Soak your nuts...

Vegan Chive Cashew Nut Ricotta

 For the full recipe, including instructions on how to soak and grind and pulse the nuts...
plus additional variations such as...
Black and Blue: Add a few drizzles of a thick balsamic, throw in a few grinds of mixed color peppercorns and maybe even some sweet fresh or dried figs.
Sweet Peach: Fold in chopped fresh peaches and maple syrup for a sweet twist on this ricotta dip.
Thyme and Citrus: Grind some orange zest and crush fresh or dried thyme into your ricotta....check out http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2010/06/vegan-chive-ricotta-nut-cheese-spread.html