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Baba Ganoush

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Baba Ganoush -- Epicurean Vegan

Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with eggplant, tahini, and seasonings. I’ve tried various renditions in restaurants, but I wanted to try my hand at making my own. I looked at different recipes and of course, there are some varying opinions on what makes a good baba ganoush. Purists will tell you that this dish never uses garlic (I couldn’t help myself) and to mix in some plain yogurt (I didn’t have any). I think what I came up with is pretty delicious and our guests raved about it. Garlic or no garlic; yogurt or no yogurt, this appetizer, served with pita chips and veggies, is full of flavor and sure to be a hit.

INGREDIENTS:
2 medium eggplants
2 garlic cloves
1 Tbs lemon juice
1/4 C tahini
1/3 C olive oil + more for brushing
1 Tbs cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 C parsley leaves

DIRECTIONS:
Place you oven rack in the middle of the oven (about 3 down). Preheat broiler on high. Cut the eggplants in half, lengthwise and place flat side down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the skins with olive oil. I wrapped the garlic cloves (skins removed and drizzled with a tiny bit of olive oil) in a little foil and placed on the baking sheet.

Broil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred a little and the insides are soft. Flip over and let cool. Meanwhile, toss the roasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, and parsley in a food processor and blend well.
Baba Ganoush -- Epicurean VeganOnce the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and transfer to the food processor and blend, drizzling in the olive oil while the machine is running. Serve with pita chips and veggies. Enjoy!

Baba Ganoush
 
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Baba ganoush is a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with eggplant, tahini, and seasonings. I've tried various renditions in restaurants, but I wanted to try my hand at making my own. I looked at different recipes and of course, there are some varying opinions on what makes a good baba ganoush. Purists will tell you that this dish never uses garlic (I couldn't help myself) and to mix in some plain yogurt (I didn't have any). I think what I came up with is pretty delicious and our guests raved about it. Garlic or no garlic; yogurt or no yogurt, this appetizer, served with pita chips and veggies, is full of flavor!
Author:
Serves: 3 cups
Ingredients
  • 2 medium eggplants
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 1 Tbs lemon juice
  • ¼ C tahini
  • ⅓ C olive oil + more for brushing
  • 1 Tbs cumin
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ C parsley leaves
Directions
  1. Place you oven rack in the middle of the oven (about 3 down). Preheat broiler on high. Cut the eggplants in half, lengthwise and place flat side down on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush the skins with olive oil. I wrapped the garlic cloves (skins removed and drizzled with a tiny bit of olive oil) in a little foil and placed on the baking sheet.
  2. Broil for about 20-25 minutes, or until the skin is charred a little and the insides are soft. Flip over and let cool. Meanwhile, toss the roasted garlic, lemon juice, tahini, cumin, salt, and parsley in a food processor and blend well.
  3. Once the eggplants are cool enough to handle, scrape out the insides and transfer to the food processor and blend, drizzling in the olive oil while the machine is running. Serve with pita chips and veggies. Enjoy!

 

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread

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Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

This is a variation on the white bean truffle spread that I decided to whip up for our July 4th party. I’ve made the original version several times, but I wanted to change things up a little and I’m thinking I like this new version even better!

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
1 15-oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 large (or two medium) clove of garlic, halved or quartered
1 tsp salt
5-6 large green onions (white and green parts) sliced
4 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs truffle oil

DIRECTIONS:
Add the salt and garlic to a food processor and process until the garlic is pretty well chopped up. Add the beans, lemon juice, salt, and green onions; puree until smooth. While the machine is running, add the truffle oil; blend well. If you have time, let it chill for an hour or two before serving. Enjoy on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies.

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Garbanzo-White Bean Truffle Spread
 
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Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
  • 1 15-oz can Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large (or two medium) clove of garlic, halved or quartered
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 5-6 large green onions (white and green parts) sliced
  • 4 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs truffle oil
Directions
  1. Add the salt and garlic to a food processor and process until the garlic is pretty well chopped up.
  2. Add the beans, lemon juice, salt, and green onions; puree until smooth.
  3. While the machine is running, add the truffle oil; blend well.
  4. If you have time, let it chill for an hour or two before serving.
  5. Enjoy on crackers, toasted baguette slices, or veggies.

Macadamia Nut Cheese

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Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

I was immediately smitten when I saw this recipe for macadamia nut “goat cheese” over at The Holy Kale. I haven’t met many nut cheeses I didn’t like, and this one looked too delicious not to try. I followed the recipe as it was written, but when I tasted it, I found into be incredibly bland. After all, there wasn’t any seasonings besides the tarragon it was rolled in. . . I took matters into my own hands because I sure the heck wasn’t going to waste the $7 I spent on two cups of macadamia nuts! A little salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and agave saved the day . . . and the cheese! Other than the texture, I don’t think this resembles goat cheese, but that doesn’t mean it’s not tasty–it most certainly is!

INGREDIENTS:
2 C macadamia nuts (I used unsalted), soaked for 24 hours in water
1 cap veggie Probiotic
1/2 C water
2-3 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp, or to taste, salt
1-2 Tbs agave
2-3 Tbs fresh tarragon, chopped

DIRECTIONS:
After soaking the nuts, drain and transfer to a food processor along with 1/2 a cup of fresh water and the contents of the probiotic capsule. Blend until smooth (you will probably need to periodically scrape the sides).

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Wrap in a cotton napkin or a few layers of cheese cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Keep wrapped in the cloth and place into a bowl. Do not seal the bowl.

DSC07262

Let it sit for 2 days on the counter and ferment. Unwrap . . .

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

. . . and transfer to a bowl. Using a fork, blend in the lemon juice, salt, and oil. Taste and adjust seasonings/flavorings if need be. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, shaping into a log.

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Refrigerate for several hours to overnight to allow the flavors to meet and mingle. The longer you let it percolate the better! Spread the chopped tarragon on a cutting board and roll the log over it. Drizzle with agave and serve with crackers. This would also be excellent crumbled over a salad. Delicious and worth the long process! Enjoy!

Macadamia Nut Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

Macadamia Nut Cheese
 
Print
I was immediately smitten when I saw this recipe for macadamia nut "goat cheese" over at The Holy Kale. I haven't met many nut cheeses I didn't like, and this one looked too delicious not to try. I followed the recipe as it was written, but when I tasted it, I found into be incredibly bland. After all, there wasn't any seasonings besides the tarragon it was rolled in. . . I took matters into my own hands because I sure the heck wasn't going to waste the $7 I spent on two cups of macadamia nuts! A little salt, lemon juice, olive oil, and agave saved the day . . . and the cheese! Other than the texture, I don't think this resembles goat cheese, but that doesn't mean it's not tasty--it most certainly is!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 C macadamia nuts (I used unsalted), soaked for 24 hours in water
  • 1 cap veggie Probiotic
  • ½ C water
  • 2-3 Tbs lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp, or to taste, salt
  • 1-2 Tbs agave
  • 2-3 Tbs fresh tarragon, chopped
Directions
  1. After soaking the nuts, drain and transfer to a food processor along with ½ a cup of fresh water and the contents of the probiotic capsule. Blend until smooth (you will probably need to periodically scrape the sides).
  2. Wrap in a cotton napkin or a few layers of cheese cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
  3. Keep wrapped in the cloth and place into a bowl. Do not seal the bowl.
  4. Let it sit for 2 days on the counter and ferment. Unwrap and transfer to a bowl. Using a fork, blend in the lemon juice, salt, and oil. Taste and adjust seasonings/flavorings if need be. Wrap the cheese in plastic wrap, shaping into a log.
  5. Refrigerate for several hours to overnight to allow the flavors to meet and mingle. The longer you let it percolate the better! Spread the chopped tarragon on a cutting board and roll the log over it. Drizzle with agave and serve with crackers. This would also be excellent crumbled over a salad. Delicious and worth the long process! Enjoy!

Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese

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Vegan Herbed Cream Cheese -- Epicurean Vegan

I think non vegans would find it pretty hard to know this is nondairy. (And when is it not fun to fool omnivores)? This is a Tofutti cream cheese-based dip/spread, but you could easily reverse the ratio of cream cheese and sour cream in this recipe and make it a sour cream-based one. It works great as a dip, dolloped on a baked potato, cracker spread, bagel topper, or sandwich condiment. It was ideal for veggie wraps . . .

Veggie Wraps -- Epicurean Vegan

INGREDIENTS:
12-oz container of Tofutti cream cheese
1/4 C Tofutti sour cream
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 Tbs dried minced onion
1 tsp salt
2 large green onion, sliced
1 Tbs lemon juice

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight container and keep chilled until using. Enjoy!

White Bean Truffle Spread

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White Bean Truffle Spread -- Epicurean Vegan

Many of you know I LOVE truffle oil. When I saw this recipe in Party Vegan, I knew I had to make it.

I brought this spread to a get together and wow—it was gone in seconds and the recipe was requested by several people. The flavor is subtle; not overpowering at all. I highly recommend doubling this recipe—you’ll be glad you did!

INGREDIENTS:
1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
2 tsp garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbs lemon juice
1 Tbs + 1 tsp truffle oil
1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped (I used one green onion)

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor, blend the garlic and salt together. Next, add the beans, chives, and lemon juice; blend well. With the processor running, slowly pour 1 Tbs of the truffle oil in. I got a little excited and poured it all in—which was just fine. (The remaining teaspoon is for drizzling on top when you serve it). Chill for at least two hours, then serve with crackers and veggies.

White Bean Truffle Spread
 
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Many of you know I LOVE truffle oil. When I saw this recipe in Party Vegan, I knew I had to make it. I brought this spread to a get together and wow---it was gone in seconds and the recipe was requested by several people. The flavor is subtle; not overpowering at all. I highly recommend doubling this recipe---you'll be glad you did!
Author:
Ingredients
  • 1 15-oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tsp garlic, crushed
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1 Tbs + 1 tsp truffle oil
  • 1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped (I used one green onion)
Directions
  1. Using a food processor, blend the garlic and salt together.
  2. Next, add the beans, chives, and lemon juice; blend well.
  3. With the processor running, slowly pour 1 Tbs of the truffle oil in. I got a little excited and poured it all in---which was just fine. (The remaining teaspoon is for drizzling on top when you serve it).
  4. Chill for at least two hours, then serve with crackers and veggies.

White Bean Crock Cheez

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White Bean Crock Cheez -- Epicurean VeganThis cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don’t eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it’s made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.

INGREDIENTS:
2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs lemon juice
1-1/2 Tbs light miso
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

White Bean Crock Cheez
 
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This cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don't eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it's made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.
Author:
Ingredients
  • 2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
  • 3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
  • 2 Tbs tahini
  • 2 Tbs lemon juice
  • 1-1/2 Tbs light miso
  • 1-2 Tbs olive oil
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dry mustard
Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

 

Herbed Almond Cheeze

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Herbed Almond Cheeze -- Epicurean VeganIt’s amazing what you can make with almonds! This recipe is the same as the Almond Cheeze Log, but this time, I added herbs to it. This cheeze is light and fluffy and the herbs are subtle. Feel free to add more than I did, but I think you’ll like this mild version.

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
1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 C cold water
Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)

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.

Herbed Almond Cheeze -- Epicurean Vegan

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 with the chives and parsley.

Herbed Almond Cheeze -- Epicurean Vegan

Then, add the dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and 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 or cloth napkin.

Herbed Almond Cheeze -- Epicurean Vegan

Bring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band and refrigerate for several hours. Enjoy!

Herbed Almond Cheeze
 
Print
It's amazing what you can make with almonds! This recipe is the same as the Almond Cheeze Log, but this time, I added herbs to it. This cheeze is light and fluffy and the herbs are subtle. Feel free to add more than I did, but I think you'll like this mild version.
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
  • 1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
  • ½ tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ C cold water
  • Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)
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 with the chives and parsley.
  3. Then, add the dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and 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 or cloth napkin.
  4. Bring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band and refrigerate for several hours. Enjoy!

 

 

Edamame Hummus

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Edamame Hummus -- Epicurean VeganMy wonderful friend and neighbor brought this over to me. We are both foodies and even though she’s not vegan, she always whips up amazing vegan creations for me to try. This hummus is full of flavor and is great with veggies, chips, crackers, etc. A refreshing summer dip!

INGREDIENTS:
2 C edamame
2-3 garlic cloves
2-3 lemons, juice and zest reserved
1/3 C tahini
5/8 C olive oil
1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/16 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp agave

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor, blend edamame, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and tahini. With motor running, slowly drizzle in oil to emulsify mixture. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Enjoy!

Recipe: Edible Front Range

“Cheddar” and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip

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"Cheddar" and Sun-Dried Tomato Dip -- Epicurean VeganLike the Party Cheese Ball, people will not be able to tell this is vegan! I love this dip and I guarantee, so will your guests (that is, if you don’t eat it all yourself)!

INGREDIENTS:
4 oz Tofutti cream cheese
1/4 C Tofutti sour cream
1/2 C plain soy yogurt
2 C vegan cheddar, shredded (Daiya brand)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
4 scallions, sliced thin
8 (I recommend 10-12) oil-packed sun-dried tomato halves, drained and minced
Dash of salt

DIRECTIONS:
Stir together cream cheese, sour cream, and yogurt in a medium bowl. Stir in the cheddar, garlic, scallions,  tomatoes, and salt. Transfer to a serving dish and serve with crackers, chips and veggies. Enjoy!

Recipe: adapted from Beyond the Moon Cookbook

Cashew Cheeze Spread

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Cashew Cheeze Spread -- Epicurean VeganI was inspired by Opera Singer in the Kitchen’s recipe for this cashew cheeze spread, but I made some changes–adding some other flavors and putting my own spin on it. It came out delicious! An easy appetizer or even sandwich spread that is sure to please!

INGREDIENTS:
1-1/2 C raw, unsalted cashews
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 tsp white miso paste
2 tsp nutritional yeast
1/2 C fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/3 C white onion, chopped
1/2 tsp Garlic and Wine seasoning
2 tsp pimento, diced

DIRECTIONS:
In a food processor, chop up cashews–but not too fine. Add garlic, lemon juice, miso, nutritional yeast, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, onion, and seasoning. Process until smooth. Transfer to a mixing bowl and thoroughly stir in the pimentos. Line a small bowl (I used a 2.5 cup Tupperware bowl) with plastic wrap or waxed paper. Scoop cheeze mixture into bowl and mold it to the inside the bowl.

Cashew Cheeze Spread -- Epicurean VeganWrap extra plastic wrap around the cheeze and refrigerate for several hours. The longer the better–for the flavors to mingle. Serve with cracker and veggies, or use as a sandwich condiment. Enjoy!

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