I know I've mentioned this before but I thought it was the perfect time to revisit the Nacho Cheese Sauce.
Now is the time when people start to throw off their winter layers, emerge from hibernation and seek social interaction. Some find that as vegans this can be a problem. Most vegans find socializing with carnivores a bit of a downer. Just another time to have to defend myself for living healthy. With family especially, "I didn't raise you like this...blah blah blah blah blah."
This is why I love this dish. This is one of those vegan dishes that doesn't "taste vegan," whatever that means. Every vegan has their dish. I know you do it too. The one you take to a party as a self defense. The one that you don't tell anyone is vegan till they start to bug you and then you break it to them that they actually like vegan food because your dish was one of the first to disappear. I don't know why we do it -maybe it's just human nature to want to prove your right. Whatever it is, enjoy this as your proof that vegans are cool people too and that carnivores are what they eat....bully, meaty burger heads!
Nacho Cheese Party Dip Sauce Stuff
vegan cheese
1 jar canned salsa
chips
In a sauce pan heat your vegan cheese. You may need to add a bit of water. Now add your salsa. Mix till everything is incorporated. Serve with chips.
This week I have been feeling a little saucy - no mother - that says saucy not sassy. I have found that the perfect sauce can make a meal. On Matthew's plate my sauces resemble more of a soup than a sauce, but I think that he's got the right idea. Sauces can bring life to a dry run down dish and work wonders for leftovers. In fact, that's its job - check this out to find out everything you did...and didn't want to know about sauces. Some would testify that this is why I use sauces so much. But, as in most French cooking, the sauce is usually where there is not only an abundance of flavor but an abundance of fat....in fact that fat is what gives it the flavor. Trying to make up for the loss of animal fat can be difficult in sauces but I hope this week you'll find that fat isn't the only way to get some flavor in your diet.
Week 11
Monday: Basic White Sauce / Alfredo
Tuesday: Marinara
Wednesday: Hollandaise Sauce
Thursday: Pesto
Friday: Nacho Cheese
Saturday: Enchilada Sauce
Sunday: Brown Gravy
Most of these are just a base sauce that you can do with what you will. Feel free to explore the possibilities.
Shopping List
small white lima beans
EVOO
garlic
basil
almonds
1 can tomatoes
1 can tomato paste
bullion
italian seasoning
dried parsley
Kitchen bouquet
vegan cheese
salsa
Back in my carnivore days, nachos had to be one of my favorite indulgences. Whenever we went out for Mexican, I didn't even need to look at a menu, I already knew what would satisfy my desires. But, as a vegan this poses a real problem: the meat, the cheese, and the sour cream (ohhh the sour cream).
After much searching I've found a substitute better than the original! This is also a superb way to use up leftovers from Beloved Taco Night (if there are any).
Nachooooooos
1 bag tortilla chips
taco flavored lentils
or
taco flavored meat crumbles
refried beans
nacho cheese sauce
fresh salsa
chopped lettuce
extra cilantro
extra green peppers sliced
guacamole (optional)
On a cookie sheet or 9x13 pan place the tortilla chips then layer the refried beans, lentils, and cheese sauce. Broil on a low rack till everything is heated through and the chips are really crispy. Top with fresh salsa, lettuce, cilantro, peppers and guacamole. If you're using leftovers this will make up in less then 10 minutes!
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