Leading up to Paige & Jason’s wedding, I took on Sophie Ulanio’s, Gorgeous for Good 30 day challenge along with Paige to help get me “bridesmaid ready”.

I am an “everything in moderation” kind of gal… whilst I predominately fill my diet with nutritious wholefoods, I love to indulge in my guilty pleasures every now and then. For me – that is a lovely glass of vino along with a great platter full of delicious cheeses from the fancy part of the store! Now during the challenge I had to skip the vino part of that beautiful duo, but I did create some pretty darn delicious dairy free & vegan friendly alternatives to the cheese equation.

Can I get a whoop whoop?

We have tested and trialled for you TWO delicious cheeeesy recipes – well NUT CHEESE that is, that you can try at home and add to your next Vegan friendly Antipasti platter to impress all guests at your next get together.

Now I have to be honest, Nut Cheese does not taste like ordinary cheese. So please don’t be disappointed that the taste is not the same as that big block of cheddar you have once chomped down on, but rather appreciate the healthy deliciousness and flavoursome creation of nut cheese & give your taste buds a new sensation. Live baby live, just like Michael Hutchins said.

Sweet Chili Cashew Cheese

Ingredients – Cashew Cheese

• 1 cup cashews (soaked)
• 1 /4 cup filtered water
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp oil of choice (coconut or olive)

Method – Cashew Cheese

1. Put all the ingredients into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to 10, then override to High.
3. Use the tamper to effectively press the ingredients into the blades whilst processing.
4. Blend for until mixture is thick and creamy.

If you would like a thicker texture the mixture will harden when chilled.

Ingredients – Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1 red capsicum
• 1 chili
• juice of 1 lime
• 1 garlic clove
• 3-4 dates (pitted)
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional

• Add water to thin out if needed
• Cayenne Pepper if you like your sweet chili with an extra kick

Method

1. Put all the ingredients  into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
2. Select Variable 1. Turn the machine on and slowly increase the speed. Work your mix between variables 5-7
3. Use tamper to effectively press the ingredients into the blades if required whilst processing.
4. Blend for 30-60 seconds or until desired consistency is reached.
5. Stir through your Cashew Cheese and serve with your favourite veggie sticks or home made pita chips made in the dehydrator.

Macadamia Nut Cheese

Ingredients

• 2 cup macadamias (soaked)
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 garlic clove
• salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional

• Fresh mixed herbs

Method

1. Soak macadamias overnight.
2. Put all the ingredients into the Vitamix 2L container in the order listed and secure the lid.
3. Turn your machine onto variable speed one, quickly move up to variable speed 10 and then override to HIGH speed.
4. Use the tamper to effectively press the ingredients into the blades whilst processing.
5. Blend until thick, smooth & creamy.
6. Using a spatula scrape out mixture into a nut milk bag and squeeze lightly to remove any excess moisture. Warning – this step can be quite messy so do it over the sink or a big bowl and keep a hand towel handy.
7. Once excess moisture is removed. Keep mix in the nut milk bag and set aside in a bowl to refrigerate overnight. Cover with plastic wrap or a tea towel.
8. Remove nut cheese mixture from the fridge and mold with hands and a spatula to create a cheese wheel shape.
9. Place in the dehydrator for 6-8 hours at 68c or until a crust is formed. Remove from the dehydrator and chill in the freezer for 1-2 hours.
10. Serve & Enjoy!

Side NOTE: If you are time poor you can skip steps 6-10 and just serve it up as a cheese dip instead. Equally delicious!

If you are looking for more delicious vegan friendly recipes and ideas head on over and visit my friends at Raw Blend! Meanwhile, cut up some fresh fruits & veggie sticks, dates & crackers and serve it all up on your DIY State cutting Board! Double the DIY … double the fun!

Say Cheeeeese!

Ameka Jane

x