CASHEW “CHEESE”
When I use to think of almonds, cashews, peanuts, etc; words like trail mix, high fat, and severe allergic reactions came to mind.
Never did I imagine the endless possibilities they contain or the nutritional benefits they hold.
Sauces, creams, crusts, desserts, flours, bars… the list goes on and on and on again.
Cashews are currently my favorite to use for creams and sauces and I shared my favorite Cashew Pesto with you a few weeks ago.
Today’s recipe is a basic cashew cream that can be used in place of cheese in just about anything. I actually prefer it to cheese any day!
Here are a few ideas:
- on pizza instead of cheese (see recipe below)
- in tacos
- drizzled over veggies
- in enchiladas instead of cheese
- as a dipping sauce for veggies
- as a sauce for pasta
- whatever else sounds good!
You can also add whatever you like to this recipe to fit your tastes and what you are serving it with.
Add ins:
- For tacos: add some cilantro and lime juice
- For pizza: add fresh basil
- For pasta: add garlic cloves or garlic powder
- For something spicy: add a few dashes of cayenne pepper
ENJOY!
Elizabeth
BASIC CASHEW CREAM
INGREDIENTS:
1 C raw cashews
1/2 C + 1 T water
1 T nutritional yeast (if you have never used this before, it can be found in the bulk section at Winco, Whole Foods and New Seasons. It has a cheese like flavor and even smells like cheese!)
1/4 t sea salt
dash or two of nutmeg (I know it sounds weird but it really does add a nice nutty flavor without overpowering it)
TO MAKE:
Simply put everything in a high speed blender or food proccesor and blend until smooth.
We used this on our pizza for dinner tonight and here is an example of how to use it:
Bake your crust for about 6 minutes before adding toppings.
Layer pizza sauce, then cashew cream, then any other toppings you like and bake for 15 more minutes or until crust begins to brown.
ENJOY!
- Posted
- May 26, 2012
- In
- Recipes, The Kitchen
Hi Elizabeth…this looks great! I have a son who can’t have dairy, but loves pizza…I’m excited to try this out! I have so enjoyed reading this blog and seeing what the Lord has done in your family.
Congratulations on your newest little one…may the Lord bless you with such wisdom, peace and joy as you show His love to your kiddos each day! Love, Jenn
I’m salivating! Heading to New Seasons this afternoon to get the ingredients for this pizza…
Love your comment about how you use to think of nuts as, “high fat” and that often turns people away from the many possibilities of the great ol’ nut! The health benefits of nuts and seeds are fantastic and you are right, there so many possibilities in which they can be used. I love to add a few sprinkling of nuts and seeds to just about anything! Salad, cereal / oatmeal, frozen yogurt, mixed in with any grain and my favorite right now is sprinkling sunflower or pumpkin seeds on top of healthy homemade taco’s! Yum!
YUM! I have made a classic mac n cheese dish out of nutritional yeast/carrots and it was delish. What a great idea to use this for pizza!! I have tried most of your recipes and they have become my weekly “go to” meals! Please keep creating and sharing your creations with us!
I just made Pizza using this sauce, it was awesome!
I’m not sure if this is mentioned anywhere in this section, but are you cooking vegan?
blessings,
Helena
We had a pizza night and used this sauce… have to say it was a hit! Love your website… i LOVE how it is a collaboration, a place for women to encourage and inspire each other with their unique gifts. I work at a missional church in phoenix and we are aiming for the same thing. So encouraging to see it in action here.
Hi Diane!
The first time I came across it I read about your experience going deaf, and let me tell you, the tears were streaming! I am currently homeschooling my girls, and I think of you often as a godly woman who has gone before and done a fantastic job. Wish you lived closer so I could ask you questions about it! 
I don’t know whether you remember me, but I’m an old friend of Tammy’s (I was in her wedding.) So funny-I keep stumbling across your blog! This time I was searching for whether I could get nutritional yeast at Winco, and I clicked on your link before I realized it was yours!
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you your blog has really blessed me.
~Kayla Johnson