Vegan Appetizers

Rosemary Garlic Almond Cheese

There may be no more satisfying way to eat nuts than to use them to create spreadable cheeses. In my pre-vegan days, I purchased store-bought spreadable cheeses to serve for parties or snacks. Alas, that taste has been hard to duplicate. While experimenting with soaked nuts, I created a cashew and an almond cheese-like creamy log and spread using vegan ingredients. No binders or additives are included and so very easy to assemble.

The most important tool in the creation of the Simple Smear Almond Cheese is a high-powered blender. I used the new Vita-Mix 5200 and the Blendtec Total Blender works well too. The Cuisinart Elite will not make the cheese as creamy as the high-powered blenders.

HINT: The most important tool in the creation of Rosemary Garlic Almond Cheese is a high-powered blender. I used the new Vita-Mix 5200 to create this recipe.

Ingredients

2 cloves of garlic, peeled
7 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice
6 tablespoons extra virgin cold pressed olive oil

1 cup organic raw almonds, soaked overnight in water

1 teaspoon sea salt
1 heaping teaspoon fresh rosemary, leaves only
1 heaping tablespoon fresh thyme, leaves only
1 heaping teaspoon lemon zest

Plating Decoration Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
4 or 5 springs of fresh rosemary
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

Tools

parchment paper
scissor
lemon juicer
knife
measuring spoons and cups
cutting board
Vita-Mix5200 or BlendtecTotal Blender

Preparation

The Almonds

In a Pyrex measuring cup, measure out 1 cup of raw organic almonds and cover with water for 24 hours.

The Blender

Measure all the ingredients into the blender container in the order listed above. The liquid items will help the blending process.

The Soaked Almonds

Drain the almonds and rinse twice before adding to the blender.

The Salt and Herbs

Add the salt and herbs to the blender.

The Whirl

Turn the Vita-Mix on low and gradually turn up the speed. Use the pusher to make sure that all the nuts are getting whirled. Process till the contents are perfectly smooth.

The Mold

Scoop out the Simple Smear Almond Cheese into a round pliable plastic container. I used a Ziplock 1 cup size.

As you fill the container, press the mixture down to eliminate any air pockets.

This recipe filled the one cup container to overflowing, so Robert, my husband and I ate the extra with some Mary's Gone Crackers.

Cover the container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

The Presentation

Select a serving platter of choice.

Remove the plastic covering and invert the container and give it a gentle squeeze.

The Simple Smear Almond Cheese should plop right onto the place with no effort.

Surround the mound with fresh rosemary twigs, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the fresh thyme leaves over the top.

Serve with Mary's Gone Crackers or your favorite bread, include a knife and EAT!

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