A couple of days ago I saw a package of really cheap strawberries. What can be cheaper than 99 cents? I couldn't resist, especially because the strawberry smell was intoxicating. In the end they turned out to be quite plain, but the smell, oh, the smell! So, I ended up with a package of berries and no idea on how to use them. In the old days, I'd mix them with some yogurt, but now that I try to eat as vegan as possible (not all the time, but most of the time), that wasn't an option. And then I remembered...

I've seen a few recipes where tofu is used instead of milk or cream. To be honest, I was intrigued, but a little hesitant. I mean it's... Tofu!! I like tofu in soups or fried or even baked, but in dessert? Really?

The "milk"shake turned out amazing! Smooth, creamy, tasty, fresh, light and very filling at the same time. With no "tofu aftertaste" and very much like regular milkshake. I was surprized and amazed at the same time! What a beautiful easy and healthy treat. I made it a few times since then and I am planning on trying it with different fruit in the summer.

For 2 large glasses

• Soft silken tofu, drained - 1 package (500g)
• Icing sugar - 1/3 cup (or to taste... I even think it can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for even healthier treat)
• Strawberries, hulled - 1 package (about 18)

- Blend all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Comments

- I'd like to note that it's quite drinkable but quite thick right out of the blender. But after a night in the fridge it becomes almost a mousse consistency and taste like those whipped yogurts! Perfect for breakfast!

Hot chocolate is not one of my regular drinks. I only crave it a few times a year, but when I do, a hot chocolate from a package wouldn't work for me. It has to be a real deal with real chocolate, with froth, cream/milk and flavourings. This recipe is one of the best hot chocolates I've ever tried. It's smooth, it's creamy, it's frothy and aromatic. A perfect treat for a weekday night.

recipe adapted from The Chocolate Deck: 50 Luscious Indulgences by Lori Longbotham

for 2 portions

• Brown sugar - 1/8 cup
• Ground almonds - 1 1/2 tablespoons
• Cocoa powder - 1/8 cup
• Salt - a pinch
• Milk - 1 1/2 cup
• Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped - 14 g
• Vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon stick - 1

- In a bowl mix ground almons, sugar, salt and cocoa powder.
- In a small pot warm the milk with a cinnamon stick and chocolate. Stir occationally until the chocolate melts.
- Add 1/2 cup of warm milk into the dry ingredients and mix well to get rid off any lumps.
- Pour the almond-milk mixture into the pot to the milk and bring it to boil.
- Add the vanilla, remove the pot from the heat, cover with a lid and let it steep for 3 minutes.
- Pour the hot chocolate through a fine seive to remove cinnamon stick and ground almond.
- Whip the hot chocolate in a blender or using a hand mixer until it's frothy.