Another classic game day recipe or even just an awesome party pleaser. Party? What’s that?

I mean we can 100% make our own lockdown parties for 1 or household style. Maybe with friends on zoom… And someeeeeday we’ll reunite in person and will have SO MUCH FUN together!!

I don’t have much rambling for this one, let’s just dive right in!

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Yields 4-5 servings

INGREDIENTS

5 large jalapeño peppers, halved amp; deseeded

1/2 cup gluten-free cornmeal or breadcrumbs

Raspberry jam for dipping, optional (I used a raspberry pomegranate recently that was so yum!)

1 1/2 cups raw cashew pieces (soaked for at least 2 hours, strained amp; rinsed)*

1 cup filtered water or vegetable broth

1 tsp salt (I use pink fine ground Himalayan)

1 tbsp garlic powder

2 tsp cumin seed powder

2 tbsp chives, dried or fresh (feel free to use other herbs here like parsley)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

2-3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

*Soaking your cashews will help to soften them for a smoother blend. It also releases some of the phytic acid and makes them more digestible.

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 Celsius)

• Add cashews, water (or broth), salt, chives, garlic powder, nutritional yeast, and cumin to blender or food processor and blend until super smooth. I prefer to use my vitamix for this, but any blender or food processor will work. The vitamix just gets it extra creamy. If you prefer, you can use a store-bought vegan cream cheese as your filling. Just be aware that some of them will melt when baked instead of holding a firm texture.

• Place the cornmeal in a small bowl and set aside.

• Place jalapeños on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper

• Fill jalapeños with cashew cheeze and sprinkle cornmeal on top of cheeze

• Bake for 15-20 minutes until top is crispy and jalapeños are softened a bit

• Garnish with some chopped parsley and serve immediately by themselves or with a side of raspberry jam (yum!). I love the tart contrast!

• If you happen to have any leftovers, store in a sealed container in the fridge and reheat as desired.