Strawberry Milkshakes and SunPower Natural Cafe

 

About a year ago, shortly after they opened, we had a quick lunch at SunPower Natural Cafe.  We happened to sort of be in the neighborhood, and I had heard good things.  Paul, Desmond, and I sat in a sunny window seat and shared a couple sandwiches.  There was a good seitan salad (the cafe is not entirely raw).  And something else.  And something on the side.  It was pleasant.  We enjoyed it.  If it were in our neighborhood, we'd be regulars, but since it's not it's just a fuzzy memory of a pleasant lunch and a mental note for anytime I happen to be passing through North Hollywood.

But what does remain vivid, what I have thought about approximately everyday since is the strawberry milkshake.  It was so rich and creamy and perfect, and magically created without actual ice cream, the sort of decadent treat that you really don't mind your kid indulging in.  But it's in North Hollywood.  And we're not.  And we have two small children.  So that shake might as well be in another state.  We needed to make one at home.  And really, you do too.

Raw Strawberry Milkshakes

• 1/2 cup raw cashews 
• 1 cup water
• 6 ounces (or half a 12-ounce bag, or about 1 1/2 cups) frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon agave nectar (or to taste)
• a teensy, tiny pinch of salt  

In a blender, cover the cashews with the water and set aside to soak for at least an hour or overnight. Puree the water and cashews until very smooth.  Add the strawberries and agave nectar.  Blend again until smooth and thick.  Taste for sweetness.  Slurp.   

Makes 2 cups.  Or enough for Paul, Desmond, and I to each have a very small milkshake.