National Cheese Day

Today is National Cheese Day. I know for many, every day is cheese day. I can't even count how many times I've heard people say how cheese makes everything better! And, I also know all too well how difficult it is to give up cheese when you become vegan. The vegan alternatives do a pretty good job, though, especially when made into sauces or baked into something. This is one of those.

Hot Garlic Cheese Puffs

One package vegan shredded cheddar
1/2 c. vegan butter
1 c. all purpose flour
1 t. chives
1/2 t. garlic powder

Mix cheese into softened butter, and stir in the flour, chives, and garlic powder. Make sure it is mixed well. Shape this mixture into 1" balls and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours. When ready, bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes, until a light golden brown. Serve. Enjoy!

Here's another cheese recipe, if you want something more than a nibble: Beer and Cheese Potato Chowder. And if you want something more in the casserole category: Cheeseburger Rice (think Hamburger Helper for vegans).

National Broccoli Day

Today is National Broccoli Day! Sure, there are haters out there, but this stuff is delicious. I like it raw or cooked. Kids have fun with it because it looks like little trees. Since most people will only eat it slathered in cheese sauce, I am accommodating you here. In a good way.

Pan Scalloped Broccoli and Cauliflower

1 head of cauliflower (cut in florets)
1 head of broccoli crowns (cut in florets)
2 T. vegan butter
2 T. flour
1 c. vegetable broth
1 c. non dairy milk
1 c. vegan shredded cheddar
1/8 t. white pepper

Cook the broccoli and cauliflower separately. Bring about 1/2" of water to boil for each, and cook the broccoli about 5 minutes and the cauliflower about 9 minutes. Drain.
Melt the butter in a separate pot. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Add the broth and milk. Simmer for about 1 minute. Add the cheese and pepper until cheese has melted.
Place the broccoli and cauliflower in a bowl together, and pour the cheese sauce over them. Serve. Enjoy!

You can boil the vegetables ahead of time and put in the refrigerator until ready to use, if you want or need to. Also, if you can find it, add a head of broccoflower cut in florets to the dish. You can cook the broccoflower with the cauliflower.

Oddly, I could not find anything on a National Cauliflower or National Broccoflower Day. If you find one, please let me know. And then celebrate those days, too, with this dish!

By the way, if you've never even heard of a broccoflower, they look like this: