Lemon Tofu Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 cups graham crackers
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp almond extract

Filling:

1 lb. firm tofu
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon almond exact
1 Tbsp tahini or almond butter
1/2 salt
1 to 2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp lemon zest
2 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in
2 Tbsp soy or rice milk

Preparation:

Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the crackers and mix them with the syrup and almond extract in a bowl until moistened. Pour into a 9-inch pie plate, press evenly to form a crust and bake for 5 minutes. Cool while preparing filling.

Filling: Blend all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth (about 30 seconds). Pour the mixture into the crust and bake until the top is slightly brown, about 30 minutes. Cool and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours.

Applesauce Spice Cake

Ingredients:

1/2 cup molasses
1 cup applesauce
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1-3/4 cup flour (whole wheat pastry flour is good)
2 tsp ginger (optional)

Preparation:

Combine the molasses and applesauce in a large bowl. Combine remaining ingredients and stir into the liquid. (If the batter seems very dry, add a little more applesauce or a little water.) Bake in a nonstick 8 x 8-inch baking pan or one sprayed with a non-stick spray, in a 350° F (175°C) oven, for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it tests done.

The optional ginger makes an acceptable gingerbread. You can also leave out the ginger and add 3 or 4 tablespoons of cocoa to make a tasty but not very sweet or rich chocolate cake.