One of my favorite things about the holiday season is that friends and family make it a point to gather together and celebrate at the table. The holiday season is full of feasting because in addition to celebration days like Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years, there are many days between those holidays that tend to be centered around meal events such as potlucks, work parties and dinner socials. Sometimes it can be nice to prepare a refreshing and healthy appetizer instead of an entree. Here is your guide to delicious vegan appetizers to get you through the winter. Appetizing…

Almond Basil Ricotta

by Jenna Garcia

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw, unsalted almonds
  • 1 cup water, plus more for soaking the almonds
  • 12 inch square of cheesecloth
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, minced
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, crushed – optional

Shopping List:

  • 15 oz or less of raw, unsalted almonds – $4.99
  • 1 container of salt – $1.50
  • 1 bunch of fresh basil – $1.99
  • 1 bulb of garlic – $0.75

*Plan to spend around $10.00

Chunky Guacamole

by Jenna Garcia

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 medium tomatoes, diced
  • 2 shallots, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ jalapeño, seeds removed, diced
  • ⅓ bunch cilantro, chopped finely
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 3 ripe avocados
  • Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend (or salt and pepper,) to taste

Shopping List:

  • 4-5 medium sized tomatoes – $3.50
  • 2 shallots – $1.50
  • 1 bulb of garlic – $0.75
  • 1 jalapeno – $0.99
  • 1 bunch of cilantro – $0.99
  • 1 container of cumin – $1.99
  • 1 lime – $0.39
  • 3 ripe avocados – $2.69
  • Trader Joe’s chile lime seasoning blend – $1.99

*Plan to spend around $15.00

Roasted Red Pepper
Hummus

by Jenna Garcia​

Ingredients:

  • 1 red bell pepper
  • 2 cups garbanzo beans, cooked*
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1-2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper to taste or Trader Joe’s “Everyday Seasoning”
  • Pinch of red chili flakes, optional

Shopping List:

  • 1 red bell pepper – $1.00
  • 2 15 oz cans of garbanzo beans – $2.00
  • 1 lemon – $0.39
  • 1 bulb of garlic – $0.75
  • 10 oz jar of less of tahini – $3.49
  • 16 oz or less olive oil – $5.99
  • 1 container of salt – $1.50
  • 1 container of pepper – $1.50

*Plan to spend around $15.00 – $20.00

Baked Sweet Potato
Fries with "Ranch"

by Jenna Garcia​

Sweet Potato Fries Ingredients:

  • 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt + more for serving
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Vegan Chile Lime “Ranch” Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup vegan mayonnaise
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Trader Joe’s Chile Lime Seasoning Blend
  • 1 tablespoon dried dill
  • Salt to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Shopping List:

  • 3 medium sized sweet potatoes – $2.50
  • 16 oz or less olive oil – $5.99
  • 1 container of salt – $1.50
  • 1 container of pepper – $1.50
  • 1 container of vegan mayo – $3.00
  • 1 lime – $0.39
  • 1 bulb of garlic – $0.75
  • Trader Joe’s chile lime seasoning blend – $1.99
  • 1 container of dried dill – $2.00

*Plan to spend around $20.00

Holiday Appetizer
Board

by Jenna Garcia​

Ingredients:

  • Non-dairy cheese, dips and jams
  • Olives and/or other marinated vegetables
  • Crackers and breads
  • Nuts and dried fruits
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables

Shopping List:

  • Hummus – $2.50
  • Nut cheese – $10.00
  • Marinated vegetables – $6.99
  • Rice crackers – $2.50
  • Vegetable Root Chips – $3.00
  • Fruits and nuts – $4.49
  • Fresh fruits – $5.00

*Plan to spend around $35.00

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Faith Escher

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Faith Escher

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