Oatally Awesome

I think people harbor quite a few misconceptions about vegans, assuming their food choices are limited and, as a result, boring. I offer this post as a counterargument. Vegans for the win.

offwithitshead:

Simple Vegan Berry Cheesecake

Yield: 1 9″ teasecake

Ingredients:

for the crust:

• 1/2 c. ground almonds
• 1/2 c. either rolled oats or granola and or bran
• 1 c. whole flour
• 1&1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 4 oz.vegan margarine
• 1 to 1&1/2 Tbs. agave or maple syrup

for the filling:

• 1/2 c. uncooked millet
• 2 c. water
• 1/2 c. raw cashews
• 1/3 c. agave or maple syrup
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. lemon extract

for the berry sauce

• 2 cups fresh blackberries and blueberries washed and picked over
• 2-3 Tbs. sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• splash lemon juice
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 2 Tbs. cornstarch mixed with 3-4 Tbs. water

Directions:

To make the crust:

1. Mix the ground almonds, oats, bran and flour in a large bowl.
2. Add the cinnamon and salt and mix together.
3. Cut in the vegan margarine until the mixture resembles sand.
4. Add the syrup and mix to form a ball.
5. Puree the crust into an oiled tart form or spring form.
6. Place most of the dough in the center and using your fingers, preen to thin the mixture towards the edges.
7. Allow the dough to go about 1/4 of an inch up the sides.
8. Place the dough in the refrigerator to harden for 1 hour.
9. Bake at 350 F, in a preheated oven for 5-10 minutes or until golden.
10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before filling.

For the filling:

1. Bring the millet to boil in a small saucepan with a tight fitting lid.
2. Once the millet is boiling, turn the heat down to simmer and cook with the id on until the liquid is absorbed, this will be 30-40 minutes longer. I did not peek, but until after 30 minutes, and the millet was done.
3. Meanwhile, puree the cashew nuts, with the lime juice, syrup and vanilla. I used my blender. Puree until it is a very smooth cream liquid.
4. When the millet is done, add millet and blend as creamy as you can get it.
5. Sample the mixture and adjust according to your taste. You may want it a bit sweeter, or more of a citrus flavor, however I found it perfect and not needing any adjustment.
6. Allow the millet mixture to slightly cool.
7. Once your crust has cooled, pour into the crust and allow to sit for 30 min at room temperature.
8. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
9. Top with the berry sauce and some fresh berries.

For the sauce:

1. Place the washed berries in a small sauce pan.
2. add the sugar and 1/4 cup of water and cook.
3. When the berries have softened, push the liquid through a sieve and remove the pits.
4. Return the sauce to the pan.
5. Mix the lemon juice, water corn starch and cinnamon together ina small bowl and add to the berry sauce.
6. Heat until the sauce becomes clear and thick.
7. Set aside to cool.
8. Shortly before serving the teasecake.
9. Carefully pour the berry sauce over the top.
10. It will be semi-liquid/ semi-jell.
11. Garnish with fresh berries dotted around on top.