Best Almond Feta Cheese Spread With Herb Oil Vegan Recipes

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ALMOND 'FETA CHEESE' SPREAD WITH HERB OIL (VEGAN)



Almond 'feta Cheese' Spread With Herb Oil (Vegan) image

From the Fab Five list in the April 2009 issue of Vegetarian Times. I never thought I'd have enough time to make vegan "cheese," but because this was one of the editors' picks I gave it a shot, and I'm so glad I did! Though it's called "feta cheese," in the title, it really is a creamy spread. I told my DH that it was an "almond spread" and he loved it! Asked what kind of cheese I used in it, and was surprised to learn there was none. The recipe is really easy, but takes lots of waiting time (not included in the times). I'm listing it exactly like in the magazine. But for the oil topping at the end, I think 1/4 cup oil is too much. Personally, I'm cutting it back to 2 tablespoons next time. Enjoy! Edited to add: The original recipe in the magazine says to bake it 200F for 40 minutes, but as several reviewers noted here (and I agree) it's better in a hotter oven. Try 400F and watch for it to brown. Baking is only needed to turn it from creamy to crumbly, so it's completely up to you.

Provided by Wish I Could Cook

Categories     Spreads

Time 55m

Yield 10 oz, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup whole blanched almond
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leave
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaf

Steps:

  • Place almonds in medium bowl and cover with 3 inches of water. Let soak 24 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Puree almonds, lemon juice, 3 T olive oil, garlic, salt and 1/2 cup water in blender or food processor for 6 minutes or until really creamy.
  • Place a triple layer of cheesecloth in strainer and spoon almond mixture onto cheesecloth. Bring sides together twist into an orange-sized ball and secure with a twist tie. Chill for 12 hours.
  • Line baking sheet with parchment and transfer almond ball from cheesecloth. Shape to look like a 6" round of brie (about 3/4" thick). (Note, I just put it into a pretty pottery bowl and baked it. Then I could pour the oil on top and serve it. No parchment needed.).
  • Bake 40 minutes or until top is slightly firm. Cool. Then chill.
  • Combine 1/4 cup olive oil with herbs and heat over medium low heat until heated through but not simmering. Cool to room temperature and drizzle over almond spread just before serving.
  • Spread on crusty bread or crakers. You'll love it!

ALMOND "FETA" WITH HERB OIL



Almond

Blanched almonds give this cheese appetizer a rich texture. Unbaked, it's smooth and spreadable, while baking makes it crumbly like feta. It's easy to make ahead. -Mary Raymond, Chesterfield, Missouri

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 1h

Yield 1-1/2 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup blanched almonds
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 garlic clove
1-1/4 teaspoons salt
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary or 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • Rinse almonds in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add water to cover by 3 in. Cover and let stand overnight., Drain and rinse almonds, discarding liquid. Transfer to a food processor. Add 1/2 cup water, lemon juice, 3 tablespoons oil, garlic and salt; cover and process for 5-6 minutes or until pureed., Line a large strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth and place over a large bowl. Pour almond mixture into prepared strainer; bring up corners of cloth and tie with string to form a bag. Refrigerate overnight., Squeeze out any liquid; remove cheesecloth and discard liquid from bowl. Transfer ball to a parchment-lined baking sheet; flatten slightly into a 6-in. circle., Bake at 200° for 35-40 minutes or until firm. Cool. Refrigerate until chilled., In a small skillet, heat the thyme, rosemary and remaining oil over medium heat for 2 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Drizzle over almond mixture. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 122 calories, Fat 12g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 249mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein.

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