Almond Cheese Spread Recipes

SWISS ALMOND CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
• Stir in the Swiss cheese, 1/3 cup almonds, mayonnaise, onions, pepper and nutmeg.
• Spoon onto a lightly greased pie plate.
• Bake at 350 degrees F for 14-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Serve warm with crackers.

HOMEMADE VEGAN AND DAIRY-FREE ALMOND CHEESE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Blanched almonds are almonds that have their skins removed; you can have someone else do it for you or do it yourself. First, start by boiling water over the almonds and let the almonds soak for a few minutes.
• Drain and rinse the almonds, and then rub the almonds with a towel or just use your fingers to peel and pop the skin off.
• Removing the skin before making almond cheese gives the cheese a smoother texture and lighter color that looks like cheese. You can make the cheese with the skin on if you prefer.
• Soak the blanched almonds in cold water for 24 hours before making the cheese. Cover and place in refrigerator.
• Drain and rinse the almonds well.
• Put the blanched almonds in a food processor or high-powered blender with the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and water.
• Blend until smooth, about 5 minutes.
• Scrape the mixture into double-layered cheesecloth lining a colander.
• Gather the cheesecloth tightly around the almond mixture and secure into a bundle by using a rubber band or string to tie the top. Give the bundle a few gentle squeezes to remove liquid. Leave the bundle in the colander and place in the refrigerator overnight over a bowl or rimmed plate to catch any liquid that might drain. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours. This helps the texture of the cheese become firmer.
• Discard any liquid that drains out. Carefully peel the cheesecloth off of the almond "cheese." The "cheese" will have a consistency similar to cookie dough. At this point, the almond cheese can be eaten immediately as a spread or refrigerated for up to two weeks.

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

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!

HOT SWISS AND ALMOND SPREAD

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix cheeses, dressing, onion, nutmeg, pepper and 1/3 cup of the almonds until well blended.
• Spread into 9-inch pie plate or quiche dish.
• Bake 15 minutes, stirring after 8 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Garnish with chopped red pepper, if desired. Serve with assorted crackers.

PINEAPPLE ALMOND CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Beat together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and soy sauce until smooth. Stir in pineapple, almonds, bell pepper and green onion or chives.
• Use to stuff celery stalks or heap in a bowl surrounded by assorted crackers, with a knife for spreading. Serve at room temperature.