Raw Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites

I was having people over for a  cookout, but I wanted to dress it up a little and make some fun appetizers. It wasn't quite summer yet, but it was a really warm day so if felt like summer. Summer equals tomatoes and cucumbers ... I had a start!

I had a vegan friends coming over so it's always nice to have some appetizers that aren't covered in cheese, even though sometimes that's all I really want to do! I decided to do a vegan cream cheese to satisfy my want and theirs. The Raw Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites turned out great. They are really bright and fun without being overly complicated even though they look putsy. To me, that's a great appetizer!

Now, as long as the tomatoes are looking fresh, I don't care what time of year it is. I love these.

Raw Cream Cheese Cucumber Bites

2 medium cucumbers, cut in 1/2 in slices
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in quarters
zest of 1/2 lemon for garnish

1 1/2 c almonds, soaked for at least 1 hour (more is better!)
1/3 c olive oil
2 t dill
1 t salt
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 t lemon juice

Puree almonds, olive oil, dill, salt, garlic and lemon juice until it is a smooth consistency and less gritty.

Top cucumbers with 1 T almond cheese and a tomato. Once your platter is completed, sprinkle lemon zest over the platter.