This smoothie conjures nostalgic childhood memories of Creamiscles on a hot summer afternoon. The lecithin and flax oil are optional, but offer a hand of healthy oils for beautiful cells and skin. For a lighter smoothie, blend the nuts and orange juice and strain to remove the pulp, then add in the rest of the ingredients.    Blend as a decadent creamy smoothie, or pour into popsicle containers for the kids. I prefer frozen peaches, though frozen bananas are usually a hit with the little ‘uns.

Yields: 2-4 servings or 6-12 popsicles

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup raw macadamia nuts or raw cashews, soaked 1-2 hours in filtered water
2-1/2 cups fresh orange juice
2 oranges, skin cut away with a knife and seeds removed
1 teaspoon orange zest (be sure the oranges are organic!)
2 tablespoons agave nectar (optional)
1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lecithin granules (optional)
2 teaspoons flax oil (optional)
Pinch sea salt
2-1/2 cups ice or frozen peaches, skin removed

PROCEDURE:

Soak nuts for 1-2 hours in filtered water. Drain and rinse. This will soften the nuts for easier blending and make them a bit more light.
Blend drained nuts and orange juice until smooth.
For a lighter smoothie, pour this mixture through a strainer or sieve and press with the back of a spoon to extract as much liquid as possible.
If the milk was strained, rinse out the blender and return the milk to the blender. If not, carry on!
Cut the skin away from the oranges with a knife. Try to remove any of the white pith as it can be bitter. Cut the oranges into quarters and remove any seeds as they are very bitter and will impose on the flavor.
Add orange zest, vanilla, lecithin granules, flax oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until very smooth.
Add ice or frozen peaches and blend again until thick and smooth.

SERVICE

Serve immediately or stash in the freezer.

LEFTOVER STORAGE