Vegan Strawberry “Ice Cream” with Cashew Brittle

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 3 cups fresh strawberries, preferably organic
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 cups almond milk (organic, unsweetened preferable)
• 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil

Instructions

1. Soak the cashews in plenty of filtered water to cover. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or at least 6 hours.
2. Strain the cashews and rinse. Wash, hull and coarsely chop the strawberries. Place them in a large bowl, add the maple syrup and salt, stir and let macerate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
3. Add the cashews to the carafe of a blender. Add 1 cup of almond milk and process from low to high speed until very creamy about 2 minutes. Add the remaining cup of almond milk. Blend well on high speed for 1 minute. Add the strawberries and all their juices - and the coconut oil to the carafe of a blender. Blend until the strawberries are smooth, about one minute.
4. Place the ice cream base in a clean glass container, seal well and refrigerate until very cold, at least 4 hours. Process the vegan ice cream in an  ice cream maker ( a great electric one!) until firm. SERVE: Scoop into individual dishes, top with a fresh strawberry and some Cashew Brittle.
5. Place in pint containers and freeze. Let soften a bit before scooping. Enjoy!
6. CASHEW BRITTLE: 1/2 cup raw cashews 1 large egg white (use egg substitute for vegan) 2 T. pure maple syrup 1 pinch sea salt 1/4 t. black sesame seeds (optional)
7. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a small baking tray with parchment paper. Whip the egg white until light and very frothy with a balloon whisk in a small bowl. Add the cashews to the bowl and mix well. Drain the cashews and place them into another small bowl (with only the egg that clings to them). Add the maple syrup and salt, mix well. Pour the mixture onto the parchment paper (sprinkle with black sesame seeds now, if using) and cook until lightly browned - almost amber in color (about 15 minutes). Break up when cool, store any extra in a airtight container.

This recipe may not be reproduced without the consent of it's author, Karen Sheer.