Savory Cashew Spread Recipe

You don't need to be vegetarian - or vegan - to appreciate a savory nut spread. This mixture can be thinned for a dipping sauce or spread like peanut butter. Season it as you wish - if you make it once, you'll probably never make it the same way twice.

1 1/2 cups plain, raw cashew nuts
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons dry white wine (or water)
2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice or good vinegar
2 cloves garlic, finely minced (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
freshly ground pepper, cayenne, paprika (any or none - to taste)

Directions

1. Place the nuts in a large bowl, cover with cold water, and let stand for 2 hours.
2. Drain the nuts and place them in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add 1/4 cup water and the rest of the ingredients, and mix until smooth, scraping the sides of the bowl every once in a while. Add more water if necessary to process - remember that the spread will thicken as it sits.
3. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and place in a cool cupboard (not the refrigerator) to ripen for 24 hours. Store in the refrigerator.