Ring In The Season With This Vegan Eggnog

Ring In The Season With This Vegan Eggnog

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Traditional eggnog is prepared just as the name would suggest, with egg yolks, plus refined sugar, cream, and rum. We’ve made this vegan eggnog version sans alcohol and dairy (but we won’t object if you spike it when not cleansing)! You can optionally add some Vanilla Daily Shake for a fun alternative to your regular AM smoothie!

Nog for the dairy intolerant

After adolescence, nearly 65-percent of humans have a decline in the ability to digest dairy products. We’ve replaced cream with almond milk to make this version easier on the digestive system. Dairy is normally broken down by an enzyme called lactase. As we age (specifically past adolescence) our body reduces the amount of lactase it produces, since we no longer require breast milk.

Plant protein to fuel your day

In order to make the almond milk thick and satisfying, we’ve soaked cashews and blended them into the milk. The mild taste of cashews means that the drink is thickened while still allowing the spices to shine through. Research has shown that consuming raw nuts decreases your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. They help to decrease “bad” cholesterol levels as well.

Thanks to the fiber, fat, and protein found in nuts this drink will also be more satiating and satisfying. Cashews are rich in both iron and copper, a combination that helps the body produce red blood cells. The hemoglobin in red blood cells carries oxygen throughout our body. Aiming to get more protein from plant sources, like nuts, has also been linked to decreased body weight.

Coconut milk benefits

The cashews may help thicken this drink, but the coconut milk adds a heightened level of richness to this recipe. Full-fat coconut milk has been linked to steadier blood sugar as it will help slow the digestion of the sugar into the blood-stream. Half of the fats found in coconut milk are from lauric acid, a fatty acid that decreases cholesterol and improves heart health. The minerals, such as magnesium, found in coconut milk encourage blood circulation and decreased blood pressure as well. Magnesium also encourages the relaxation of muscles, combats stress, and helps with restful sleep.

Vegan Eggnog

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
1/2 cups raw, soaked cashews
2 dates
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

Soak cashews in filtered water for 2-8 hours. If in a time crunch, soak cashews in very hot water for 15-30 minutes.

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Drain and rinse cashews. Blend all ingredients in high-speed blender, until creamy and smooth.

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You can serve this delicious beverage cold or hot. This drink thickens and becomes even tastier as it sits. Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick. Try it with our Gingerbread Cookies for the ultimate holiday treat!

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Recipe and photography by Kaitlyn Noble

If you like this recipe, you might also like This Mocha-Style Breakfast Shake Is a Great Latte Alternative


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