I recently moved back to the North Country and one of the first things I did was join the Potsdam Co-op. I remembered the Co-op from many years back and it’s even better now. One of the new things is the bulk ordering option that is now available.  How exciting! I can get a LOT of items I use regularly and at a better price than buying them one at a time, and I can even get things that the Co-op may not regularly stock!

OK, so they do stock several of the Treeline vegan cheese varieties in store, but I use a LOT of this when I cook, so I thought this would be a perfect thing to use bulk buying for (Did you know this stuff freezes great!? Just take it out a day before you need to use it and let it thaw in the fridge) and I ordered a case of the Treeline Herb and Garlic.

So am I just a cheese fanatic, munching cheese and crackers every day?  Nope.  I’ve learned that this particular type of cheese is very versatile for cooking.  It is a fantastic base for pasta sauce!  Quick, easy and absolutely delicious.  Here’s how to make a basic alfredo sauce with the Garlic Herb variety:

When you make pasta, before you drain it, save out a cup or two of the pasta water – this is important as the starch in the pasta water will give body to your sauce that plain old water won’t.  Drain the pasta, and let it sit in your strainer for a minute while you make the sauce.

Sauté a clove or two of minced garlic in the pasta pot in a little oil until it gets fragrant then add about half a cup of the reserved pasta water back into the pot with a few tablespoons of the cheese and stir until it all melts together, add more water to get the consistency you want and bring to a simmer.  Add pasta back in and stir until heated through. Salt and Pepper to taste.

Now you can also add in any pre cooked veggies (broccoli, asparagus, etc) or protein (tofu, chicken, shrimp)  and stir until hot.  Add extra pasta water or cheese to adjust taste and consistency. 

Top with shaved parmesan, or a gremolata for an extra touch and enjoy.

With Love,

From Mom