A Dream of Spring, and Vegan Cucumber Sandwiches

All nature seems at work

Slugs leave their lair

The bees are stirring--birds are on the wing

And winter slumbering in the open air,
Wears on his smiling face

A dream of Spring

-Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Light and refreshing, like Spring itself, these creamy crunchy treats are not only a favorite around here, but a snap to make.  It's all in the dip.

Creamy Dill Spinach Dip

1 package extra firm Mori Nu tofu (12 oz.)

1 C. Vegennaise

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. salt (or to taste)

8 oz. frozen spinach, thawed, pressed, and drained (or a couple handfuls of fresh spinach)

2-3 T. fresh dill (or 1 tsp. dried)

Spinz:

Put the tofu, Vegennaise, garlic powder, and salt into a food processor and spin until smooth.  Add the spinach and dill, and pulse until well incorporated.  Refrigerate until ready to use.  Makes a big bowl of dip.

To assemble the sandwiches, cut crusts off bread and into desired shapes (I used a biscuit cutter).  Toast the bottoms lightly if desired.  Spread dip evenly, add cucumber slice, and garnish with dill.

Ultimate Game Day Food

What is the Superbowl, if not Thanksgiving's loud obnoxious cousin?  I know most of you probably love the sport, but since I'm a less than enthusiastic fan, I usually end up making food for my football-loving buddies.  And what could be a more obnoxious dish than this?...

Deep fried zucchini slice, topped with vegan pepperoni, melted Daiya cheese, fried onion rings, spinach dip, and diced tomatoes

 ... as obnoxious as a vegan can get!  Loud, messy, and made with no recipes.  Tomatoes added only for guilt, and can be omitted.  I drizzled hot sauce on mine.  Buddies called it vegan "crack." 

Here's how I made it:

Fry Batter:

Take about two cups of all purpose flour, about a tablespoon of cornstarch, teaspoon of salt, and enough cold water to make pancake batter consistency.  Don't over-stir.  Slice zucchini into long 1/2 inch slices, do the same for your onions (into rings).  Dip them in the batter, then into Panko bread crumbs.  Fry in a deep fryer at 350-375 degrees F until golden and crispy.  Do not overcrowd your fryer.  Drain on paper towels or recycled paper shopping bags (cut open).

Pepperoni and Melted Cheese:

Place a little bit of oil in a hot nonstick pan.  Arrange "veggeroni" side by side in the pan, then sprinkle Daiya cheese over the veggeroni.  Cover for a few minutes to melt the cheese and crisp the bottoms of the veggeroni.  Quickly separate veggeroni & cheese into 4-piece strips.  Place these on top of the zucchinis.

Spinach Dip:

Thaw 8-10oz. of frozen spinach, press, and drain.  In a food processor, blend 1 package of extra firm Mori-Nu silken tofu, about 3/4 cup Vegennaise, about a teaspoon of garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste. 

Cut onion rings in half to fit on top of zucchini and veggeroni/cheese.  Spoon on a couple dollops of spinach dip. Finish with diced tomatoes, and hot sauce (optional).

Happy Game Day... Hope your team wins!!