Nectarine Tartines with Cashew Herb Spread & Sweet Basil-Balsamic Dressing

Summer is finally here and I could not be more excited! This recipe is the perfect appetizer to bring to a summer bbq or for a light sunday brunch. These tartines have a base of fresh bread, covered in a homemade, cashew herb spread. It is topped with fresh nectarine slices, a drizzle of honey balsamic dressing, and fresh chopped basil. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of unsalted cashews
• juice of 1 lemon
• 3 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp of salt
• dash of black pepper
• 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp of olive oil
• 3 Tbsp of water
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 2 tsp of minced garlic
• 1 tsp of dried dill
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley
• 4 Tbsp honey
• 4 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Sliced baguette or any kind of bakery bread
• 1-2 nectarines, sliced thin
• fresh basil, chopped (about 1/2 cup-1 cup)

Instructions:

1. First, make the cashew herb spread. In a food processor, purée the cashews, lemon, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and water. Once it is smooth and creamy, add the green onions, minced garlic, dried dill and fresh parsley.  Purée until smooth. Tip: do not purée the green onions and parsley completely. There should still be some texture from the herbs.
2. Next, make the sweet balsamic dressing. Combine the honey and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and whisk it together. Set aside.
3. Toast the slices of baguette. You can toast as many slices as you wish to serve. You are now ready to assemble the bruschetta. Lay out all the pieces of toast on a tray. Spread the cashew herb spread on top of each piece of toast. Then add the sliced nectarines. Next, drizzle the honey balsamic dressing over each bruschetta. Top each one with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil and cracked black pepper.

Tip: You may have extra cashew herb spread remaining. This works great as a tasty dip for chips!

Benefits of this recipe:

-Cashews protect bone health and promote heart health. They also contain many important proteins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

-Nectarines are high in antioxidants, promotes better digestion, enhances eye health, stabilizes blood sugar, and improves heart health.

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.organicfacts.net and http://www.draxe.com

Curried Chickpea Salad on Toast

Smashed Chickpea salad on toast is so satisfying and scrumptious. It has a similar texture to tuna salad or chicken salad. The curry flavor added to this dish is savory and rich, but not spicy at all.  This is a great meal to enjoy for breakfast, lunch, OR dinner. Enjoy!

Preparation + Cook Time: 25 minutes

Makes about 7 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 15 oz Cans of Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 C Vegan Mayonnaise (Vegenaise)
• 2 t Curry Powder
• 1/4 C Chopped Red Onion
• 1 Clove of Garlic, Minced
• 1 Stalk of Celery, Chopped
• 1 Shredded Carrot
• Juice from 1/2 of a lemon
• 1/4 C Fresh Chopped Cilantro
• Dash of Salt + Pepper
• A few Slices of Bread (I used Northern Bakehouse “Delicious Vegan & Gluten Free Seeds and Grains Bread”)

Instructions:

1. Pour your drained/rinsed chickpeas into a large bowl. Mash them with a potato masher until completely mashed. Tip: I like to keep a few chickpea chunks in there for texture!
2. Stir in the Vegenaise.
3. Add the curry powder to the mixture. Make sure the curry is evenly incorporated into the chickpeas.
4. Add the red onion, garlic, celery, carrot, lemon juice, and cilantro. Add as much salt and pepper as needed. This completes your chickpea salad.
5. Toast the bread. Load the Chickpea salad on top of the toast. You may add any additional toppings that you like. I like to add radishes, sprouts, or avocado.

Benefits of this recipe:

-Chickpeas help control blood sugar levels, improves digestion because of high fiber content, helps protect against heart disease, is a good source of protein, and contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals such as zinc, folate, phosphorus, and B vitamins.

-Celery helps lower cholesterol, lowers inflammation, treats high blood pressure, protects liver health, and helps digestion.

–Carrots are high in vitamins which are great for your eye sight, skin, and hair.

 

The information on the benefits of the ingredients was researched from http://www.draxe.com