Blend Kumquats and Cashews for the Creamiest Vegan Creamsicle Smoothie

No dairy is needed to make this smoothie creamy and rich. [Photographs: Autumn Giles]

I love kumquats. They're adorably tiny, endearingly odd (you eat the skin!), and they pack a puckery punch. This dairy-free creamsicle smoothie (think Orange Julius with a little more oomph) uses puréed whole kumquats for the citrus component, providing a bright, tart, complex flavor without any peeling or seeding necessary.

The key to a creamy smoothie without any dairy: cashews, soaked overnight to soften and then blended until silky along with almond milk and the kumquats. (Giving the fresh fruit and nuts a head start in the blender gives the smoothie a rich and even texture.)

Sweet frozen mango balances out the tart kumquats while still letting the citrus flavor shine through. Depending on how juicy your kumquats are, the mango may be enough to sweeten things up. Since kumquat juice, not skin, is what makes the fruit tart, and the quality of commercially available kumquats can vary pretty greatly, dip your spoon in and give it a taste before pouring, then sweeten to your liking with agave nectar.

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