Cashew Cream Cheese - 2 great recipes

1)Cashew Cream Cheese

  • What's in it?

Cashews, water, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, onion powder, salt, chives, parsley

Kris Carr, Beetroot Ravioli with Cashew Cream Cheese

2)Sour cream + onion cashew cream cheese

  • WHAT’S IN IT?

    Cashews, non-dairy yogurt, lemon juice, green onions, mild miso, salt, maple syrup (optional), guar gum

  • where did i find it?

  • Why do I like these recipes?

The first recipe for cream cheese comes from Kris Carr.  It is meant to be used between slices of beets which are fashioned as ravioli.  I liked the cheese so much I use it as a spread instead of cream cheese.  Most non-dairy cream cheeses are soy based and have lots of questionable ingredients.  This one is delicious with a creamy texture.

The second recipe is from Dreena Burton’s book, The Cheese Trap. This recipe is also so simple to make and tastes great. I have made it without the maple syrup as I prefer a savory cheese. Additionally I have made it with and without the guar gum and prefer it with the guar gum. So I recommend purchasing the guar gum powder, the recipe only calls for a small amount.

  • Any recipe notes or tweaks?

For recipe #1, I cut the quantities of all ingredients in half.  With less in the Vitamix, you need to blend for longer at a slower speed (4-5 speed).  I keep a small container of chopped chives in the freezer.  For this recipe, just measure out desired amount and mix in, no need to thaw.  You can make it with or without parsley or experiment with other herbs.

For recipe #2, I prefer it without the maple syrup. Sometimes I substitute 1/4 teaspoon onion powder for the green onions.

I have also made the cheese and layered some Everything But The Bagel (sold at Trader Joe's) seasoning - it tasted great!