Epicurean Vegan

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Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies

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Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies -- Epicurean VeganGeez . . . it’s been a while since I last posted. The Sixth Grader (or should I say, soon-to-be The Seventh Grader) was on a week-long field trip so me and The Husband ate out a lot this week. Produce in my refrigerator, however, was feeling very neglected, so last night I decided to make these. They were delicious! We threw them on the grill, but you can also bake them in the oven at 350 for about 20 minutes. Use this stuffing for small chilies and serve them as appetizers, too.

INGREDIENTS:
3 large sweet chili peppers
10-oz Tofutti cream cheese
3 Tbs lime juice
1 tsp cumin
1 C fresh cilantro, chopped
6-8 sun-dried tomatoes, diced
1 bunch of kale
6-8 green onions, sliced
1/2 C vegan pepper jack cheese, shredded
2 tsp garlic, minced
2 tsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor or mixer, cream together the cream cheese, lime juice, cumin, and cilantro.

Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies -- Epicurean VeganIn a large saucepan or skillet, heat the olive oil and garlic. Add the kale. One bunch may seem like a lot (5-6 cups) but it will cook down quite a bit. Cook it over medium heat, constantly stirring it. I found that tongs work great for this. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until nice and wilted.

Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies -- Epicurean VeganIn a large bowl, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, green onions, and cheese. Mix in the cream cheese mixture, then stir in the kale.

Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies -- Epicurean VeganTo prepare the chilies, there are a number of different ways to do it. First, slice the tops off and pull out the insides–as much as you can. You can either stuff them from the top, or slice them in the side. You can also slice them lengthwise, stuff them, then put them back together. I sliced into the side of it and found that that just worked better for the size of these chilies.

Kale and Cream Cheese-Stuffed Sweet Chilies -- Epicurean VeganPreheat the grill to a medium-high heat. Wrap the stuffed chilies in foil and place on the heated grill. Cook them for about 10 minutes, turning them often. Once the filling starts to drip out from the foil, remove them from the grill. Unwrap from the foil and enjoy!

Creamy Tofu-Port Spread

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Creamy Tofu-Port Spread -- Epicurean VeganI love experimenting with making vegan cheeses and spreads and this one is so easy and delicious. It’s ideal as a sandwich or wrap condiment, or a dip for crackers and veggies (particularly, veggie crackers)! I also think it’d be great on a toasted bagel, English muffin, or toast.

INGREDIENTS:
14-oz tofu, drained, pressed, and cubed
2/3 C nutritional yeast flakes
3 Tbs yellow or red miso (I used yellow)
3 Tbs tahini
1 Tbs lemon juice
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 C port wine
Salt, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Add everything into the food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes about 2-1/2 cups. Enjoy!

Creamy Tofu-Port Spread
 
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I love experimenting with making vegan cheeses and spreads and this one is so easy and delicious. It's ideal as a sandwich or wrap condiment, or a dip for crackers and veggies (particularly, veggie crackers)! I also think it'd be great on a toasted bagel, English muffin, or toast.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 14-oz tofu, drained, pressed, and cubed
  • ⅔ C nutritional yeast flakes
  • 3 Tbs yellow or red miso (I used yellow)
  • 3 Tbs tahini
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ C port wine
  • Salt, to taste
Directions
  1. Add everything into the food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Makes about 2-1/2 cups. Enjoy!

 

Savory Asparagus Tart

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Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean VeganWhen I open my own vegan restaurant, this tart will be a signature item on the menu! And look, I’m sharing my secret recipe with all of you now! The Husband was on a conference call when I took this out of the oven and took a bite. You have no idea how difficult it was to not eat his portion; he would have never known. But of course, I couldn’t do that to him—it’s a recipe you’ll want to share and enjoy with others.

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry dough, thawed
1 C Daiya or other vegan cheeze, shredded
1 bunch asparagus
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 tsp truffle oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Roll the pastry sheet out to about 11″x7″. Place onto a baking sheet. Using a fork, puncture the dough all over.

Bake for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown. You may need to press down on the dough with a spoon if it puffed up in places.

Sprinkle the cheese onto the dough, then line the asparagus—close together—on top. I just cut the stalks in half (after cutting of the thick ends) and placed them like so:

Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the asparagus , thoroughly coating the tops. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to brown. Remove from the pan (I used two spatulas on either end) and transfer to a large cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Savory Asparagus Tart -- Epicurean Vegan

Savory Asparagus Tart
 
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When I open my own vegan restaurant, this tart will be a signature item on the menu! And look, I'm sharing my secret recipe with all of you now! The Husband was on a conference call when I took this out of the oven and took a bite. You have no idea how difficult it was to not eat his portion; he would have never known. But of course, I couldn't do that to him---it's a recipe you'll want to share and enjoy with others.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 puff pastry dough, thawed
  • 1 C Daiya or other vegan cheeze, shredded
  • 1 bunch asparagus
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1-1/2 tsp truffle oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 400. Roll the pastry sheet out to about 11"x7". Place onto a baking sheet. Using a fork, puncture the dough all over.
  2. Bake for 5 minutes, or until it begins to brown. You may need to press down on the dough with a spoon if it puffed up in places.
  3. Sprinkle the cheese onto the dough, then line the asparagus---close together---on top. I just cut the stalks in half (after cutting of the thick ends) and placed them in rows on the puff pastry.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Brush the mixture onto the asparagus , thoroughly coating the tops. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the edges of the tart begin to brown. Remove from the pan (I used two spatulas on either end) and transfer to a large cutting board. Cut into squares and enjoy!

Baked Fries with Sea Salt and Truffle Oil

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Baked Fries with Sea Salt and Truffle Oil -- Epicurean VeganHere I go again with the truffle oil . . . guarantee you’ll love these! Truffle oil on French fries just go together like PB&J. I brought these to a get together and they were gone in minutes! You can peel the potatoes if you’d like, but I’m not fond of the peeling process. If they don’t have to be peeled, you can bet I won’t do it. So it’s up to you.

INGREDIENTS:
6-7 small to medium russet potatoes
Truffle oil
Sea salt

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 425. Scrub and/or peel the potatoes. Cut into fries and place in a bowl. Coat with the truffle oil. I didn’t measure it out—I used just enough to coat the fries, a little over a tablespoon. Sprinkle with salt—again, to taste and enough to coat the fries. I set the bowl aside for about an hour to let them marinate for a bit.

Baked Fries with Sea Salt and Truffle Oil -- Epicurean VeganLine a large baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. After letting the fries sit for a while, the bowl had a lot of liquid from the potatoes. Use a slotted spoons or your hands to layer the fries on the baking sheet. I drizzled a bit more truffle on top and sprinkled a little more salt on them.

Baked Fries with Sea Salt and Truffle Oil -- Epicurean VeganBake for 15-20 minutes, then turn the fries as best  you can. There’s no magic way to do this—just flip and move them around so that they don’t stick to the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. For the last few minutes of baking, I switched to broil and browned them a tiny bit. I think they’re tasty on their own without any sauces, but either way, you’re sure to enjoy this decadent treat!

Baked Fries with Sea Salt and Truffle Oil
 
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Here I go again with the truffle oil . . . guarantee you'll love these! Truffle oil on French fries just go together like PB&J. I brought these to a get together and they were gone in minutes! You can peel the potatoes if you'd like, but I'm not fond of the peeling process. If they don't have to be peeled, you can bet I won't do it. So it's up to you.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 6-7 small to medium russet potatoes
  • Truffle oil
  • Sea salt
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 425. Scrub and/or peel the potatoes. Cut into fries and place in a bowl. Coat with the truffle oil. I didn't measure it out---I used just enough to coat the fries, a little over a tablespoon. Sprinkle with salt---again, to taste and enough to coat the fries. I set the bowl aside for about an hour to let them marinate for a bit.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. After letting the fries sit for a while, the bowl had a lot of liquid from the potatoes. Use a slotted spoons or your hands to layer the fries on the baking sheet. I drizzled a bit more truffle on top and sprinkled a little more salt on them.
  3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then turn the fries as best you can. There's no magic way to do this---just flip and move them around so that they don't stick to the foil. Bake for another 15-20 minutes. For the last few minutes of baking, I switched to broil and browned them a tiny bit. I think they're tasty on their own without any sauces, but either way, you're sure to enjoy this decadent treat!

 

Chickpea Havarti Spread

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Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean VeganThis spread can easily be called a dip as well. It almost has a chowder-like taste to it. From the Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, this recipe is simple and delicious! This would also make a great condiment for sandwiches or wraps, too.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C water
2 C drained cooked or canned chickpeas (one 15 or 16 oz can)
1/2 C raw cashews
1/3 C nutritional yeast flakes
2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp ground dill seed
1/2 tsp whole celery seed
1/4 C lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until very thick, about 15-20 minutes.

Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Remove from heat and cool a few minutes. Pour into an air tight container and chill for several hours to overnight.

Chickpea Havarti Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Enjoy on crackers, as a vegetable dip, or as a sandwich condiment. Makes 2 cups.

Chickpea Havarti Spread
 
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This spread can easily be called a dip as well. It almost has a chowder-like taste to it. From the Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook, this recipe is simple and delicious! This would also make a great condiment for sandwiches or wraps, too.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C water
  • 2 C drained cooked or canned chickpeas (one 15 or 16 oz can)
  • ½ C raw cashews
  • ⅓ C nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp ground dill seed
  • ½ tsp whole celery seed
  • ¼ C lemon juice
Directions
  1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Transfer to a medium sauce pan and cook over medium heat, stirring often until very thick, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and cool a few minutes. Pour into an air tight container and chill for several hours to overnight.
  3. Enjoy on crackers, as a vegetable dip, or as a sandwich condiment. Makes 2 cups.

Cashew Spread

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Cashew Spread -- Epicurean VeganI think I might be getting the hang of these nut cheeses. I thought I’d try my hand at making a cashew cheese spread and I love it! It’s perfect as a sandwich condiment, a cracker topper, or lathered on an apple slice. You can play with the flavors, but I like an herb-y kind of spread and I think you’ll like this one, too!

INGREDIENTS:
1 C raw cashews
1/4 C lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, minced
1 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp yellow miso
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried chives
1/4 C cold water
1/4 tsp salt

DIRECTIONS:
Soak the cashews in a bowl of water for about an hour; drain and rinse. In a food processor, grind the cashews until fine. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth.

Cashew Spread -- Epicurean VeganTransfer to an airtight container and chill for 3-5 hours. Makes about 1-1/2 cups. Enjoy!

Cashew Spread
 
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I think I might be getting the hang of these nut cheeses. I thought I'd try my hand at making a cashew cheese spread and I love it! It's perfect as a sandwich condiment, a cracker topper, or lathered on an apple slice. You can play with the flavors, but I like an herb-y kind of spread and I think you'll like this one, too!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C raw cashews
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp yellow miso
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • ¼ C cold water
  • ¼ tsp salt
Directions
  1. Soak the cashews in a bowl of water for about an hour; drain and rinse. In a food processor, grind the cashews until fine. Add the rest of the ingredients and process until smooth.
  2. Transfer to an airtight container and chill for 3-5 hours. Makes about 1-1/2 cups. Enjoy!

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce

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Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean VeganSorry I’ve been a bit MIA lately. Life is quite busy these days, especially with my alter ego. For the last few days, the family has dined on easy things like spaghetti, veggie burgers, and canned soup. Looking into their Oliver Twist eyes, I knew I needed to make an effort with dinner. Thank goodness for Green Buffalo Foods—they delivered my box of veggie love this afternoon and I swooned at the beautiful collard greens I received.

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean VeganYou could easily make spring rolls using collard greens, or make them with rice instead of noodles, like I did. The ingredients can easily be varied with this recipe, so get creative! I liked using the collard greens because of their fabulous nutritional value and durability when rolling them up. I think next time though, I’ll steam them just a tiny bit before filling them up, rather then afterward—they may fare better.

INGREDIENTS:
12 collard green leaves, washed and patted dry
8-oz firm tofu
6-8 mushrooms, sliced
4 large green onions, sliced
1-15oz can Great Northern beans, drained
1 C long-grain rice, uncooked
2 tsp garlic, minced
1-2 tsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce:
1/3 C tahini
2 tsp umeboshi paste
2 tsp lemon juice
2 Tbs tamari
2 Tbs water
2 Tbs almond milk

DIRECTIONS:
Combine rice with 1-1/2 cups of water. Bring to boil; stir and cover for 15 minutes, or until water has absorbed. You can also use jasmine scented rice, or arborio rice. Sushi rice would also be great. In the meantime, slice tofu into thin slices (julienned) saute in a dry skillet until slightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet. In its place, add the garlic and olive oil. Heat for a minute, then add the green onions and mushrooms. Saute until slightly browned and soft. Add the rice, beans, and tofu and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean VeganCut the fat stem off of the collard green. Don’t cut off too much—just to where it starts to thin out and add 1-2 spoonfuls of the rice mixture onto the leaf.

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Fold in the two “tails” of the collard green leaf:

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Now fold the opposite side in:

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Then roll from the bottom up and secure with a toothpick. Spear it through the stem, if you can. You’ll be left with a neatly rolled wrap:

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

I then placed them in a steamer basket and steamed them for just a few minutes.

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

You’ll probably have to do this in batches, so I recommend transferring them to a plate after steaming and covering with foil.

To make the sauce, whisk together all the ingredients and serve with the warm wraps. Enjoy!

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce -- Epicurean Vegan

Collard Green Wraps with Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce
 
Print
You could easily make spring rolls using collard greens, or make them with rice instead of noodles, like I did. The ingredients can easily be varied with this recipe, so get creative! I liked using the collard greens because of their fabulous nutritional value and durability when rolling them up. I think next time though, I'll steam them just a tiny bit before filling them up, rather then afterward---they may fare better.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 12 collard green leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 8-oz firm tofu
  • 6-8 mushrooms, sliced
  • 4 large green onions, sliced
  • 1-15oz can Great Northern beans, drained
  • 1 C long-grain rice, uncooked
  • 2 tsp garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tahini-Umeboshi Sauce:
  • ⅓ C tahini
  • 2 tsp umeboshi paste
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs tamari
  • 2 Tbs water
  • 2 Tbs almond milk
Directions
  1. Combine rice with 1-1/2 cups of water. Bring to boil; stir and cover for 15 minutes, or until water has absorbed. You can also use jasmine scented rice, or arborio rice. Sushi rice would also be great. In the meantime, slice tofu into thin slices (julienned) saute in a dry skillet until slightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the skillet. In its place, add the garlic and olive oil. Heat for a minute, then add the green onions and mushrooms. Saute until slightly browned and soft. Add the rice, beans, and tofu and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cut the fat stem off of the collard green. Don't cut off too much---just to where it starts to thin out and add 1-2 spoonfuls of the rice mixture onto the leaf.
  3. Fold in the two "tails" of the collard green leaf.
  4. Now fold the opposite side in.
  5. Then roll from the bottom up and secure with a toothpick. Spear it through the stem, if you can. You'll be left with a neatly rolled wrap.
  6. I then placed them in a steamer basket and steamed them for just a few minutes.
  7. You'll probably have to do this in batches, so I recommend transferring them to a plate after steaming and covering with foil.
  8. To make the sauce, whisk together all the ingredients and serve with the warm wraps. Enjoy!

Almond Cheeze Log

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Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean VeganThis fluffy, mild cheeze is outstanding. I originally posted the recipe for it back in December. I’ve made it a few times since then, and this time, made a log out of it and brought it to my neighbor’s Super Bowl Party. It was a hit. I use the cheese as a pizza topping, sandwich spread, and pasta topper. Just this morning I made breakfast tarts using it. I recommend making a double batch at a time since it does take a while—but I guarantee you’ll love it!

The guys were (almond) Cheeseheads for the day!

INGREDIENTS:
1 C blanched almonds
1/4 C lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled (I used minced)
1-1/4 tsp salt
Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)
Toasted walnuts or pecans
Agave nectar

DIRECTIONS:
First, to blanch the almonds, add them to a small sauce pan and fill with water, just to cover the almonds. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the skins between your finger and the skins will slide right off. Dry them off well.

Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean VeganPlace almonds in a medium bowl and cover with 3″ of water; soak for 24 hours. Drain and rinse twice with running water. Next, puree the almonds, lemon juice, 3 Tbs olive oil, garlic, salt and 1/2 C of cold water in a food processor until smooth.  Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line the strainer with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon mixture into cheesecloth.

Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean VeganBring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band. I have found that a cloth napkin works really well for this—even better than cheesecloth.

Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean VeganChill 12 hours or overnight. Discard any excess liquid—I squeezed a little more out. After it has chilled, spoon it onto a layer of plastic wrap and form a roll, or log.

Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean VeganUnwrap and roll it out onto a plate. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans on top and then drizzle with agave. Serve with crackers or Grannie Smith apple slices. I love this recipe (from Vegetarian Times) and even though you have to soak and chill a lot, it’s worth it.

Almond Cheeze Log -- Epicurean Vegan

Almond Cheeze Log
 
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This fluffy, mild cheeze is outstanding. I originally posted the recipe for it back in December. I've made it a few times since then, and this time, made a log out of it and brought it to my neighbor's Super Bowl Party. It was a hit. I use the cheese as a pizza topping, sandwich spread, and pasta topper. Just this morning I made breakfast tarts using it. I recommend making a double batch at a time since it does take a while---but I guarantee you'll love it!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 C blanched almonds
  • ¼ C lemon juice
  • 3 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled (I used minced)
  • 1-1/4 tsp salt
  • Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)
  • Toasted walnuts or pecans
  • Agave nectar
Directions
  1. First, to blanch the almonds, add them to a small sauce pan and fill with water, just to cover the almonds. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the skins between your finger and the skins will slide right off. Dry them off well.
  2. Place almonds in a medium bowl and cover with 3″ of water; soak for 24 hours. Drain and rinse twice with running water. Next, puree the almonds, lemon juice, 3 Tbs olive oil, garlic, salt and ½ C of cold water in a food processor until smooth. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line the strainer with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon mixture into cheesecloth.
  3. Bring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band. I have found that a cloth napkin works really well for this---even better than cheesecloth.
  4. Chill 12 hours or overnight. Discard any excess liquid—I squeezed a little more out. After it has chilled, spoon it onto a layer of plastic wrap and form a roll, or log.
  5. Unwrap and roll it out onto a plate. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts or pecans on top and then drizzle with agave. Serve with crackers or Grannie Smith apple slices. I love this recipe (from Vegetarian Times) and even though you have to soak and chill a lot, it's worth it.

Plum Crock Cheez

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Plum Crock Cheez -- Epicurean VeganToday’s high is a whopping -4 degrees. School was even canceled. So not only is it a great day to be in the kitchen (later I’ll be baking something delish–stayed tuned), but thanks to the snow day, I’ll be home to watch Oprah and her vegan challenge! Since the crock cheez was such a big success, I decided to make it again, but follow one of the variations listed in the cookbook (The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook).  This one is actually called, “Plum Good Crock Cheez” and uses umeboshi plum paste. It is outstanding! It tastes very similar to the original version, but with a tangier, sweeter punch. I’m not sure which version is my favorite!

INGREDIENTS:
1/2 lb (8oz) firm tofu, drained
3 Tbs nutritional yeast
2 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs lemon juice
1-1/2 Tbs umeboshi plum paste
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard

DIRECTIONS:
Cut tofu into large cubes. Place in a small saucepan and cover with water—just enough to cover the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain well. I used a fine mesh strainer to ensure any small pieces didn’t fall through. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator until it’s easy to handle. Crumble it up into a food processor and add the other ingredients. Process until smooth, scraping the sides, if necessary. Transfer to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for several hours to overnight. Enjoy!

Plum Crock Cheez
 
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Since the crock cheez was such a big success, I decided to make it again, but follow one of the variations listed in the cookbook (The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook). This one is actually called, "Plum Good Crock Cheez" and uses umeboshi plum paste. It is outstanding! It tastes very similar to the original version, but with a tangier, sweeter punch. I'm not sure which version is my favorite!
Author:
Ingredients
  • ½ lb (8oz) firm tofu, drained
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 2 Tbs tahini
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 Tbs umeboshi plum paste
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard
Directions
  1. Cut tofu into large cubes. Place in a small saucepan and cover with water—just enough to cover the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and drain well. I used a fine mesh strainer to ensure any small pieces didn’t fall through. Chill uncovered in the refrigerator until it’s easy to handle. Crumble it up into a food processor and add the other ingredients. Process until smooth, scraping the sides, if necessary. Transfer to an airtight container and chill in the fridge for several hours to overnight. Enjoy!

 

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie

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Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean VeganI’ve moved onto another obsession. Filo (or phyllo) dough. Oh my gosh . . . the possibilities! I veganized this recipe from Sunset magazine and after one bite, we quickly realized I should have doubled, if not tripled the recipe. My mind is going a mile a minute thinking of different ways to create filo pies, so expect more!

INGREDIENTS:
2 lbs mustard greens, chopped
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/4 C vegan margarine, melted
6 sheets thawed filo dough, cut in half
1 C Daiya mozzarella

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean Vegan

DIRECTIONS:
Steam the greens (may have to do in batches), then transfer to a large bowl of ice water. Drain and squeeze as much water out of the greens as possible. You’ll be left with a ball of damp greens, but just pull and shake apart.

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean VeganPreheat oven to 375. In a bowl, stir greens with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Butter an 8″ square baking dish and lay one filo square in bottom. You’ll have 2 edges that are a bit longer–that’s ok. Brush lightly with butter—this is where  you can brush those extra edges down and basically fold them over. Layer on another 5 pieces of filo, but alternate the directions that you lay them down, so that the excess edges are alternated each time. Butter each layer as you add it on.

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean Vegan

Next, spread the greens on evenly, then the cheese.

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean Vegan

Layer on the rest of the filo dough, buttering each layer like before. Then cut through all the layers into 9 pieces.

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean Vegan

Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool 5-7 minutes before serving. You will love these—guarantee! Enjoy!

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie -- Epicurean Vegan

VARIATION: I’ve made this a couple of times using frozen spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand which is boxed, but the spinach inside is kept in a sealed plastic bag—makes it easy to thaw. Drain and squeeze out the liquid and prepare the same way as the mustard greens. I often double it and make a 9×13 dish of it—the uncut phyllo dough sheets are perfect for this sized dish.

Mustard Green and Cheeze Filo Pie
 
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I've moved onto another obsession. Filo (or phyllo) dough. Oh my gosh . . . the possibilities! I veganized this recipe from Sunset magazine and after one bite, we quickly realized I should have doubled, if not tripled the recipe. My mind is going a mile a minute thinking of different ways to create filo pies, so expect more!
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Ingredients
  • 2 lbs mustard greens, chopped
  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ¼ C vegan margarine, melted
  • 6 sheets thawed filo dough, cut in half
  • 1 C Daiya mozzarella
Directions
  1. Steam the greens (may have to do in batches), then transfer to a large bowl of ice water. Drain and squeeze as much water out of the greens as possible. You'll be left with a ball of damp greens, but just pull and shake apart.
  2. Preheat oven to 375. In a bowl, stir greens with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Butter an 8" square baking dish and lay one filo square in bottom. You'll have 2 edges that are a bit longer--that's ok. Brush lightly with butter---this is where you can brush those extra edges down and basically fold them over. Layer on another 5 pieces of filo, but alternate the directions that you lay them down, so that the excess edges are alternated each time. Butter each layer as you add it on.
  3. Next, spread the greens on evenly, then the cheese.
  4. Layer on the rest of the filo dough, buttering each layer like before. Then cut through all the layers into 9 pieces.
  5. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Let cool 5-7 minutes before serving. You will love these---guarantee! Enjoy!
  6. VARIATION: I've made this a couple of times using frozen spinach. I like Cascadian Farms brand which is boxed, but the spinach inside is kept in a sealed plastic bag---makes it easy to thaw. Drain and squeeze out the liquid and prepare the same way as the mustard greens. I often double it and make a 9x13 dish of it---the uncut phyllo dough sheets are perfect for this sized dish.

 

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