Chocolate Chip Scone Loaf

My kiddies (husband) gave
me a Vitamix for Christmas last year (2013) and it has been
the gift that keeps on giving.  Oh I love my
Vitamix!  It wasn't too long after I received it that I started
trying my hand at making nut milks.  Cashew milk happens to be my favorite
because of the whole not having to strain it ordeal.  Making cashew
milk is quick (besides the soaking part) and easy and I love that all
those soaked cashew pieces just blend right up into deliciousness that
doesn't have to be strained in a nut milk bag.  (Did you know that a nut
milk bag even existed because I didn't until I embarked on this nut milk adventure?) 
Amen to no straining!  For the past few months I've been on a chocolate
cashew milk kick that I just can't seem to quit.  I love having a jar
of it tucked back in the coldest part of my fridge and sometimes when I
get it out to take a swig, I have to stop myself from guzzling it down
until it's gone.  Portion control right??  But sometimes it just
tastes too good to stop!  Lately I've been adding a bit of mint extract to it
and my kids seem to love it best this way and while I'm more of a straight up
chocolate kind of gal, I do like the hint of mint to shake things up a bit.

Chocolate Mint Cashew Milk

1 cup raw cashew pieces

4 cups of water (plus more for
soaking)


4 large pitted dates


3 tablespoons Dutch cocoa powder



1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint extract
(optional)



1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Soak cashews in water for at least 4
hours or overnight.  Drain cashews in fine mesh strainer and rinse
well.  To a blender add the cashews, 2 cups of water, dates, cocoa powder,
mint extract, and salt.  Start on a low setting and increase to
high.  Blend until cashews are completely pulverized.  Blend
in an additional 2 cups of water.  Pour into jars and refrigerate
until cold.  Give a good shake before drinking. 

*This is the way I like it, but you
can add more or less dates, chocolate, and/or salt to make it taste just how
you want it to.

 

*I also like pouring the milk into 8-ounce jars with lids to make them the perfect individual sized portions for an afternoon snack or to grab and go if you're in a hurry, but still want a healthy and delicious snack.