Baked Cashew Cheese Recipes

CASHEW CHEESE

Steps:

• Place cashews in a small bowl. Add enough warm water to cover completely. Soak cashews for 1-2 hours; drain and discard water. Add cashews and remaining ingredients to food processor. Cover and process until smooth, 1-2 minutes, scraping down sides occasionally. Transfer to serving dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

LOADED BAKED POTATO WITH CASHEW CHEESE SAUCE

Steps:

• For the loaded baked potatoes: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Using the tip of a knife or a fork, poke each potato 2 to 3 times. Place directly on the oven rack and bake until the potatoes are fork-tender and the skins are crispy, 55 to 60 minutes.
• For the cashew cheese sauce: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, add the cashews, carrots, garlic, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 1/2 cups cold water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until the carrots are fork-tender, about 12 minutes.
• Carefully add the warm cashew mixture, including the liquid, to a blender. Add the nutritional yeast, lemon juice and salt to taste. Blend on high speed, adding more water if necessary, until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
• After the potatoes have been cooking for about 35 minutes, prepare the broccoli. Spread the florets on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer, drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat. Roast until tender and starting to brown, about 20 minutes, then set aside.
• Meanwhile, in a large skillet, add the bacon and cook over medium-high heat until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. Roughly chop the bacon into small pieces or julienne and set aside.
• Cut a lengthwise slit in the top of each potato and gently push the ends toward the center to open up the potatoes. Fluff the insides of the potatoes with a fork, if you like. Drizzle some of the cashew cheese sauce into each potato. Top each potato with broccoli, more cashew cheese sauce, bacon and chives.

CASHEW CHEESE SAUCE

Steps:

• Rinse cashews under warm water. Place in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let soak for 10 minutes.
• Combine 2 cups water, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, and mustard in a blender or food processor. Blend on high for 1 minute. Add soaked cashews and blend on high until smooth, 1 1/2 minutes or longer. Transfer to a medium saucepan.
• Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until sauce thickens, 5 to 7 minutes. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Season with black pepper.