Homemade Vegan Cheese with Cranberries Recipe

This creamy cashew-based cheese log is a delightful vegan appetizer, perfect for gatherings. It's packed with the rich, nutty flavors of walnuts, hazelnuts, and a hint of rosemary, making it a showstopper at any event. Here's how to prepare it:

Ingredients (Serves 8)

• 2 cups chopped raw cashews
• Water, to cover
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon miso paste
• teaspoon vegetable oil
• teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped walnuts
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped hazelnuts
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary

Directions

Step 1: In a bowl, cover the chopped cashews with cold water and let them soak for 4 hours. After soaking, drain the cashews.

Step 2: In a food processor, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast (if using), apple cider vinegar, miso paste, and salt. Pulse until smooth and well-blended. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Step 3: Lightly grease a piece of parchment paper with vegetable oil. Transfer the cashew mixture onto the parchment paper and shape it into a log. Twist the ends of the paper to secure the shape.

Step 4: Refrigerate the cashew log for at least 2 hours to allow it to firm up.

Step 5: While the cheese log is chilling, prepare the coating. On a plate, mix together the chopped walnuts, hazelnuts, cranberries, and fresh rosemary.

Step 6: Once the cashew log has firmed up, remove it from the parchment paper. Roll it in the nut and cranberry mixture until fully coated.

Step 7: Slice and serve. Enjoy your cashew cheese log with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables.

Recipe Tip

If you're short on time, you can soak the cashews in boiling water for 1 hour instead of 4 hours.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 231
• Total Fat: 19g (24% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 3g (17% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 396mg (17% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 13g (5% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (6% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 6g (13% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 24mg (2% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (13% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 237mg (5% Daily Value)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.