Bryan's Grilled "Cheese"

My boyfriend Bryan has yet to completely convert to the vegan diet. I have yet to convince him that eggs and cheese are just as damaging to the environment as eating the animal itself. But he has gone vegetarian and eats vegan with me most days. He's also become quite creative in the kitchen! . This is one of the delicious recipes he's come up with. It doesn't taste like cheese exactly, in fact it reminds me a bit of a tuna fish sandwich...minus the fishy taste. Perhaps it'd be better if you added capers? Feel free to experiment!

 I like to make the "cheese" recipe included here for pizza and use the leftovers in these sandwiches the next day! The fake Parmesan cheese I use on the crust can be bought in the store, but I always have some homemade in the fridge (it's much cheaper to make it yourself and tastes about the same!) If you make the fake-parma at home it's great sprinkled over pasta or on salads! Even if you don't make the sandwiches the cheeses are very versatile!

Makes about 4 Sandwiches: 

For the filling: 

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup pinenuts

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp minced garlic

1 tbsp minced ginger

1 jalapeno pepper (small...or a few slices of jarred sliced jalapenos)

1 tblsp diced onion

1 stalk celery, diced

(Feel free to double it and keep some for pasta or pizza later!) 

For the Crust

8 slices gluten free bread (ener-g sells a tastey bread thats vegan and gf)

1/4 cup walnuts

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1/8 tsp salt

Olive Oil or Earth Balance Vegan Butter for spreading on bread

To make the Filling: 

Soak the walnuts and pinenuts in water for about 30 minutes (you can even soak it overnight for a creamier texture but this can also be accomplished by adding a little water later if necessary) Drain the nuts and process with the lemon juice, ginger, garlic and jalapeno until creamy (adding water or olive oil until easily spreadable..or you can leave it chunky your call) Mix in onion and celery. 

To Make the Crust: 

In food processor combine walnuts, nutritional yeast and salt. Pulse lightly until crumbly mixture obtained. Spread butter or olive oil on one side of all bread slices. Sprinkle walnut/yeast mixture on the buttered side of the bread. 

To Make Sandwich:

Heat a non-stick or cast iron skillet to medium high heat. Assemble sandwiches while pan is heating. Place filling on top of the non-buttered side and top with another slice of bread (buttered side up). Place the sandwiches (one at a time unless you have a large pan) and toast on each side about 3-4 minutes (checking periodically to make sure it isn't burning!) 

Voila! A grillled "cheese" sandwich! Serve with side salad or maybe a classic tomato soup!