Home Made Vegan Mozzarella that Melts!

Blog Readers: I swear I have not abandoned you. It started out as a week-long vacation on a scheduled family trip to Las Vegas. I typically cook my recipes over the weekend. I hopped in my VW Golf, heading East in hopes of instant wealth, quality family time, sinful fun and free vodka. 

Take note: Delicious vegan food was not mentioned as I assumed everyone in Vegas eats meat-fried-meat. 

My family and I were having an amazing time, albeit I was a little bitter because everyone else seemed to be winning money except me. On Sunday, we headed over to the Rio because they offer a $10 voucher for their slot machines. There's a catch, though. You have to use it on slots that are at least a $1 value. We grab some food first, then secure our vouchers. I wander over to the bar for a strong mid-day libation, then notice: HOLY SHIT! MY ID IS GONE!! 

Let me dissect the deeper meaning here: I look no older than 14. For the first 2 days in Vegas, I was carded at least 20+ times per day. Without and ID, I was reduced to drinking fruit punch in the hotel lobby...and a wasted $10 free voucher! The Jew in me was raging. I start freaking out. While my family is doing their best to calm me, I run about 15 circles around the casino, crawling under stools [that people were sitting on] and reaching between slot machines. I check with the Security desk. No such luck. In a state of utter despair, I leave my number at the lost and found, then go outside to cry on the staircase. 

Then, by some stroke of magic, my sister exchanged a few words with the Customer Care desk, and my ID was delivered back to me safely. Exhausted and still slightly drunk, I thank her and all of the staff profusely. "Let me just use up my voucher here, then we can go back to our hotel and take a nap." I run back inside, throw my voucher into a $1 slot, but I accidentally hit the "Bet All" button. 

"Dammit!!!",  I screamed. I was DONE.

I thought this cursed day could really get much worse. I hit the "Spin Reels" button, and all of a sudden, $$$$$ flashes across the screen. 

I had hit the goddamn jackpot. I actually felt stupid for being so mad at myself.

Thankfully, the universe reminded my that good and bad coexist in every moment. Quite an ending to a dramatic day. That jackpot couldn't have come at a better time. I'm packing up my apartment and moving to West Hollywood - the other reason for lackadaisical blogging. Hopefully, I'll be settled in my new kitchen within the next week or two. My life can resume it's usual business. 

Side note, I'm fostering this adorable Jack Russel/Chihuahua mix, and she's adorable. It feels great to give an animal a temporary home, but parting ways is always difficult. At least I know she will have a great home for the rest of her life unless her new parents don't want to keep breathing.

Enjoy this recipe, kids. Don't be afraid of the cost of Agar. I cook all the time, and I've yet to go through the entire bottle I bought about a year ago. I can't wait to get my hands on some Carrageenan and really go to town experimenting.

 

Home-Made Vegan Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• 1 package Extra Soft Silken Tofu
• 1 cup Vegan Heavy Cream (thickest you can find)
• 1/2 TBSP Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Rice Vinegar
• 4 tsp Agar Powder

Place Tofu, Vegan Heavy Cream, Kosher Salt, Garlic Powder and Rice Vinegar in a blender or food processor, and blend on high until it's a completely liquid consistency. Place the mixture in a small sauce pan, stir in the Agar Powder, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. 

Over medium heat, bring the contents of the sauce pan to a boil, stirring occasionally. As soon as it begins to boil, immediately remove from heat and pour all of it into an 8x8 (or close in size) baking dish. 

Smooth over the top of the Mozzarella as if you were frosting a cake, then place into the refrigerator for a few hours until completely set. 

Use as you would any of your favorite vegan cheeses. It shreds, slices, and even does my taxes.