. When done, transfer the hot cashews into a strainer and drain all of the hot water. Rinse the cashews under cold running water to cool them. Transfer cashews to a blender bowl and add 1½ cups water and proceed as above to blend.