Recently, I was asked to donate a few trays of appetizers for a fundraiser. Because the fundraiser was emphasizing sushi, I decided to create something really new. This recipe is much less tedious than making maki rolls, and if you’re not a seaweed lover, you can control the seaweed flavor, or not add it at all [...]
Tofu Bites
I always have a package or two of firm tofu in my freezer, so a perfect replacement for beef or chicken in any recipe is just a quick thaw away. Freezing it is an easy way to give tofu the texture people crave. This recipe makes a great finger food that children love. Easy, [...]
Pita Crisps
Another great staple. There are more than sixty types of flat breads worldwide, pita bread is one of the oldest and is available in a variety of grains. From sandwich pockets, to pizza shells to chips this is an item you’ll want to have on hand. Pita bread keeps well in the freezer and [...]
Easy Tempeh Bites
This is a super simple, protein- and flavor-packed appetizer. Dip these salty, crunchy cubes into spicy mustard, Wasabi Mayonnaise, or with any of the Miso Mayo varieties. You can also add these to a casserole to add chew and protein.
Ingredients:
2 pkgs. tempeh (any variety – we like Soy Boy’s soy tempeh [...]
White Bean and Basil Bruschetta
I love the variety and flexibility of bruschetta. Served with a salad, fresh fruit, and a robust wine, this appetizer becomes a wonderfully light and satisfying main meal. As a variation, consider topping the beans with grilled radicchio, sauteed zucchini, or seared baby spinach and capers.
Ingredients:
2 c. cooked cannellini beans (or [...]
Fried Polenta Appetizer
Fried polenta is fabulous served as is, or accompanied by dips or topped with your favorite cracker topping.
Ingredients:
Firm polenta cut into small triangles
2 cups (or so) olive oil for frying
Coarse salt
To prepare:
Heat olive oil in a deep pan or fryer until hot (about 340 degrees). With a slotted spoon, carefully slide polenta pieces [...]
These sauces are fabulous served with vegetarian wontons, potstickers, stir-fries, and other rice dishes. Easy, easy, easy…
Ginger-Sesame Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
4 T. soy sauce
1 t. toasted sesame oil
2 t. Chinese red or white rice vinegar
2 t. fresh ginger root, minced
2 t. cilantro, chopped (scallion can be substituted)
To prepare Ginger-Sesame Dipping Sauce:
Combine all ingredients, stir, and [...]
These wontons rarely make it to the table in my house. Try serving these with an icy cold Chinese beer like Tsingtao.
Ingredients:
1 package wonton wrappers
1 box vegetarian “sausage patties” (not links)
1 c. scallions, very finely minced
3 T. soy sauce
1-2 t. toasted sesame oil
High heat oil for frying (canola works well)
Water for sealing wontons
To prepare:
In a [...]
Chunky Avocado and Tomato Salsa
This salsa is similar to guacamole but without the bite of garlic or the heaviness of sour cream. It’s light and tasty and is terrific not only as a topping but as a stand alone salad or roll up filling. If you want feel free to add more tomatoes. [...]
Pico De Gallo
This is a simple condiment that’s dead easy and marvelously delicious and full of flavor. If you don’t like cilantro, then you’ll need to skip this one, because the cilantro really makes it. I know people who think they absolutely hate cilantro, but this topping appeals because it is so light, fresh, [...]
