Feta-Mint Zucchini Bites from Vegetarian Times 

This is a winner even without mint.  I've made when I didn't have mint on hand and still love this recipe.

Fresh mint takes on a very different flavor when it’s cooked—it tastes a bit like oregano, which is also a member of the mint family. These light appetizers can be assembled ahead of time, then broiled just before serving.

• 2 medium-size zucchini, cut into ¾-inch-thick slices
• 2 roasted red peppers from jar, drained, rinsed and chopped (about ⅓ cup)
• ⅓ cup crumbed feta cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh mint
• 2 Tbs. pine nuts

1. Scoop out centers of zucchini slices, leaving 1/4-inch-thick shell. Steam 4 minutes, or until just tender. Set in baking pan.
2. Toss together red peppers, feta, mint and pine nuts in bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat broiler. Spoon filling into zucchini cups, mounding slightly. Broil 3 minutes, or until cheese is melted and lightly browned. 

Being vegetarian is easy for me since I never liked meat.  Vegan is another story.  I'm from Wisconsin, I love cheese!!!  I was very skeptical of cheese replacements but after falling in love with Daiya and getting my skeptical husband as addicted I started to ponder other dairy free cheesestuffs.  I started with my Vitamix book and hit the jackpot.  This sauce is versatile and good, better than any processed cheese sauces.  I've used this to make mac n cheese, nachos and to top anything.  And unlike my friend Daiya, it's oil free so ok for the Engine 2 Diet!  It has been a lifesaver, elevating any oil free veg dish.  The consistency of this sauce as below is very thin.  I prefer it on the thick end so only add as much water to get everything moving at first then slowly adding the boiling water just to make it smooth.  I use a little under half the amount of water they suggest.  It lists a few choices for nuts, I've only tried with cashews but it looks like almonds work as well.

Not-So Cheese Sauce Vitamix
1 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup canned pimentos or roasted red pepper
1/2 cup raw cashews or almonds
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 cup nutritional yeast
2 teaspoons salt
1 1/2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons potato starch, mixed in 1/4 cup cold water

Place all ingredients, except the boiling water and potato starch mixture, into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.

Select variable 1.

Turn machine on and quickly increased speed to Variable 10, then to High.

Blend for 6-7 minutes or until heavy steam escapes from the vented lid.

Reduce speed to Variable 7 and remove the lid plug.  Pour boiling water and potato starch mixture through the lid plug opening.

Continue to blend until mixture is thickened, about 1 minute.
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