CASHEW CHEESE DIP RECIPES

Steps:

• Put raw cashews in a bowl. Cover the nuts with boiling water and set aside to let soak for at least 15 minutes (but longer is better for easier blending). Drain and rinse with cold water.
• Put cashews and lemon juice in blender. Add water until the cashews blend smooth (probably several cups). Use less water if you want to make Queso dip, but no more than 4 cups even for a pourable "nacho cheese" sauce.
• Once blending continuously, slowly add the nutritional yeast to the center so that it blends in smooth. Then add spices to taste. A teaspoon of tumeric gives it a nice yellow color. I also always add at least a teaspoon of cumin, one of my go to Mexican spices. I use sweet paprika and/ or a mild chili powder when sharing with the kids and ancho or chipotle chili powder and cayenne pepper for adults that like spicy things. Taste it to see if it needs salt. Seasoned salt works well if it needs some.
• If you want Vegan Nacho Cheese sauce, Congratulations! You are done. If you want Queso dip, put the sauce in a sauce pan on the stove and cook it down on low to thicken. While it is cooking, add some fresh or canned tomato chunks and/ or peppers. It is done when it is thick enough or you are tired of waiting to eat it.

Steps:

• To sterilize your Cashew Nuts: Spread your nuts out on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes and then cool completely before using them.
• Whiz first 7 ingredients in blender or food processor until nuts are liquefied.
• SLOWLY drizzle in oils to thicken and then add lemon juice after oils are incorporated.
• Mix Agar Agar in 1 Cup Cold water. Cook in separate sauce pan until clear (about 10 min).
• With a spoon stir cooked (warm) Agar Agar into cheese mixture. Immediately pour into loaf pan lined with plastic wrap and fold plastic wrap ends and sides over top.
• Refrigerate until set and slice as needed.
• To use as a spread or dip, do not add Agar Agar.
• When the loaf version is set, my mom slices into ½ sections. She puts them side to side with clear wrap in between and freezes then for individual later use.