Herbed Hemp-Pine Nut Spread

Are you looking for a creamy cheese alternative? This hemp-pine nut spread hits the mark with its creamy texture and herby goodness.

This can be used in just about every way you would use a dairy cheese spread, but it makes a stunning presentation when it is layered with pesto and tomato or olive tapenade, or with cranberry relish for the holidays. It can be rolled into a ball and coated with chopped nuts or seeds and dried fruit or used to stuff mushroom caps or on top of gluten free crackers or toasts.

It is also used to make a cream sauce for green beans or potatoes.

Herbed Hemp – Pine Nut Spread

creamy cheese alternative that can be layered with pesto, top a cracker or fill a mushroom cap. Get creative!
Prep Time15 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: hemp seeds, pine nuts
Author: Chef Kim

Equipment

  • food processor

Ingredients

  • 1 cup hemp seeds
  • ½ cup pine nuts may substitute macadamia or cashews
  • 1 T nutritional yeast
  • 1 tsp of white miso can be omitted – add ½ t salt
  • 1 tsp white balsamic vinegar
  • water
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp rosemary

Instructions

  • Combine everything, except the herbs, in a food processor or blender and process until a thick paste forms.
  • Start slowly with the water by adding 3 tablespoons initially and adding more if needed. When a creamy consistency is reached, add the herbs and pulse to combine. Serve this as a spread or dip.
  • This can be layered with pesto, olive tapenade or cranberry relish to make a festive presentation.

Cashew-Macadamia Cheese Filling

This spread is so versatile and can be used to fill tomatoes, peppers, and green leaves. Try it on dehydrated or seed crackers or dolloped on dried apple slices or cucumber rounds.

  • 1 cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours  and drained
  • 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, soaked with the cashews
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 2 Tbs nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 tsp salt (pink or grey)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper or pinch of cayenne

Blend everything in a food processor until creamy. Add a tablespoon or two of water to help it bend and add creaminess if necessary.  Adding fresh or dried herbs with boost nutrition and customize flavor.  Enjoy!