Cashew Cheesin'

My Vitamix adventures continue!

And I'm a BIG fan of this one... creamy cashew cheddar.  It's seriously amazing.  I try to limit dairy MOST of the time.  Pizza is one of my favorite splurges, as are wine and cheese nights, but in my day-to-day I really don't consume dairy. 

I served mine over lentil pasta (also good) and it totally hit the "mac & cheese" spot. 

Ingredients:

-1 1/3 cup raw unsalted cashews (soaked in water for 8 hours)

-1/2 cup roasted butternut squash

-1/4 cup nutritional yeast

-2 Tbsp olive oil

-1/4 cup canned Pimiento peppers

-lemon juice (1/4 lemon)

-1/4 tsp pink Himalayan sea salt

-1/8 tsp nutmeg

-1 tsp garlic powder

-1/4 cup water

Instructions: Throw everything in the Vitamix or food processor.  Turn on at speed 1 and slowly increase to speed 7.  Then turn on High for 3 minutes.  You will get a hot, creamy faux-cheese.  Pour over your favorite pasta or use as a dip for nachos.  :)

Stay Wild,

Danielle

MS, RDN, LDN

Salmon with Pesto Fettuccine

Since I've gotten my Vitamix, I've been on a mission to try new recipes semi-regularly.  I had my heart set on homemade pesto, but the store was out of basil for 2 weeks.  TWO WEEKS.  I think this is where we hashtag #firstworldproblems but ANYWHO... it was back in stock this week so I made this bomb dish.  It's super simple.  Super basic. And, thanks to Vitamix, super easy to make!

Disclaimer: the pasta is store-bought almond flour (paleo friendly) and the salmon was grilled with just olive oil, salt and pepper.  I seasoned with parsley on top, as well.

Ingredients:

-3 Tbsp pine nuts

-2 cups basil

-1.5 tsp minced garlic

-1/2 cup parmesan cheese

-1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

-salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: Throw all of it in the Vitamix/food processor and blend.  For Vitamix, gradually turn up from setting 1 to 7.  For Vitamix, use the Tamper ("wand thingy" as I like to call it) as needed to maneuver all of the basil leaves/nuts into the blades to blend.   Serve over pasta... on homemade pizza.... maybe some pesto chicken... go nuts!

Stay Wild,

Danielle

MS, RDN, LDN

Easy Homemade Hummus

My love affair with the Vitamix continues... 

It's just....

so...

EASY TO USE.  It's almost toooooo easy, but I mean that in a great way.  This time I made some homemade hummus.

Ingredients:

-1 can chickpeas (low-sodium) WITH the liquid

-1/4 cup tahini, stirred (homemade or store bought)

-1/4 cup lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)

-3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

-2 cloves garlic, minced

-1/4 heaping tsp cumin

-1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

-1 tsp salt

Toppings for Serving:

-paprika

-parsley

Instructions:   Set 2 Tbsp chickpeas off to the side for serving.  Place the remaining chickpeas and liquid, along with all of the other ingredients (tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt) into your Vitamix or food processor.  Turn Vitamix on regular setting starting at setting 1 and slowly moving up to 10.   Smooth until well blended; if necessary add in a little more liquid for consistency.  Pour into a serving bowl and place the chickpeas you set aside in the center.  Sprinkle with Paprika and parsley.  Serve with veggies or pita chips or whatever the heck you want! 

Stay Wild,

Danielle

MS, RDN, LDN