Vegan Nachos

Okay- there are a few things I LOVE- running, beer, and nachos.....Does being a vegan mean no more yummy nachos?? NO WAY!! Follow this recipe for quite a filling treat:

"Nacho Cheese"

• 2 cups water (use the water you soaked the cashews in)
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 4 ounces pimientos
• 1 cup nutritional yeast flakes (or omit)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric

Soak the cashews in 2 1/2 cups of water for 8-12 hours (or overnight). This will soften the cashews and make the nacho cheese creamier.

1 Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until completely smooth.

2 Pour mixture into a medium saucepan and whisk constantly over medium heat until thickened, about 5 to 6 minutes. This will stick, so keep whisking.

Now the FUN part. Stack up a pie dish with a base layer of chips. Add warm black beans and a small amount of "cheese"- add more chips, beans and "cheese". Place in a broiler for 2 minutes. Add your favorite toppings, I use:  Green Onions, Avocado, Jalapeno (fresh and jar), red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, olives, vegan sour cream.....the choices are endless.

You can skip the "pie dish" if youre not making a big sharing plate! This is also fun to put all the items in small bowls and let your guests enjoy your "Vegan Nacho Bar"

Have fun and go crazy! This is best when paired with an nice ICE COLD lager! Yum