Almond Feta Cheese with Herb Oil
- 1 cup whole blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 3 Tbs. plus 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 1 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary leaves
- Place almonds in medium bowl, and cover with 3 inches cold water.
- Let soak 24 hours.
- Drain soaking liquid, rinse almonds under cold running water, and drain again.
- Puree almonds, lemon juice, 3 Tbs.
- oil, garlic, salt, and 1/2 cup cold water in food processor 6 minutes, or until very smooth and creamy.
- Place large strainer over bowl, and line with triple layer of cheesecloth.
- Spoon almond mixture into cheesecloth.
- Bring corners and sides of cloth together, and twist around cheese, forming into orange-size ball and squeezing to help extract moisture.
- Secure with rubber band or kitchen twine.
- Chill 12 hours, or overnight.
- Discard excess liquid.
- Preheat oven to 200F.
- Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Unwrap cheese (it will be soft), and transfer from cheesecloth to prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten to form 6-inch round about 3/4-inch thick.
- Bake 40 minutes, or until top is slightly firm.
- Cool, then chill.
- (Cheese can be made up to this point 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated.)
- Combine remaining 1/4 cup oil, thyme, and rosemary in small saucepan.
- Warm oil over medium-low heat 2 minutes, or until very hot but not simmering.
- Cool to room temperature.
- Drizzle herb oil over cheese just before serving.
whole blanched almonds, lemon juice, olive oil, clove garlic, salt, thyme, rosemary
Taken from www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe/almond-feta-cheese-with-herb-oil/ (may not work)