How about knowing amazing finger foods? When serving a special dinner for friends or family, it is always good to think of appetizers for a complete meal. That’s why these easy snack recipes are ideal – not only are they no hassle, they’re delicious and will keep your guests happy until dinner time.
Just Fries
MAKES AS MUCH AS YOU WANT
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
ACTIVE TIME: 10 minutes
INACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes
Olive oil spray
1 russet potato per person (or ½ potato per person if using as a side dish), peeled (see Tip)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Garlic powder, optional
Vegan sauces (such as ketchup, barbecue sauce, mustard, or ranch dressing; gluten-free, nut-free, and/or soy-free if necessary), for dipping
1. Preheat the oven to 450°F . Line baking sheets with aluminum foil—you can fit about 2 potatoes per baking sheet, so do the math. Lightly spray the foil with olive oil.
2. Slice each potato into similarly sized strips or wedges. It’s important that they’re equal size so that they cook evenly.
3. Spread out the fries on the prepared baking sheets. Spray a light coating of olive oil over the fries. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Toss to coat and rearrange the slices on the sheet so they’re not touching (as much as possible). This will help them get more crispy.
4. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them once halfway through to ensure even cooking. Once they’re crispy and lightly browned on the outside but easily pierced with a fork, they’re ready. Remove from the oven and serve immediately with the preferred dipping sauce(s).
Hot Fudge Ice Cream Sundaes
SERVES 8
PREP TIME: 15 minutes (not including time to make Vanilla Whipped Cream)
ACTIVE TIME: 30 minutes INACTIVE TIME: 6 hours
vanilla ice cream
1½ cups raw cashews, soaked in warm water for 1 hour and drained, water discarded
One 13.5-ounce can coconut milk
½ cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or sunflower oil)
1½ teaspoons vanilla powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
hot fudge
½ cup vegan chocolate chips (or chunks)
1 cup lite coconut milk
¼ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
¼ teaspoon salt
toppings (all optional)
Vanilla Whipped Cream
Chopped nuts (such as almonds, peanuts, pecans)
Chopped fruit (such as strawberries, bananas, mango)
Vegan chocolate chips & sprinkles
Vegan marshmallows (soy-free if necessary)
Crumbled vegan cookies (gluten-free if necessary)
Caramel Cashew Granola (or store-bought vegan granola)
Maraschino cherries
1. To make the ice cream : Combine the cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, arrowroot, oil, vanilla powder, vanilla extract, and salt in a blender and blend until completely smooth. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 2 hours.
2. Process in your ice cream maker, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream reaches the consistency of a thick soft-serve, transfer to a glass or metal bowl. Place a piece of parchment paper on top of the ice cream to prevent contact with air (thus reducing freezer burn), then cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Freeze the ice cream for at least 3 or 4 hours before serving. You may need to let the ice cream soften for about 5 minutes before serving.
3. To make the hot fudge : Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl on top of a pan of boiling water, stirring frequently, until completely smooth. While the chocolate is melting, whisk together the coconut milk, cocoa powder, sugar, coconut oil, arrow-root, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Slowly whisk the milk mixture into the melted chocolate and stir until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. If you make this in advance, once it has cooled, you can refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container. It will get very thick, so you will have to reheat it before serving.
5. Prepare all of the toppings you plan on serving. To assemble, scoop as much ice cream as desired into a bowl, drizzle hot fudge all over it, and top with all the preferred toppings.
