Substitute for macadamias and cashews?

[swiddweas]

I was thinking sunflower seeds. Does anyone out there know of a good one?

thank you

Pattye

[Rawkinlocs]

I think it depends on what it is you are subbing those nuts for - as in what the recipe is and what they do for the recipe. Sunflower seeds have a very distinctive taste and could throw the flavor of whatever you're making off.

Somethings I've used walnuts instead if it was just to make something creamy (like the strawberry crepe filling for example...I ran out of macs and cashews, so just used walnuts and it worked like a charm); pine nuts or even perhaps sesame seeds (though they can be bitter at times) can be used if you're making a "cheesy" recipe.

In some cases even soaked almonds might work...it just really depends on what it is you're making.

[swiddweas]

Hi Rawkinlocks,

thank you for your help. I am making the Nacho Cheese from Alissas book. SO, sesame seeds would work? I have tons of those.

Gratefully,
Pattye

[Rawkinlocs]

I won't give any guarantees, but just to be on the safe side, halve or even quarter the recipe if you can (I now that blending a small amount sometimes hinders the process a bit if you have a large-cup processor). Maybe even grind the seeds first in a coffee grinder or do that little trick with putting a jar over the blender blades that was discussed in another thread.

The reason I suggested sesame seeds is because I know some cheese-type recipes use tahini...got any of that by chance? But try it if you feel comfortable doing so. I just don't want you to come back and "egg" me if it doesn't turn out good! **ducks out of the way** :o

[swiddweas]

LOL!!

O.K. I tried the Brazil nuts instead. Chickened out on the sesame seeds becasue I didn't know how they would taste.

The next batch I will quarter and try the sesame seeds. Minimizing the recipie is a great idea. Somettimes the food processor has a fit, however i can use the blender method.

Thank you Rawkinlocks,

Pattye

[twinee1]

try buckwheat sprouts ground in the grinder for a low fat option, they are very neutral subsitute and lower fat if you are seeking that option.

[Ariannah]

I like subbing with sunflower seeds, only the resulting cream/paste is grey!. I don't mind it, myself, but in presentation to others it's hard to look aesthetically beautiful.