Grilled Caprese Stackers and Cashew Cheese:

GRILLED CAPRESE STACKERS:

Ingredients:

1 large zucchini, sliced (see above)

2 large tomatoes, sliced

1/2 cup cashew cheese (recipe below)

1 tsbp. olive oil

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. sesame seeds

1 tsp. dried parsley

Garlic salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste

Pinch of cayenne pepper

Serves 4. (As a side dish/appetizer).

Total Cook Time: 30 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill. Combine zucchini, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a large bowl. Toss to coat.

2. Grill the vegetable mixture on high heat until the zucchini and tomatoes are cooked through and golden-brown (my grill takes 10 to 12 minutes, but the cooking time will depend on your grill). Add salt and pepper while grilling as needed.

3. Stack the vegetables in whatever order you like, placeing a small spoonful of cashew cheese in between the veggies. I made some that were mainly zucchini and some that alternated between zucchini and tomatoes.

4. Drizzle each stacker with the balsamic vinegar, and top each with the sesame seeds and parsley.

CASHEW CHEESE:

Cashew cheese: a vegan essential. Use it as a sub for cream cheese, dip, tzatziki sauce, and even as cheese on pizza. This recipe is ridiculously easy. All you need is either a blender or a food processor.

I made this to use for pizza and dip on our recent beach trip to Delaware.

 Cousins.

Sisters.

PS: This post was written especially for Nikohl (pictured below), who has wanted this recipe forever. (Sorry it took so long!)

Also important: make sure that the cashews you buy are raw instead of roasted. 

Ingredients:

10 oz. raw cashews, soaked (or 1 small container from the grocery store)
1/2 cup water
3 tsp olive oil
Garlic salt
Paprika
Cayenne

Makes 1 jar.
Total Cook Time: an hour and 10 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Soak cashews in a bowl of water for at least an hour. Drain.

2. Add the cashews, olive oil,  and salt to a blender or food processor. Add the water gradually. Blend until smooth. You may want to add more water to achieve a smooth consistency. Add paprika and cayenne and blend until they're mixed in.

You can also add chopped garlic, onions, white wine, dark beer, or nutritional yeast for a little extra flavor.