Connecting the Dots

Worth every penny

So creamy and dreamy and fuzzy!

One of my splurges at Vegan Haven was this tub of Treeline cashew cheese. I have read many vegans lovingly talk about this cheese, and to be honest I never really thought I would be able to try it. Even though it hurt my feelings to pay almost nine dollars for such a small container, (six ounces) it was well worth it. I won't be able to afford to buy this all the time, but it's something I look forward to splurging on every so often. The container says it is a creamy, soft French-style cheese. . The texture reminds me of goat cheese. It's creamy, but not as creamy as cream cheese. As you can see, it's easily spreadable.  The ingredient list is super simple. cashews, filtered water,L.Acidophilus,dried scallions,sea salt, onion powder, and lemon juice. It's got a great scallion flavor, it tastes fresh, not dried. And it gets a nice tang from the lemon juice. I don't have any bagels, but I definitely feel like it would be AMAZING on a bagel.  To be fair, it probably wouldn't be that much cheaper to make it yourself. Cashews certainly aren't cheap. This cheese makes me want to have a picnic, with some red wine(even thought I never really cared for red wine) a baguette, and a sophisticated, worldly person. I don't know who, but someone. I love it when food sparks my imagination. This would be a great cheese to serve at a party, and blow some minds when you let everyone know it's made from cashews!
Although blackberries were abundant at the farmer's Market last week, and are all over the produce sections, the wild blackberries at Magnuson Park were not ready yet.  Since Magnuson is my favorite place in Seattle, it was not a wasted trip. The sun was shining, the water was crisp, and I got to pet lots of happy water dogs! It's great energy to be around nature, and happy people and dogs.
I feel like I can't sign off without mentioning Cecil. My heart has been so heavy this week, and I've tried to stuff my feelings, but I can't. This dentist will never realize what he's done. He is a trophy hunter. These majestic animals he kills are nothing but kills. He doesn't see anything wrong with his "sport". People like that will never understand. No amount of shaming, hatred, death threats, public mocking, even jail time will ever change that mentality. I know a lot of vegans are up in arms about the hypocrisy of meat eaters being outraged over Cecil. I too see the hypocrisy, and wonder why the connection can't be made, but at the same time we need help to stop this shit. Vegan numbers are growing, but we are still a minority. There is strength in numbers, and we need numbers. I want to save animals, not judge people. Compassion can bring more compassion, and if we work with people who want to help stop these maniacal trophy hunters, we can stop it. I truly believe a big shift is happening, and it's getting to the point where it's hard for meat eaters to ignore the facts. We live in a world full of apathy, so let's be happy when people choose to be outraged. Vegan isn't supposed to be an exclusive club. Cecil,I'm so sorry you fell victim to such a small, little man.