Vegan Gruyere Cheese
Directions
In a medium saucepan, warm the water and agar powder over medium heat. Bring to a low boil and boil for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. All agar should be dissolved and mixture should begin to thicken. Remove from heat and let cool for 1-2 minutes.
Add the rest of the ingredients to a blender (a food processor would also work) and quickly pulse to combine. Add in the agar and water mixture and blend on high until most lumps are removed. Tip: Place a towel over the top of the blender lid to keep water from coming out of the sides of the lid.
Pour the mixture into a dish with a smooth surface (choose a dish that is deep enough to create at least a 1/4″ slice of cheese). Let cool, the mixture should start to set up. Once cooled, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, but ideally overnight.
Remove from mold and slice!
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Directions
In a dutch oven or deep skillet, add the olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cover. Sweat onions for 15 minutes then uncover. Deglaze (pour the liquid in and stir) the pan with about 1 tbsp of your liquid of choice (either wine, sherry, or water) and continue to cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, or until all onions are a deep caramel color. Deglaze the pan and stir every 10-15 minutes or so, or when the onions seem to be sticking to the pan.
To assemble the sandwiches, butter one side of two slices of sourdough. Place a slice of Gruyere on top of a slice of sourdough and top with a good amount of caramelized onions. Place another piece of cheese and sourdough on top. Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and place one sandwich onto the hot surface. At this point you can cover it with a metal bowl if you have one, otherwise it will cook just fine without. Cook for about 3-5 minutes each side, or until the bread is golden brown.
Serve warm with tomato soup!
http://theunintentionalvegan.com/sandwich-queen-french-onion-grilled-cheese