Vegan "Cheese" Ball

[amorsalado]

Ingredients:
·        1 Cup Slivered & Blanched Almonds

·        1/4 Cup Pine Nuts

·        1/2 Tsp Salt

·        1 Tsp Sugar

·        1/3 Block of Firm Tofu (well drained)

·        1 Tsp Red Wine Vinegar

·        1 Tsp Lemon Juice

·        1 Tsp Canola Oil

·        1 Tsp Onion Powder

·        1 Tsp Fresh Chives (optional)

·        3/4 Cup of Finely Chopped Walnuts to coat outside (I hate Walnuts, so I use pecans)

Directions:

1. Place almonds and pine nuts into a food processor with the salt and sugar and blend until smooth for about 2 minutes or until clumps start to form.
2. Measure 1/3 of a block of tofu from a 14 ounce block.  It’s important to use firm tofu.  Silken or extra firm will not work.  An average block of tofu is about 4.5 inches long, so measure 1.5 inches off.  Drain tofu in a strainer by smashing and pressing firmly.  It’s important to get as much water as you can out.
3. Now add the tofu to the almond and pine nut paste that’s already in the food processor along with the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, canola oil and onion powder and blend about 2 minutes.  Mixture should resemble extra thick mashed potatoes.
4. Remove the blade from the processor and with a spoon mix in chives.
5. Spray a bowl and a square of plastic wrap with no stick spray. 
6. Pile mixture into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
7. Place in fridge and let chill for at least 5 hours (overnight is best). 
8. It will get very firm and can now be shaped into a ball and rolled in chopped walnuts to coat.  If you lightly oil your hands it will keep it from sticking to your hands while you roll.  Now it’s ready to be served with your favorite crackers.
   

Serve with:
Garlic Pita Chips