Garlic Herb Vegan Almond Cheese Spread Recipes

EASY GARLIC & HERB VEGAN CHEESE

Steps:

• Place cashews in a bowl and cover with cool water. Cover with plastic wrap and set in the refrigerator to soak for 12 hours*. If you can't get to them right away, drain, place back in bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. They will keep refrigerated for 24-36 hours.
• Once soaked, drain cashews thoroughly and add to food processor. Add minced garlic, garlic powder, lemon zest, lemon juice, water (starting with lesser end of range), nutritional yeast, salt and olive oil.
• Process until very creamy and smooth, scraping down sides and adding additional water as needed. Then taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lemon zest for tartness, nutritional yeast for cheesiness, garlic for zing, or salt for flavor + balance.
• Place a fine mesh strainer (or colander) over a large mixing bowl, and lay down two layers of cheesecloth (or a clean, fine, absorbent towel).
• Use a spatula to scoop all cheese over the cheesecloth, then gather the corners and twist the top gently to form the cheese into a "disc." Secure with a rubber band.
• Place in refrigerator to set for at least 6 hours, preferably 12, or until excess moisture has been wicked away, and it holds its form when released from the cheesecloth. The longer it sits in the fridge the more it will firm up.
• To serve, unwrap from cheesecloth and gently invert onto a serving platter. Reform with hands or cheesecloth as needed, then coat with chopped herbs and a bit more lemon zest (optional). It is fragile, so handle gently.
• Enjoy chilled with crackers or vegetables. Cheese will hold its form for 1-2 hours out of the refrigerator, but best when chilled. Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator up to 5 days.

EASY GARLIC HERB VEGAN CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• To a high-speed blender or food processor add the water, lemon juice, garlic, and almond flour. Blend until the texture is smooth and creamy. You may have to stop a couple of times to scrape down the sides. You can also add 1 tablespoon of water at a time to help the blending process, but don't add too much or you will get runny cheese.
• Transfer the mixture to a small mixing bowl, add nutritional yeast and herbs, and stir until everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt as necessary.
• Spoon the vegan cheese spread into the desired container, make sure it's packed really well, place it in the fridge, and allow the cheese to sit for 1-2 hours if you prefer a firmer spread.
• Enjoy with veggies, crackers, bagels, or sandwiches.