Banana, Peanut Butter, and Chocolate Crunch:

I haven't been eating breakfast much lately. (Gasp!) I know, I know. It's awful for my brain, my metabolism, and my all-around-life in general. However, this recipe is going to change that. I used cashews and sunflower seeds to give this recipe a bit of crunch, but almonds or walnuts would also work deliciously here. And who says you can't have chocolate for breakfast? Throw it together in less than 5 minutes, and you're out the door and ready to take on the day.

Ingredients:

2 bananas, sliced

1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped

1 to 2 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. sunflower seeds

Vegan chocolate syrup

Instructions:

 Add the bananas to a medium bowl. Top with the peanut butter and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with the chocolate syrup and serve. 

Adventures in Vegan Cheese Making: Vegan Cashew Cheese Ball:

While making this "cheese," I set out to achieve that sour, cheesy flavor. It worked. To me, this cheese tastes a little like goat cheese, but with a little bit of a softer texture. This recipe would be perfect for a cheese plate at your next party (and it's totally acceptable to enjoy it all to yourself). 

Also, don't fret if you don't have a cheesecloth. You can always put it in a jar and eat it how you would any other cashew cheese. You don't even have to let it sit out overnight if you don't want to. The sauerkraut starter will still lend a sour flavor.

After letting the cheese sit out overnight, I placed it in the fridge for a few hours, and then I shaped it into a ball and rolled it in sesame seeds, fresh parsley, and a little bit of orange zest.

Needless to day, after taking these pictures, I quickly gobbled up half of this cheese with some cucumbers. It was a nice, healthy snack that made me happy. Hope it makes you happy as well!

Ingredients:

2 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least an hour 

1/4 cup water

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 to 2 tbsp. nutritional yeast

1 tbsp. coconut oil (you can use canola oil as well)

1 1/2 tbsp. sauerkraut starter (the juice from raw sauerkraut)*

2 tsp. sesame tahini

1/2 tsp. Kosher salt 

Dash of smoked paprika

Dried herbs (optional, to taste)

Toppings for the Cheese Ball:

2 tbsp. sesame seeds

2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 tsp. orange zest (or more)