Be My Valentine

LOVE is in the air. It's time to get mushy and let your heart speak. Valentine's Day is approaching and, here in Three Rivers, our 1st Saturday event will be held the week before, on February 6th. If you haven't found that perfect gift for your special person yet, you'll be sure to find it here.

PASSION is this month's theme. Sweet love songs will be sung, hearts and flowers will adorn jewelry and art, and there will be chocolate.

VEGAN VALENTINE Ice Cream is what I'll be serving, along with cookies and coffee. This recipe is so easy you won't believe it. And so creamy. It's made with cashew nuts. Give it a try. Surprise your someone special and celebrate the love.



VEGAN VALENTINE ICE CREAM

2 cups raw cashews
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup soy milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup maple syrup
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 bag (16 0z.) whole frozen strawberries, thawed.

1. In a food processor, blend cashews. Slowly add water, oil, and milk. Blend and pulse for 3-4 minutes, scraping bowl often, until very creamy.
2. Blend in sugars, vanilla and salt.
3. Pour into a freezer bowl.
4. Add strawberries to processor and blend slightly – you want small chunks. Add strawberries to cream.
5. Cover bowl and freeze.
Makes about 5 cups.