Mmm-mm "cheese"

I found a recipe for a vegan "Ricotta cheese" made with tofu...which means now I have something for a vegan lasagne, so naturally I had to make it right away.

It's goo-oo-ood.

The recipe was on the Vegan Outreach site. It spread beautifully (better than the cottage cheese I used in my previous life) and has a similar consistency to actual ricotta. Here is the recipe:

TOFU RICOTTA

- 1-1/2 lb. firm regular tofu, well mashed;
- 1/4 c fresh lemon juice (I used organic lemon juice);
- 2 tsp dried basil leaves - (I happened to have fresh basil in the house);
- 1/2 to 1-1/2 tsp sweetener of your choice (I used about 1/4 tsp);
- 3/4 tsp salt (whoah! I used about 1/4 tsp sea salt);
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules;
- I added a few grinder twists of fresh black pepper. (I live to improvise).

Mash all the ingredients together until the mixture has a fine grainy texture. (I threw everything in the food processor and pulsed it a couple of seconds). Use in veggie (I hate that word) lasagne or any savory dish that calls for ricotta cheese.

(Recipe originally from *The Uncheese Cookbook* (c)1997, J. Stepaniak. (Guess what book's on my Get list?)

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Vegan Outreach

Someone who took pity on all my whining about trying to be vegan, sent me this link to the Vegan Outreach website.

Maybe it'll help.

Maybe it's like religion - you have to go to a service at least once a week - to perambulate and pray at the alters of strength and compassion.

I need all the help I can get.

Tofu and a whole lot of soy products, I have realized, really do not agree with me. And their arguments with my digestive system can be quite unpleasant and bloat-y feeling.

Beans? Well you know about them. Same story basically.

That leaves nuts and legumes for the sought-after PROTEIN. Ah, but I am told protein is actually amino acids, and that you can get various ones from other things - especially vegetables - and they will combine and reate protein.

And do we need as much protein as we are told? Or is that meat marketing hegemony?

Stay tuned......


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