I'm super excited to share this oldie (but SO goodie!) recipe that's been a classic favourite of mine for as long as I've been cooking. In fact, it's almost too good to share.....but it would be a terribly selfish crime not to. It's one I've made on and off for years, when the craving for richly flavoured, creamy comfort food hits - but I'm not into white refined carbs or heavy milk or cheese. Instead, I whip up this super simple sauce made with whole cashews (what else?) and a few simple ingredients that when baked, taste divine. No added thickener, no added anything that isn't clean, nutritious, and tasty.

After all, it's January, and it's still terribly damp and cold here in Vancouver most days. And with news elsewhere of epic blizzards, snow, and the thought of hoards of good people holed up inside, it seems a perfectly fitting time to share this. It's been a long winter, and our collective bones need warming. Treat yourself and those close to you with something comforting using this simple, time-tested recipe. Serve with a green salad, steamed broccoli, and the best company you can gather.

Classic Vegan Scalloped Potatoes:

• 6 extra large Russet potatoes, sliced thinly in rounds
• 2 medium yellow onions, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups whole cashews
• 4 cups water
• 1.5 tsp salt
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Parsley, black pepper + olive oil to garnish

To prepare, heat the oven to 400 degrees and generously oil a 9/13 baking pan (a classic lasagna pan is perfect). Start by sautéing the sliced onions in the tablespoon of olive oil for 6-8 minutes, until browning. Remove from heat and set aside. Wash and slice your potatoes about 1/4 inch thick.

Blend the cashews, water, salt, oregano, garlic and olive oil until smooth - about 1 minute. Place a layer of potatoes in the bottom of the oiled pan and follow it with 1/3 of the onions. Pour 1/4 of the sauce over top and repeat the layers until you have 3 plus a 4th layer of potatoes to finish, and pour the remaining sauce on the top. Garnish with additional oregano and black pepper before cooking. Bake, covered, for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, remove the foil, (and add a few more tablespoons of olive oil if desired) and bake a further 20 minutes. Allow to cool a few minutes before serving, topped with freshly chopped parsley and the black pepper. Serves 8-10 as a hearty side, or 4-6 hungry vegetarians.