Vitamix Not-So Cheese Sauce

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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Vitamix 5200 Series Blender, Black