DECADENT BAKED HERB CRUSTED CASHEW ALMOND CHEESE - VEGAN

DECADENT BAKED HERB CRUSTED CASHEW ALMOND CHEESE - VEGAN

By onegreenplanet.org - Meredith Youngson

INGREDIENTS

110g/3/4 cup raw cashews

110g/3/4 cup raw blanched almonds

60ml/1/4 cup lemon juice

30g/1/4 cup nutritional yeast

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving

1 large clove of garlic, minced

sprinkle fresh thyme (dried is okay)

sprinkle dried basil

sprinkle fresh rosemary (dried is okay)

generous amounts of salt and pepper

Soak the nuts in water overnight. When ready to begin making the cheese, drain and rinse the nuts.  With a food processor, purée nuts until very smooth with lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and spices.  Place a strainer over a large bowl lined with cheesecloth. Carefully scoop out processed nut mixture into cheesecloth. 

Bring corners of cloth together, twist around cheese, and form a ball. Secure with a rubber band and lightly squeeze to get rid of excess water.  Chill overnight with cheese resting on strainer, allowing water to drip out.  

Preheat oven to 390°F/195C.  Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Scoop out cheese from cheesecloth with a spatula and form a 1 1/2-inch log. Use your spatula or a spoon to smooth the sides.  Finally, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and spices. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until it is firm to touch and slightly browned.  Turn off oven, open door and allow to cool completely before removing and serving.