My favorite potato leak soup recipe is thickened with raw cashews soaked in water overnight, and then pureed in fresh water. It's surprisingly very silk and smooth. I do use my Vitamix to blend the nuts, so a regular blender might not get the same results. I also use soaked, raw cashews to make cilantro lime "sour cream". Just blend them up again with a little water until a smooth paste is formed, then thin to sour cream consistency with lime juice. It's a nice alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or those who are doing paleo.