Almond or Cashew Whipped Cream

Description
If you get excited by yummy dairy-free vegetarian recipes, you're gonna love this one. For the smoothest consistency, use cashews or peeled almonds. Because of their alkaline nature, almonds help keep your blood at a neutral Ph. And if you buy them raw, they'll germinate when you soak them. Note for raw friends: Cashews are heated after being picked, even those labeled "raw

Ingredients

 * 1 cup almonds or cashews
 * ¾ cup water
 * 1 Tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
 * ½ teaspoon vanilla (optional)

Directions
Soak 1 cup of almonds or cashews in 2 cups of water. If you're in a very warm climate, soak them in your refrigerator. After 8-12 hours, discard the soaking water and rinse the nuts. In a blender, place the nuts and enough fresh water to allow the blender to operate. Blend, gradually adding enough water to achieve a smooth consistency. Yields 1 ½ - 1 ¾ cups.