Nutritional Yeast and Salsa Con Queso

Nutritional Yeast, Flour, and Spices!

All mixed up!

Amazing, Cheese!!!!

I know it's been a little while, but what can I say except, I am trying my best to be up to date, which is some days not so easy:)  Anyways, as I was looking at my last post I realized that I had included one of the most awesome and easy to use ingredients! It has been a staple in my pantry since 2007!!  I remember the first time that me and my hubby made this dip (I have a heart around the recipe and the date I made it), if that tells you anything about how much we liked, yes I know we are such dorks! I first brought this to Sunday night dinner at my parents house, which is a big deal in my family b/c all my brothers and sisters are there and especially since my family is real honest about my vegan dishes (they are my toughest critics, but I love you guys for it;)!!  I was of course asked what was this made out of? and I began to list off ingredients and the second I said the word nutritional yeast, the look on every one's face, priceless!  They were all so grossed out, thinking it was real, active yeast.  So I had to calmly explain that nutritional yeast is INACTIVE, full of vitamins (esp the B's), and is a complete protein; on top of this is is naturally low in fat, sodium, and has no sugar, dairy, or gluten!  Basically this stuff rocks!! After the initial shock of it all, the dip was eaten up so quickly and I felt a tremendous amount of pride that I was able to bring something to Sunday night that everyone loved, so much so that I got the biggest complement a cook can get, my food was gone, quick!!! By the way, I served this in a fondue pot to keep warm because this is key to the yumminess factor!  I begin with the flour, nutritional yeast, all the spices in a pot; heat the pot to medium heat and slowly add the plant milk or water, using a whisk to constantly keep mixing it.  After it is well mixed I add the oil, miso, and mustard.  It will thicken within ten min, then you are ready to add salsa and serve warm!! This recipe adapted from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook (a great book by the way!)

Salsa Con Queso Dip

1/2 cup nutritional yeast (I get at whole foods in the bulk section)

1/2 cup flour (I like whole wheat pastry)

2 tsp. Bragg's

1 tsp. Chili powder

1 tsp. Garlic

1/2 tsp. Basil

dash of cayenne

2 cups of plant milk or water

2 TBSP. oil

1/2 tsp. yellow mustard

1/2 tsp. miso paste (this is usually by the tofu at whole foods or you can find at the Asian market!)

 add 1/2 cup Salsa to finished product!