Hibiscus Herbed Cheese Crostini

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2 min read
Summary

Wow your guests at your next gathering by preparing this exceptional appetizer that will capture their attention with the edible flowers’ elegance and beauty. And, that’s just the visual presentation! Once they take a bite of the crispy crostini with herbed cashew cheese spread on top, their taste buds will sing in delight over the crispy and creamy texture and bursts of flavors from the herbs. P.S. If you’re not planning a gathering, these make lovely bite-sized snacks for one!

Yields6 ServingsPrep Time10 minsCook Time15 minsTotal Time25 mins

Hibiscus Herbed Cheese Crostini

Ingredients

Cheese
 1 cup cashews (raw, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes or room temperature water for 1 - 2 hours)
 1 tbsp organic miso (mellow white or chickpea)
 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
 2 tbsp shallot (chopped)
 1 lemon (juiced)
 ½ tsp onion powder
 ¼ cup water
Herbs
 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
 1 organic, whole grain baguette (sliced)
 ¼ cup hibiscus flowers (or other edible flowers of choice) + 1/4 cup as desired

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F if using your oven to toast the bread. If using a toaster oven, skip this step!

2

Make the Cheese: Drain the cashews then add them to a food processor.

3

Add the miso, yeast, shallot, lemon juice, onion powder, and water.

4

Blend until smooth and creamy.

5

Spoon into a medium bowl.

6

Stir in the herbs and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust if needed. Set aside.

7

Toast the bread: Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet, spreading out evenly. Bake for 4–5 minutes. Alternatively, place the bread in your toaster oven. You may need to do this in several batches.

8

Once the bread is finished toasting, remove from the oven and place on your serving platter.

9

Spread approximately one tablespoon of the herbed cashew cheese on top of each slice.

10

Top each slice of bread with 2–3 hibiscus flowers.

Chef's Notes

Substitutions
In place of miso, use an extra tablespoon of nutritional yeast (you just might need to add a little salt to the cheese).

Instead of shallot, use white or yellow onion.

Instead of basil, parsley, and chives, use whatever herbs you have on hand or that you’re growing in your garden! Ideas include rosemary and thyme, parsley and dill, and cilantro and chives.

If you cannot find hibiscus flowers, try rose petals, carnations, cornflowers, or orchids.

Gluten- or Flour-free
Substitute cucumber, zucchini, or watermelon radish slices for the bread slices.

Prep Ahead
Soak the cashews ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. (Rinse well once again after you’ve stored them and before making this recipe.)

Make the cashew cheese ahead of time and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to one month.

Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 30 days.

Ingredients

Cheese
 1 cup cashews (raw, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes or room temperature water for 1 - 2 hours)
 1 tbsp organic miso (mellow white or chickpea)
 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
 2 tbsp shallot (chopped)
 1 lemon (juiced)
 ½ tsp onion powder
 ¼ cup water
Herbs
 2 tbsp fresh basil (chopped)
 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
 2 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
 1 organic, whole grain baguette (sliced)
 ¼ cup hibiscus flowers (or other edible flowers of choice) + 1/4 cup as desired

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F if using your oven to toast the bread. If using a toaster oven, skip this step!

2

Make the Cheese: Drain the cashews then add them to a food processor.

3

Add the miso, yeast, shallot, lemon juice, onion powder, and water.

4

Blend until smooth and creamy.

5

Spoon into a medium bowl.

6

Stir in the herbs and red pepper flakes, if using. Taste and adjust if needed. Set aside.

7

Toast the bread: Place the sliced bread on a baking sheet, spreading out evenly. Bake for 4–5 minutes. Alternatively, place the bread in your toaster oven. You may need to do this in several batches.

8

Once the bread is finished toasting, remove from the oven and place on your serving platter.

9

Spread approximately one tablespoon of the herbed cashew cheese on top of each slice.

10

Top each slice of bread with 2–3 hibiscus flowers.

Hibiscus Herbed Cheese Crostini