Fermented Cashew and Macadamia Cheese Experiment

Ok, so Russell James' book about raw vegan cheese recipes is awesome. Let me begin by saying that I am undoubtedly a cheese freak. Cheese is one of the hardest foods for me to let go of when being raw. I love the taste, the consistency, and its multiplicity of uses, from everything as simple as good old baguettes, cheese and confit... all the way to a big batch of black bean nachos. Cheese is amazing, and the only part that is not so amazing is the cruelty involved to cows, and its health consequences. :-(

HOWEVER... there is a redeemer. These raw vegan "nut" cheeses (gross name... i seriously barfed when i heard that term for the first time) are "aged" just like real cheese, (although for not nearly as long) they have rinds like real cheese, and they are firm and even slice just like real cheese. Pretty awesome.

Russell James' e-book about these wonderful creations is DEFINITELY worth the money as it gives in depth instructions about how to actually make raw fermented cheeses, as well as several clever ideas for recipes.

I just made a large batch of cashew mix that will be fermenting for the next day or so, as well as a smaller batch of macadamia mix that is also fermenting. It's a lengthy process, but the end result is more than worth the wait.

Also, I intend on making the cracker recipe he puts in his book, as well as some of the jams to go along with my cheese. SO STOKED.

Wish me luck.

Best,

Cliff

Almond Milk Tea

So I went out and bought Tulsi Masala Chai Tea and mixed it with honey and almond milk... delicious. I feel a new winter favorite coming on.

Cinnamon Ginger Truffles

I just made another recipe by Susan over at Rawmazing. I can't stop trying her recipes! The pumpkin pie was such a hit, that by now I just trust everything that she says, and I make it. The only difference i did was i rolled the truffles in a mixture of cacao and maca powder to give a bit of extra zing. I am waiting for them to freeze so that the texture is more chewy. Can't wait!

Also, I think that now winter is on its way, I'm going to be making a lot more tea. I was thinking about how if i want to stay raw, how i would go about making "milk tea" because a lot of winter teas don't taste good without milk. THen it struck me that i could just add almond milk... i'm going to give it a shot soon and i'll post about how it tastes.

best,

Cliff

Raw banana, honey, and coconut creme crepes!!!

Living the dream! Hahaha

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getting back on the horse

so this i my first day being raw again, and I feel like i'm going a bit crazy. I ate 7 pieces (big ones) of chocolate, and have been eating way more than I usually do on a raw foods diet... I don't know what's making me so hungry but for some reason i can't stop eating. in fact i think i'm going to eat again really soon... that will be my 6th meal today bahaha

anyhow. i think this just emphasizes the kinds of changes your body goes through when you get off of cooked foods. you feel the need to eat constantly even though your body might be satiated. i'm pushing through it and i know that tomorrow i'll feel less insane. just thought i'd comment.

best,

Cliff

Ugh

Ate an entire bag of tate's cookies last night. Need recovering time.


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Detox update...

SO. i broke 11 days of rawness today and yesterday. My aunt and uncle are in town, and I just went off the deep end. I'm starting back tomorrow, but i'm bummed i messed up. I'm trying not to be too hard on myself, but i was on such a roll! i'm try again.

best,

Cliff

updates, musings... is anyone reading this blog?

So i'm still reeling from the pumpkin party extravaganza at the Louks' house last Saturday. It was such a good time, and I made another pumpkin pie to keep me fat and happy this week. :-)

I had this amazing burger at rawvolution with my friend Azzurra on Sunday, and I couldn't help but think... Shit... I COULD MAKE THIS!

SO... A little blog browsing resulted in a recipe for a mushroom burger that I'm dehydrating right now. I'm hoping it lives up to my expectation! I plan on putting it between two slices of June's onion crackers (that are actually quite soft) and slathering on some cashew creme cheeze, some tomato slices, romaine lettuce, and pickles! It might just get a little crazy...

Also, i'm in the market for a new salad dressing. I'm kind of getting bored (but not really) of my old one, and need to find a new addiction. Any suggestions?

I figure this would be an excellent way to see if anybody is actually reading this blog or if i'm just typing away to myself. SO.. if you know of any great raw vegan salad recipes, post them in the comment box!

best,

CLIFF