Cheese Rehab: Recipes to Get You Through
By: Wanda Rybak
Published: June 23, 2011

These days, I don't think about cheese all that much.  At this point, the smell grosses me out and when I do occasionally have a bite, I'm left disappointed.  However, the first few months were a different story.  So if you are looking to take the plunge into dairy-free living, I recommend being prepared with substitutes!  Daiya is the best vegan “cheese” I've ever tried - it really melts and works well for quesadillas, pizza, and grilled cheese cravings.  Otherwise, avocado actually has a similar texture to melted cheese! I often use it on sandwiches or in burritos to mimic the creaminess of cheese.  Nutritional yeast is also handy to sprinkle on pastas or scrambled tofu or add into chili -- I even add it to my pesto!
Avocado Tomato Sandwich
This is my favorite quick and easy sandwich!
2 slices of fresh Italian bread (The “good stuff” tastes best but, really, any bread will do)
	1 Avocado, pitted peeled and sliced
	1 Tomato, sliced
	Salt
Pre-heat oven to 350 F
	Layer the avocado and tomato onto bread. Bake for a few minutes until toppings are warm and bread is crispy.
	Sprinkle with salt.  Enjoy!
Vegan Queso
Use for dipping or using in gooey quesadillas!
1/3 cup Nutritional Yeast
	1/4 cup flour
	1/4 tsp paprika
	1 tsp salt
	1 tsp cumin
	Sprinkle of garlic powder
	Chili powder, to taste
	1 cup water
	2 tbsp vegan butter (like EarthBalance)
	1 10-ounce can tomatoes
	2 tsp mustard
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, 5-10 minutes. 
	Optionally substitute salsa for the tomatoes for an extra kick!

Comments:
Anne
July 11, 2011

I've been thinking about giving up dairy and since I am obsessed with avocados, maybe it won't be so hard after all. Good recipes, my dear!