Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight
- 1/2 cup purple bauhinia flowers, chopped
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Water, as needed
Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Drain the soaked cashews and rinse them under cold water.
2. In a food processor or blender, combine the cashews, chopped purple bauhinia flowers, nutritional yeast, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Process the mixture until smooth and creamy, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
5. Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Chilling time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 1/2 cups of cheese spread.
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 110
- Total fat: 9g
- Saturated fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 75mg
- Total carbohydrate: 5g
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- If you can't find purple bauhinia flowers, you can use other edible flowers or herbs, such as lavender or basil.
- If you don't have nutritional yeast, you can use grated Parmesan cheese instead.
- You can use any type of oil you prefer, such as avocado oil or coconut oil.
- You can use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder, but adjust the amount to taste.
Variations:
- Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for extra flavor.
- Use different nuts, such as almonds or walnuts, instead of cashews.
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the cashews overnight will make them easier to blend and create a smoother texture.
- If the cheese spread is too thick, add more water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- You can make this cheese spread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Storage instructions:
- Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This cheese spread is meant to be served cold, so there is no need to reheat it.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cheese spread in a small bowl or ramekin.
- Garnish with some additional chopped purple bauhinia flowers or herbs.
Garnishes:
- Chopped purple bauhinia flowers or other edible flowers or herbs.
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables for dipping.
Suggested side dishes:
- This cheese spread would be a great addition to a cheese board or charcuterie platter.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese spread is too thick, add more water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- If the cheese spread is too thin, add more cashews or nutritional yeast to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use edible flowers that have not been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
- Store the cheese spread in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers after 5 days.
Food history:
- The purple bauhinia flower is the emblem of Hong Kong and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Flavor profiles:
- This cheese spread has a nutty, cheesy flavor with a hint of floral notes from the purple bauhinia flowers.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve this cheese spread as an appetizer or snack.
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