Coconut Cashew Cream Fruit Dip (vegan)

Are you looking for a simple and great recipe to share with friends or as a party appetizer? Let's face it, being gluten-free, vegan or "healthy" during the holidays can be tough. It is always a time to justify cheating. But for some of us... we can't cheat. It's just not worth it. It's just not an option. So, what do we do? Well, we can bring our own favorite party pleaser that we can enjoy as well. This recipe I tried out a few days ago and loved it's results. It was fun, colorful and actually quite tasty.

My idea for this recipe was based off an old family favorite fruit dip that was made out of traditional "cool whip" and some fruit yogurt. It was always sweet, fluffy and creamy. I wanted to try and re-create something like that to dip a fruit kabob in, hoping to have the same affect. Without the use of dairy (or fake dairy for that matter), I was left to experiment with coconut milk and cashews. This recipe is actually quite simple and I am sure you will add it to family favorites after trying it only once. Enjoy and Merry Christmas to all!

Coconut Cashew Cream Fruit Dip

1 cup of raw, unsalted or oiled, whole cashew or cashew pieces

1 TB of pure water 

1 TB of coconut milk beverage

1 TB of agave nectar

1 (3/4 cup) of a plain SoDelicious Coconut Milk yogurt

1 ts of cardamon (spice)

dash of nutmeg or cinnamon on top for display or could be mixed in the cream as well

Put all the ingredients in a food processor, or smaller blender. Blend the cashews and liquids first for a minute or so on high speed. You made need to add just a touch more liquid if it is not blending well. It could need a little more water to whip it to become creamier. Then add the yogurt last and blend again for a few seconds. Add the spices last, you can either mix in, or sprinkle on top. The spices add a great flavor to both the cashews and the coconut. Pour in a bowl to serve with fruit kabobs, or it could be drizzled or dolloped over a fruit bowl dessert. 

My favorite fruit to go with this dip is tropical fruit like....mango, papaya, pineapple and banana. Those are just some of my favorites, but it would be good with most any fruit. 

Now you have a party treat to bring. Because we both know that sometimes at a party table there are only a few options of something safe to eat. And this sweet treat could be one of them. It is colorful and the tropical fruits are in season in other parts of the world, so in the winter months you can get them cheaper (and they taste better too).  Hope you enjoy making this one, and I think once you make it and try it you will last as one of your go-to recipes for a simple vegan treat. Enjoy!