When I first ran across this recipe, I was SO excited to try it out. I just couldn't believe Laura Fuentes over at
MOMables came up with a Velveeta cheese replacement recipe! And she really took one for the team because it cost her over $300 in cheese trial-and-error before she was able to perfect it! And perfect it she did. Thank you, Laura!!!
Here's that incredible recipe:
MOMables' MOMveeta aka Homemade Velveeta. You can use the true Velveeta replacement variation of the recipe found in MOMnotes #2.
Update 10/30/13: Or if you prefer a little thicker version, like I do, don't add that extra 1/2 cup of milk.
The trick for me was to find a natural, minimally processed, no added hormone AMERICAN cheese to use. Yeah, right! American cheese, by definition, is "processed cheese"! Well, despite the near impossibility of it, it came to me in a flash and excited me just as much as the MOMveeta Cheese recipe did: to use
Applegate's Natural American Cheese which can be found pre-packaged in the deli section!!! It's minimally processed, contains no artificial ingredients and has no added hormones. SCORE!!! There's even an organic version if you can find it AND afford it. Yes, it is pre-sliced, which the recipe suggests NOT using, but I gave it try anyway and guess what?!?! It turned out FABULOUSLY!!!! And way easier - no knife necessary! Just tear 'em up! Pair that w/ your favorite organic milk and just say whoa.... :)
I gotta say that it was a big hit with the family, particularly the hubby. The first time I made it, I just left the block cheese in the fridge and sure enough, every night during our "TV watching wind down", I'd look over to see Sweetie with a ramekin full of cheese dip and chips. :) Ok, so I guess it's kinda dangerous to have around the house ALL the time!
Here just some of the many ways I'm able to use this (aside from the obvious: as a direct replacement in any recipe that calls for Velveeta!). First of all, I basically make a batch of the MOMables' true Velveeta Replacement recipe, use some immediately and store the rest in fridge for later use.
Laura says this can keep in the fridge for about 2-3 weeks and in the freezer for 3-6 months. Cool!
1. Zesty party dip!
Just follow the MOMveeta Cheese dip recipe as is or add even a bit more kick w/ Diced Jalapeno Peppers. Makes a ton for non-stop dipping and snacking.
2. Zesty cheese dip for the hubby and me (smaller portion):
Makes for a perfect-portion, quick and easy nighttime tv snack. Just add the desired amount of cheese in small bowl or ramekin, add some diced jalapenos peppers and/or spicy salsa, warm in microwave for about 10 seconds at a time and mix until melted.
3. Warm Cheese Dip for the girls:
For a milder cheese dip to serve my girls, I simply warm up the Homemade Velveeta Cheese (ie no seasonings or spices are necessary for them!) and serve with or over
Homemade Pretzels, chips, etc.
4. Cold or room temperature cheese spread (Cheeze-Whiz replacement!!) - WAY COOL!
For some reason, my girls love those processed and unwholesome snacks like Lunchables, Pop Tarts, Cheese-its, Handi-Snack cheese dip crackers, etc. I've been systematically trying to replace those unholy things one by one w/ a more wholesome homemade version. I've been successful with
Lunchables and
Cheese-its and the Pop Tarts are a work-in-progress. But guess what my most recent accomplishment is? That's right, Handi-snack cheese dip crackers & pretzels!!
How funny is this? I had to buy some of these snacks to take pictures of them for this post, so guess what I did? Dumped their contents into trash and filled them with my own goodies: Trader Joe's Social Snackers and Trader Joe's Whole Wheat Pretzel Sticks along w/ Homemade Velveeta. Both have far less ingredients than their counterparts. Pure genius, I say. haha!! :)
You can also be tricky and refill the empty containers like I did! ;)
Update 10/3/13: Just came up with a #5!
5. Cheese and Cracker Sandwiches
I was all excited to come up with a substitute for those Trader Joe's Organic Mini Cheese Sandwich Crackers I had accidentally bought that said "Made on shared equipment with peanuts" with this homemade version - yet another use for
MOMveeta Cheese. But they didn't turn out quite as successful as I hoped. Though they are delicious if eaten immediately, they get soggy if packed in lunches and left sitting in a baggie for a couple hours. Big Sis ate hers despite. She said they were a little soggy during her snack time but probably not as soggy as when lunch time came for Little Sis about an hour after, so hers came back untouched. Sorry guys! Next time this will just have to be a yummy at-home snack made on the spot. But don't they look so yummy? :)
Here's how they went to school: one in a snack and one in a lunch. :)
All I can say is that I am in LOVE with this recipe and just had to share it with you guys, too! Hope you enjoy it just as much as we do!
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Christine, aka happyvballgirl :)
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