Cheese And Nut Pairing: Almonds And Their Cheesy Companions

Almonds are a versatile ingredient that can be used to make vegan cheese. The process involves blending almonds with ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. The mixture is then shaped and baked, resulting in a crumbly, sliceable, spreadable texture. This almond cheese is a great vegan alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or follow a plant-based diet. It can be served on a charcuterie board, stuffed in ravioli, spread on toast, or used as a dip for crackers and bread.

Almond cheese is a great vegan alternative to dairy cheese

Almond cheese is a versatile and tasty addition to any meal. It can be spread on toast, crackers, or bagels, used as a filling for ravioli, or added to pizzas, sandwiches, and salads. When baked, almond cheese develops a crumbly yet creamy texture, similar to feta or goat cheese. It can also be flavored with herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast to enhance its flavor.

Making almond cheese at home is a simple and fun process. The basic recipe calls for blending almonds with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water, and then straining the mixture through a cheesecloth. The cheese can be baked at different temperatures to achieve varying textures, from spreadable to crumbly.

Almond cheese is a healthy and delicious alternative to dairy cheese, offering a range of flavors and textures that can be customized to suit individual tastes. It is a great option for those following vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free diets, without compromising on taste and nutrition.

It's easy to make at home and is perfect for a football game day treat

Almond cheese is a tasty and unique vegan cheese option for a dip, spread for sandwiches, or a filling for ravioli, vegan lasagna, or stuffed shells. It is easy to make at home and is perfect for a football game day treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of whole, raw, unsalted, blanched almonds
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of water
• 2 teaspoons of white miso paste
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Freshly cracked pepper
• Fresh herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme

Steps:

• Soak the almonds in cold water for 24 hours before making the cheese. Cover and place in the refrigerator.
• Drain and rinse the almonds well.
• Put the blanched almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, water, miso paste, and garlic powder in a food processor or high-powered blender.
• Blend until smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Scrape the mixture into a double-layered cheesecloth lining a colander.
• Gather the cheesecloth tightly around the almond mixture and secure it with a rubber band or string. Give the bundle a few gentle squeezes to remove the liquid.
• Leave the bundle in the colander and place it in the refrigerator overnight over a bowl or rimmed plate to catch any liquid that might drain. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This helps the texture of the cheese become firmer.
• Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
• Remove the cheese from the cheesecloth and shape it into a round about 3/4-inch thick.
• Bake the cheese for 30 to 40 minutes, until the top is dry and slightly firm, and the inside is still creamy.
• For a more browned and crumbly cheese, bake at 350°F (180°C) for 30-40 minutes.
• Let the cheese cool before serving.
• Enjoy your homemade almond cheese as a spread, dip, or filling!

Almond cheese is a fun and easy recipe to make at home. It is perfect for a football game day treat, and you can experiment with different herbs and spices to create unique flavors. Enjoy!

It can be used as a spread on toast, or as a dip with crackers and bread

Almond cheese is a versatile spread that can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used as a spread on toast, or as a dip with crackers and bread. For breakfast, almond cheese can be spread on toast or a toasted bagel. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for pizza.

Almond cheese can be used as a dip or spread for crackers and bread. It can be served on a charcuterie board with vegetables and toasted bread. It can also be used as a dip for crudités or pita chips.

Almond cheese can also be used as a topping for salads or pasta dishes. It can be crumbled over a salad or pasta dish to add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour. It can also be used as a spread on sandwiches or wraps.

It can also be stuffed inside ravioli or layered in lasagna

Almond cheese is a versatile vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It can be used as a spread on toast, bagels, or sandwiches. It can also be stuffed inside ravioli or layered in lasagna.

Ravioli is a type of pasta comprising a filling sealed between two layers of thin pasta dough. The dough is typically made from wheat flour and eggs, though vegan alternatives are available. To stuff ravioli with almond cheese, simply roll out the dough and cut it into squares. Place a small amount of almond cheese in the center of each square, then fold the dough over the cheese and seal the edges. Boil the ravioli for a few minutes until the dough is cooked.

Lasagna is another type of pasta dish, consisting of stacked layers of lasagna alternating with fillings such as cheese, meat, vegetables, and sauce. To layer almond cheese in lasagna, simply spread it over the pasta sheets, alternating with other fillings and sauce. Bake the lasagna in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Almond cheese can also be used as a topping for pizza, stuffed into jalapeños, or added to spinach and cheese börek. It can be flavored with herbs, spices, or nutritional yeast to suit different dishes.

The cheese is creamy, tangy, and full of rich flavours

Almond cheese is a great vegan alternative to dairy cheese. It is creamy, tangy, and full of rich flavours. The process of making almond cheese involves blending almonds with other ingredients such as lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water. The mixture is then shaped and baked, resulting in a crumbly, sliceable, and spreadable texture.

Soaking and Blanching the Almonds

Start by soaking the almonds in water for at least six hours or overnight. This step helps to soften the almonds and remove any bitterness. If you are using raw almonds with the skins on, you can blanch them by briefly boiling them to make it easier to remove the skins. Removing the skins gives the cheese a smoother texture and a lighter colour. However, it is not necessary to remove the skins if you prefer a more textured appearance.

Adding Flavourings

In addition to the basic ingredients of almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water, you can add various flavourings to enhance the taste of your almond cheese. Some popular options include nutritional yeast, garlic, onion powder, fresh or dried herbs such as dill, rosemary, thyme, or basil, and spices such as black pepper, chilli flakes, or paprika. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of flavourings to find your favourite!

Blending and Shaping

After soaking and blanching the almonds, drain them and place them in a food processor or high-powered blender. Add the remaining ingredients and blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.

Once the mixture is smooth, transfer it to a cheesecloth-lined sieve or small oven-safe bowl. You can shape the cheese by pressing and smoothing it with a spatula. If using a sieve, place a weight, such as a tin of beans, on top to help press out excess water. Refrigerate the cheese overnight to allow the flavours to meld and the texture to firm up.

Baking and Serving

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 325°F and 350°F (165°C to 180°C). Bake the cheese for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the desired texture. A shorter baking time will result in a softer, more spreadable cheese, while a longer baking time will give you a firmer, crumbly texture. The baked almond cheese can be served warm with crackers or bread as an appetizer or snack. It can also be crumbled over salads or pasta for added creaminess.

Storage

Almond cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to freeze it, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it completely before consuming, and you may need to blend it again and add a small amount of plant-based milk to restore its creamy texture.

Frequently asked questions