This recipe has many moods. It is mostly however what gives me a good start on most days and assures me that I am starting my day right. It also is highly portable and somthing that I can carry around and sip as I ready my kids for their day. I often vary the fruit with the season, and change the garnishes but keep a hint of saffron to emphasize that special and practical can be happily married.

Serves 4

• 11/2 cups almond or soy milk
• 1 cup raw cashew nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon black salt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 6 cups cubed watermelon (3 pounds)
• Mint sprigs and saffron strands

1. Place the almond milk, cashew nuts, black salt, and honey in the blender and process into a smooth paste
2. Add in the watermelon and pulse a few times and then blend for 3 minutes until smooth and frothy. Please note, if the watermelon has large seeds, these need to be removed before adding.
3. Pour the watermelon shake into serving glasses and add a few strands of saffron and garnish with mint springs.