Political Unrest and a Creamy Cashew Dip

A versatile recipe to bring joy, no matter what life throws your way

This week, I’m sharing a delicious creamy cashew dip. And when I say delicious, I mean it’s not just “delicious” as a healthier substitute for dairy—this recipe stands on its own. It’s something I make often, and best of all, you can customize the base recipe to suit whatever you are in the mood for.

Cashew cream has a texture between mayonnaise and sour cream, with a slightly sweet and earthy flavor of cashew nuts and is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and fiber. To make a delicious sweet dip, add a bit of honey and cinnamon and serve it with sliced apples and strawberries. My personal favorite is to mix in harissa paste and enjoy it with crunchy pita chips, fresh carrots, and cucumbers. You can even use it as a topping—squeeze lime, add some cilantro, and sprinkle in cumin to create the perfect addition to tacos.

I don’t typically write about politics because, honestly, I don’t feel informed enough to educate others. However, I deeply feel the weight of what’s happening in the U.S. and want to acknowledge the heavy hearts within my communities. While I may not feel confident using my platform to advocate strongly or educate on significant political and social changes, I can offer something that brings me comfort—good food.

I’m passionate about food access, justice, and honoring personal and cultural eating traditions. Food is a way to express love, learn, and care for others. So, I share food when I’m unsure what else to do :)

This recipe isn’t a solution for world peace or an excuse to overlook the chaos. However, I hope it offers a small way to bring yourself or someone else joy. It’s delicious, enjoyable, and even better, you can feel good about choosing a plant-based alternative to traditional dairy.

Generally speaking, the mass-produced dairy industry significantly impacts our environmental health. Small changes, like incorporating sustainably grown and fair-trade cashews, can be a step toward planitary health. I love Beyond Cashews—I buy them in 5lb bulk bags and keep them in the freezer. Don’t freak out about the sticker price; they cost the same per pound as you’d find at your local grocery store or on Amazon. The difference is that you’re buying in a larger quantity, which can be more cost-effective in the long run. Use the extra cashews by making this dip often, or add cashews to your stir-fry, salad, or yogurt for some extra crunch.

P.S I got some feedback that people would prefer the recipes within the newsletter, so I’m experimenting with different ways to share recipes. You can print the recipe below and save it to your desktop. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this format. My goal is to make it as easy as possible for you!