Appetizers Archives - Page 4 of 9

Mango and Avocado Spring Rolls

September 21, 2011 by epicureanvegan

I’ve been wanting to make this type of spring roll for a while—I’ve seen recipes for then in various different places, but all I knew is that I had a very ripe avocado and a very ripe mango that needed to be used. These were delicious! The only thing I had trouble with, was coming up with a dipping sauce. Traditional peanut sauce just didn’t seem right for these. They’re good on their own, but I think a sauce would be nice. Any ideas?

INGREDIENTS:
14-16 sheets rice paper
8-oz rice noodles
1-2 avocados, sliced thin
1 mango, sliced thin
1 medium cucumber, cut into matchsticks
1 C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:
Have everything chopped and ready to go. While chopping, cook the noodles according to package instructions, which is only a few minutes.

Fill a pie plate with warm water. I find it best to set it next to the left of my large wooden cutting board (where I’ll be assembling the rolls). Place a sheet of rice of paper into the water and let it soften for about 45 seconds. Carefully pull it out, let it drip any excess water and then lay it out onto the cutting board. Place another sheet in the water so that it’s ready when you need another one. Start with a handful of rice noodles. They can be hard to tear apart, so I found that having some kitchen scissors on hand is helpful. Place into the middle of the rice paper. Add a couple slices of avocado, mango, and cucumber and top with some cilantro and salt and pepper.

Fold in the sides first, then bring up the bottom and roll up. Transfer to a plate. They’re not that difficult to make as long as your work area is set up before hand. Enjoy!

Mango and Avocado Spring Rolls

I've been wanting to make this type of spring roll for a while---I've seen recipes for then in various different places, but all I knew is that I had a very ripe avocado and a very ripe mango that needed to be used. These were delicious! The only thing I had trouble with, was coming up with a dipping sauce. Traditional peanut sauce just didn't seem right for these. They're good on their own, but I think a sauce would be nice. Any ideas?

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

14-16 sheets rice paper
8-oz rice noodles
1-2 avocados, sliced thin
1 mango, sliced thin
1 medium cucumber, cut into matchsticks
1 C fresh cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Have everything chopped and ready to go. While chopping, cook the noodles according to package instructions, which is only a few minutes.
Fill a pie plate with warm water. I find it best to set it next to the left of my large wooden cutting board (where I'll be assembling the rolls). Place a sheet of rice of paper into the water and let it soften for about 45 seconds. Carefully pull it out, let it drip any excess water and then lay it out onto the cutting board. Place another sheet in the water so that it's ready when you need another one. Start with a handful of rice noodles. They can be hard to tear apart, so I found that having some kitchen scissors on hand is helpful. Place into the middle of the rice paper. Add a couple slices of avocado, mango, and cucumber and top with some cilantro and salt and pepper.
Fold in the sides first, then bring up the bottom and roll up. Transfer to a plate. They're not that difficult to make as long as your work area is set up before hand. Enjoy!

Product Reviews: Nate’s Savory Mushroom Meatless Meatballs & Gardein Chipotle-Lime Crispy Fingers

August 21, 2011 by epicureanvegan

The other night just seemed like an appetizer night. Every once in a while we’ll peruse Whole Foods, or Sunflower Market for some vegan appetizers for dinner. We had never tried Nate’s Savory Mushroom Meatless Meatballs before and anything that says “savory mushrooms,” we’re all over it. I’ve had Nate’s Zesty Meatless Meatballs, and we weren’t that impressed. They had no flavor—even with marinara sauce and cheese on them. I was willing to give these a try, however.

There are three methods of cooking them listed on the back: stove top, oven or microwave. We went with the oven: 375 for 10 minutes. They come with zero saturated fat, no trans fat, no cholesterol, 8 grams of protein, and only 4.5 grams of total fat. So onto the taste . . . they weren’t good. Not only did they have NO FLAVOR, the little taste that they did have, was not good at all. They tasted very fake. All three of us tried one and none of us liked them. Bummer. We were hoping for more. You’re better off making your own.

Now, on to better news . . .

These were outstanding! I usually have a problem with fake chicken products that taste too much like the real thing—it really grosses me out, but for some reason, these don’t do that to me—and the consistency and taste are pretty close to real chicken. We all loved these, especially with the vegan ranch dip. Gardein makes many varieties, and the Chipotle Lime flavoring is just right—not overpowering. We baked them at 450 for 20-25 minutes. They have 6 grams of fat (0.5 grams of saturated fat), no cholesterol and 16 grams of protein. These would be ideal cut up for a “chicken” salad.

The guys wanted onion rings and vegetarian tamales as well. I made some hummus to go on pitas and crackers and it was a fun and delicious (minus the “meat” balls) appetizer night.

Vegan Ranch Dip

August 21, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This dip is ideal for chips, veggies, and especially for the Gardein Chipotle-Lime Crispy Fingers. I used Galaxy Foods Vegan Cream Cheese—which was new for me, as I’ve always used Tofutti brand. I thought it was really good.

INGREDIENTS:
8-oz vegan cream cheese
2 Tbs light miso
2 Tbs lemon juice
2 Tbs nutritional yeast
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbs dried chives

DIRECTIONS:
Combine everything in a food processor and chill for a couple of hours. Enjoy!

Vegan Brie

August 2, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This recipe is from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook. I was intrigued. I’ve tried lots of other recipes from this cookbook and many have been outstanding, but there have been a few that just didn’t do it for me. I was nervous about this one. Surprisingly, however, it’s pretty delicious. I wouldn’t say it’s like brie; both with consistency and taste, but it does taste very good. The recipe doesn’t mention this, but I highly recommending briefly warming this cheeze in the oven or microwave. It only takes about 10 seconds in the microwave. It seems to taste better when it’s a bit melty. I also think this would be really tasty with some warm fruit compote over the top, such as warmed raspberries and blueberries. The possibilities are pretty endless!

INGREDIENTS:
1-2 Tbs wheat germ, or 1/3 C toasted sliced almonds
1-1/2 C water
3 Tbs agar flakes, or 1 Tbs agar powder
1/2 C chopped raw cashews
1/2 C silken tofu
1/4 C nutritional yeast
1/4 C lemon juice
2 Tbs tahini
1-1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp ground dill seed or ground coriander (I used the coriander)

DIRECTIONS:
Lightly oil a 2-1/2 cup round mold. I used a Pyrex bowl, but you can also use a pie plate or cake pan. Dust the bottom of the bowl with either the wheat germ or toasted almond slices. I used the wheat germ; set aside. Combine the water and agar flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring often until dissolved. Transfer to a blender and add the rest of the ingredients; blend until very smooth. Pour it into the prepared mold.

Place it uncovered in the refrigerator until it cools completely. Then cover it with a lid and let it chill for several hours, or overnight. To serve, I used a sharp knife to go around the edge—mostly to just break the suction. Turn it over and it will slide right out of the bowl.

Cut it into wedges and serve with crackers. Like I said before, I recommend serving it warm; I think it taste much better that way. It will keep for 5-7 days. I don’t see why it can’t be wrapped up and frozen, too.

Enjoy!

Vegan Brie

Vegan Brie -- Epicurean VeganThis recipe is from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook. I was intrigued. I've tried lots of other recipes from this cookbook and many have been outstanding, but there have been a few that just didn't do it for me. I was nervous about this one. Surprisingly, however, it's pretty delicious. I wouldn't say it's like brie; both with consistency and taste, but it does taste very good. The recipe doesn't mention this, but I highly recommending briefly warming this cheeze in the oven or microwave. It only takes about 10 seconds in the microwave. It seems to taste better when it's a bit melty. I also think this would be really tasty with some warm fruit compote over the top, such as warmed raspberries and blueberries. The possibilities are pretty endless!

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1-2 Tbs wheat germ, or ⅓ C toasted sliced almonds
1-1/2 C water
3 Tbs agar flakes, or 1 Tbs agar powder
½ C chopped raw cashews
½ C silken tofu
¼ C nutritional yeast
¼ C lemon juice
2 Tbs tahini
1-1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp ground dill seed or ground coriander (I used the coriander)

Directions

Lightly oil a 2-1/2 cup round mold. I used a Pyrex bowl, but you can also use a pie plate or cake pan. Dust the bottom of the bowl with either the wheat germ or toasted almond slices. I used the wheat germ; set aside. Combine the water and agar flakes in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring often until dissolved. Transfer to a blender and add the rest of the ingredients; blend until very smooth. Pour it into the prepared mold.
Place it uncovered in the refrigerator until it cools completely. Then cover it with a lid and let it chill for several hours, or overnight. To serve, I used a sharp knife to go around the edge---mostly to just break the suction. Turn it over and it will slide right out of the bowl.
Cut it into wedges and serve with crackers. Like I said before, I recommend serving it warm; I think it taste much better that way. It will keep for 5-7 days. I don't see why it can't be wrapped up and frozen, too.

A Look Back

July 29, 2011 by epicureanvegan

When it’s time to plan meals for the week, I sometimes rely on some old favorites of mine. When looking back on my recipes, I always come across yummy ones I’ve forgotten about. I thought I’d bring these oldies, but goodies to you.

Appetizers

Party Cheese Ball
Stuffed Mushrooms
Mustard Greens and Cheeze Filo Pie
Avocado Bruschetta

Breads

Pesto Potato Bread
Blueberry Muffins with Crumb Topping
Home-made Pita Bread
Chive-Flecked Spud Muffins

Side Dishes

Israeli Couscous with Pine Nuts & Parsley
Easy, Creamy Pasta Salad
Baked Fries with Sea Salt & Truffle Oil
Easy Cole Slaw

Soups

Eggplant Parmagiano Stew
Vegetable-Barley Soup
Vegetable-Barley Chili

Lunch

Smoky-Miso Tofu Sandwiches
Garden Wrap
BLTA with Tempeh Bacon
Green Tea Rice with Lemon, Snowpeas & Tofu

Breakfast

Quinoa-Couscous Cereal with Dried Fruit
Colorful Kale and Potato Casserole
Hash Brown Casserole
Home-made Granola

Dinner

Sweet Chili-Lime Tofu
Breaded Zucchini with Lentils and Rainbow Chard
Angel Hair Pasta with Mushrooms & Ricotta
Spinach & Tofu Calzones
Spinach & Pesto Lasagna
Fresh & Healthy Soft Tacos/Burritos
Pecan-Crusted Seitan
Field Roast with Fresh Blueberry Sauce

Desserts

Glazed Chocolate-Avocado Cupcakes
Chai-Spiced Berry-Oatmeal Cookies
Cheeze Danishes
Sunflower-Cherry Oatmeal Bars

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups

July 11, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Sorry for the lousy picture—I took it with my iphone since I didn’t have my camera on hand. Don’t let it deter you from trying these tasty appetizers. They’re easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser.

INGREDIENTS:
2 Field Roast Chipotle-flavored sausages
6 green onions, sliced
6 mushrooms, diced small
1 can water chestnuts, diced small
2 pkgs Athens mini fillo shells (30 shells)
1-2 tsp olive oil
Daiya cheddar-flavored cheese shreds

DIRECTIONS:
Cut the Field Roast into large pieces and grind them up in a food processor.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes.

Add the Field Roast and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through.

Place a pinch of Daiya cheese in the bottom of the fillo cup, top with a spoonful of the mixture. You can easily make more than 30 with this mix, otherwise, save any leftovers for a breakfast burrito! Enjoy!

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 Field Roast Chipotle-flavored sausages
6 green onions, sliced
6 mushrooms, diced small
1 can water chestnuts, diced small
2 pkgs Athens mini fillo shells (30 shells)
1-2 tsp olive oil
Daiya cheddar-flavored cheese shreds

Directions

Cut the Field Roast into large pieces and grind them up in a food processor.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, and mushrooms. Cook for a few minutes.
Add the Field Roast and cook another 5-7 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Place a pinch of Daiya cheese in the bottom of the fillo cup, top with a spoonful of the mixture. You can easily make more than 30 with this mix, otherwise, save any leftovers for a breakfast burrito! Enjoy!

Savory Vegetable Tart

June 23, 2011 by epicureanvegan

Like the Savory Asparagus Tart, this one is to die for. I think that pretty much sums it up.

INGREDIENTS:
1 puff pastry sheet, thawed according to package instructions (allow for about an hour to an hour and a half)
1/2 a bunch of asparagus
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
5 mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 C Daiya mozzarella
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 tsp truffle oil

DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 400. Cut up the asparagus into bite-sized pieces; steam for 10-12 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit a an 11×7″ baking sheet. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—you can tuck in the sides if they overlap the edges of the pan. Prick the dough in several pieces with a fork and bake for 4-5 minutes. It will puff up:

Layer on the cheese, then the tomato:

Next, layer on the mushrooms and the steamed asparagus:

Combine the olive oil and truffle oil in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the veggies with the oil mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy!

Savory Vegetable Tart

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 puff pastry sheet, thawed according to package instructions (allow for about an hour to an hour and a half)
½ a bunch of asparagus
1 large tomato, thinly sliced
5 mushrooms, thinly sliced
1 C Daiya mozzarella
2 Tbs olive oil
1-1/2 tsp truffle oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 400. Cut up the asparagus into bite-sized pieces; steam for 10-12 minutes. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry sheet to fit a an 11x7" baking sheet. Don't worry about getting it perfect---you can tuck in the sides if they overlap the edges of the pan. Prick the dough in several pieces with a fork and bake for 4-5 minutes. It will puff up.
Layer on the cheese, then the tomato.
Next, layer on the mushrooms and the steamed asparagus.
Combine the olive oil and truffle oil in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush, brush the tops of the veggies with the oil mixture. Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool a few minutes, then enjoy!

White Bean Crock Cheez

June 13, 2011 by epicureanvegan

This cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don’t eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it’s made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.

INGREDIENTS:
2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs lemon juice
1-1/2 Tbs light miso
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
3/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dry mustard

DIRECTIONS:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

White Bean Crock Cheez

This cheeze comes from The Ultimate Uncheese Cookbook and is similar to the other crock cheez from the same cookbook. The change here is that this recipe uses white beans (I used Great Northern beans) instead of tofu. That makes a difference, especially for those who don't eat soy (or a lot of it) for various reasons. This is a great alternative. The taste is only slightly different as you can tell it's made with beans, and the texture is a little bit softer and smoother. I love to have this on pieces of pita bread, on crackers, or spread on toast. You can also use garbanzo beans in place of the white beans.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

2 C cooked white beans or garbanzo beans
3 Tbs nutritional yeast flakes
2 Tbs tahini
2 Tbs lemon juice
1-1/2 Tbs light miso
1-2 Tbs olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp dry mustard

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor. Process until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as necessary. Chill several hours or overnight. Keeps 5-7 days in the fridge. Enjoy!

Herbed Almond Cheeze

May 31, 2011 by epicureanvegan

It’s amazing what you can make with almonds! This recipe is the same as the Almond Cheeze Log, but this time, I added herbs to it. This cheeze is light and fluffy and the herbs are subtle. Feel free to add more than I did, but I think you’ll like this mild version.

INGREDIENTS:
1 C blanched almonds
1/4 C lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled (I used minced)
1-1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp dried dill
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 C cold water
Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)

DIRECTIONS:
First, to blanch the almonds, add them to a small sauce pan and fill with water, just to cover the almonds. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the skins between your finger and the skins will slide right off. Dry them off well.

Place almonds in a medium bowl and cover with 3″ of water; soak for 24 hours. Drain and rinse twice with running water. Next, puree the almonds with the chives and parsley.

Then, add the dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and water in a food processor until smooth. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line the strainer with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon mixture into cheesecloth or cloth napkin.

Bring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band and refrigerate for several hours. Enjoy!

Herbed Almond Cheeze

It's amazing what you can make with almonds! This recipe is the same as the Almond Cheeze Log, but this time, I added herbs to it. This cheeze is light and fluffy and the herbs are subtle. Feel free to add more than I did, but I think you'll like this mild version.

Author: Epicurean Vegan

Ingredients

1 C blanched almonds
¼ C lemon juice
3 Tbs olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled (I used minced)
1-1/4 tsp salt
1 Tbs fresh chives, chopped
1 Tbs fresh parsley, chopped
½ tsp dried dill
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
½ C cold water
Cheesecloth (a thin cotton napkin works great, too)

Directions

First, to blanch the almonds, add them to a small sauce pan and fill with water, just to cover the almonds. Bring to a boil for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the skins between your finger and the skins will slide right off. Dry them off well.
Place almonds in a medium bowl and cover with 3″ of water; soak for 24 hours. Drain and rinse twice with running water. Next, puree the almonds with the chives and parsley.
Then, add the dill, onion powder, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt and water in a food processor until smooth. Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and line the strainer with a triple layer of cheesecloth. Spoon mixture into cheesecloth or cloth napkin.
Bring the corners and sides of the cheesecloth together and twist around the cheese, squeezing out any excess moisture. Secure with a rubber band and refrigerate for several hours. Enjoy!

Edamame Hummus

May 29, 2011 by epicureanvegan

My wonderful friend and neighbor brought this over to me. We are both foodies and even though she’s not vegan, she always whips up amazing vegan creations for me to try. This hummus is full of flavor and is great with veggies, chips, crackers, etc. A refreshing summer dip!

INGREDIENTS:
2 C edamame
2-3 garlic cloves
2-3 lemons, juice and zest reserved
1/3 C tahini
5/8 C olive oil
1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
1-1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/16 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp agave

DIRECTIONS:
Using a food processor, blend edamame, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and tahini. With motor running, slowly drizzle in oil to emulsify mixture. Add remaining ingredients and puree until smooth. Enjoy!

Recipe: Edible Front Range

Mango and Avocado Spring Rolls

Product Reviews: Nate’s Savory Mushroom Meatless Meatballs & Gardein Chipotle-Lime Crispy Fingers

Vegan Ranch Dip

Vegan Brie

A Look Back

Appetizers

Breads

Side Dishes

Soups

Lunch

Breakfast

Dinner

Desserts

Spicy Field Roast-Stuffed Fillo Cups

Savory Vegetable Tart

White Bean Crock Cheez

Herbed Almond Cheeze

Edamame Hummus

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