Kid friendly, vegetarian appetizers with restrictions

14 years ago

Hi folks, in a couple weeks I will be hosting two other families for a Bunco night (there will be 13 of us with the kids ranging in age from 4th grade through 10th grade). There will be several appetizers on each of 3 tables that will be dinner. The family of 5 is vegetarian. My son is allergic to all nuts (tree nuts & peanuts). Peanuts being in the legume family, he is also allergic to all beans (except green beans & wax beans). He is also allergic to soy, shellfish & can only have eggs in small quantities (e.g. in cookies, but not quiche). Hence his main source of protein is meat (& sunflower seed butter). Thought I'd try to come up with a selection just for this meal that meets the above criteria & this is what I came up with so far:

Table 1 - raw veggies & spinach dip, fried calamari (I know these vegetarians eat fish), popcorn

Table 2 - potato skins, spinach balls (has stuffing mix), grapes

Table 3 - veggie taco pizza, tortilla chips with mango salsa, pizza bagels

My thinking was I wanted at least 1 hot thing at each table, also something just to "munch" on (popcorn, grapes, chips) & appealing enough to both kids & adults overall (my daughter isn't a big fan of veggies, so I was trying to make sure there were a couple things at each table she & any "finicky" kids would eat - she will dip celery sticks in the spinach dip & likes potatoes).

With the restrictions listed, do you have any better ideas? Especially table 3 might be too "cheesy" (the veggie taco pizza is with a crescent roll crust spread with a cream cheese sour cream mixture topped with raw/blanched veggies served cold).

Also, if I do make potato skins, can they be made ahead & frozen or do you not recommend it? (I bet there are some frozen ones in the grocery store, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea). I can make some things, but I'd also like some of them to be easy, as I'll be planning dessert too (thinking chocolate fondue & homemade caramel dip with cherry biscotti & brownies that I'll make, along with marshmallows, strawberries, bananas, and if my son has time to make the mini breztel rolls - but maybe that's too much "bread" after the appetizers?) Thanks so much for any feedback!

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Comments (41)

ynnej
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Saying you're a vegetarian who eats fish is like saying you're a vegan who eats eggs. I realize it's not you who's saying it, but man, does that get on my nerves. Moving on- sounds like a great spread, one that would be appreciated by all.
grainlady_ks
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You will find lots of great kid friendly recipes for your particular needs at the Kids a Cookin' web site linked below. I realize it's a site for teaching kids all about food preparation, but the recipes will work for anyone with kids in mind.

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Kids a Cookin'
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I became a vegetarian at age 17. My folks were OK with it, mom had been raised 7th Day Adventist but wasn't really into the vegetarian part much. But she was very familiar with the idea that being vegetarian could be a healthy choice, as her healthy, long lived friends can attest. But I did not expect my mom to cook me special foods. If I wanted something special vegetarian I made it myself. But I was already helping my mom make a significant part of the dinner meals so this was not an issue for me either. Plus mom and I had always been the vegetable enthusiasts in the family, as opposed to my "plain foods" brother and my dad whose four main food groups are carbs, fat, meat and sugar. The biggest pitfall of being vegetarian, in my experience, is going overboard on the carbs, or the dairy with a lot of saturated fat. Modern milk is a weird substance, considering you can get it in a carboard carton on the shelf these days, is a bit scary if you know anything about milk. Flours are quite a refined product and just aren't that good for blood sugar eaten by themselves, so I try to avoid them, even non-wheat versions. I'm not a fanatic about it, but I would caution someone who is embarking on a vegetarian diet to avoid loading your diet with carbs and sugars. Whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables should form the backbone of your diet. I am lucky because soy does not bother me, but some folks, (like my brother) are allergic to it. I love tofu as a sub for dairy or meat in a lot of applications. I like to buy or make baked tofu seasoned with italian or asian flavors. Things have changed so much from when I started, nowdays magazines are full of recipes that are either vegetarian or can be easily adapted. But then I've always liked dishes that are a mix of things. If you're a person who "doesn't do bits" like one of my friends said once, you're going to have a tough time finding a replacement for the slab of meat that is an integral part of how most people eat. I've always been a lover of soups, casseroles, stir frys, stews, salads, etc. and whole grain breads, so for me being vegetarian is easy as pie. It's actually eating a meat-centric diet that is hard on me. But I'm only speaking for myself here. I like nothing better than a thick bowl of split pea soup, a corn muffin and some kale salad for dinner. My dad on the other hand, can scarcely sit near me when I am eating such things, he might catch a glimpse of something green! You are lucky because there are just so many more options available all over the place now, not like when I was starting out in the 70's. I also eat soy based fake meat, sometimes. I don't do well with gluten based products. That's why I could never eat my mom's Seventh Day Adventist fake meats, they are all made with MSG, which gives me an almost instant headache and stomach ache. I've steered clear of seitan and all its cousins ever since, although I occasionally eat some seitan like products. But honestly there's enough variety for me without all the meat substitutes, as I happen to love whole foods of all types. Just occasionally I like to have a tofu dog or veggie burger. BF gives me such a hard time about my "tofu pups!" :) I am quite addicted to Morningstar Farms fake sausage patties though. I eat them several times a week. I'm really surprised that I can find fake italian sausages too, which I occasionally put in soups or stews. Two great reads for new vegetarians are "Diet for a Small Planet" by Francis Moore Lappe, and "Laurel's Kitchen" by Laurel Robertson and Carol Flinders, et. al. Very comprehensive nutrition information. Also great recipes, still "go tos" for me after all these years. Of course I am dating myself, perhaps there are better books, but these two books were very influential in shaping many modern ideas about healthy eating. Of course there is the whole glycemic index issue, "clean eating" and macrobiotic schools of thought out there too. But when it comes to discussing some of the ecological, moral and spiritual aspects of our food system, these two women broke some ground. Lately I have really gotten into thinking about how the microscopic flora and fauna in the soil and in our food and in our bodies affects health, partly because I myself have been experiencing so many immune system issues. My food struggle these days is limiting sugars in my diet, and trying to find ways to access and afford foods raised without pesticides and hormones. But that's a whole other post!! Back when I was just starting out, I subscribed to "Vegetarian Times" which you might want to get for your kids for Christmas. And nowdays there are so many FABULOUS blogs out there, Wish I had time to read them!
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lpinkmountain
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I'm a vegetarian who eats meat and fish. Guess I should call myself a "flexitarian" so as not to get on Ynnej's nerves, lol! :) Just kidding!!

Sounds good to me but I wouldn't do the both the spinach balls or the dip, just pick one. Why not sub something like apple slices with caramel sauce for dipping. I really love that snack! Or fruit salad or fruit ka bobs.

I mean I can't get ENOUGH spinach, but not all people like it! Just my .02, it all sounds DELISH to me!
ynnej
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Lpink, you know I love you :)
lindac
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sorry Backwards Jenny is bent out of shape over what your guests eat or not...I know more than a few people who don't eat meat but do eat fish.

I am wondering how many kids would eat fried calmari? How about fish nuggets instead? 2 bite pieces of fish (cat fish works well) breaded and fried and warmed or kept hot in the oven.

And at table one I think I would change out the spinach dip for maybe a curry dip, or better yet....ranch....all kids love everything "ranch" and it could double as a dip for the fish bites as well.

I don't like the re heated potatoes....why not just make potato wedges instead? Wedge washed russet potatoes, toss in olive oil and season with a bit of garlic salt and some herbs like dill or oregano and bake at 375 until browned.....about 45 minutes. Then leep hot or serve immediately.
Sounds like a fun time for all!
Linda C
ynnej
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What I was trying to say was that vegans know what they're getting when they order vegan food, but vegetarians do not, and that is what I find annoying, not the people. Thanks for the nickname, I feel so special now.
Chi
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I agree with you Jenny. I don't care what people eat, but it does bother me when the vegetarian label gets loosely thrown around because then people start assuming some products are okay. I can't tell you how many times I've been assured a dish is vegetarian at a restaurant only to find out it has fish sauce or anchovies in it after I get it, and being told that they thought fish was okay. It's annoying to have to spend $20 on a plate of pasta that you can't eat because the definition of vegetarian is open to interpretation.

Elba, I think your spread sounds nice. You are sweet for accommodating all your guests!
Teresa_MN
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Chi - you don't actually pay for a dish that has been mislabeled vegetarian - do you?

Jenny - you are special! Backwards or inside out!

Elba1 - you have a challenge ahead of you with that meal! Good luck
User
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Vegetarians who eat fish, that's too funny.

Kids like to graze, they'll move between tables picking out what they like.

There's no meat, isn't that an option, even for your son. How about some sandwich fixings, small rolls and a selection of sliced veggies, cheeses and condiments.

Looks like you've got a lot of prep ahead of you.

Enjoy, sounds like a fun night.
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Hi all, I was at a work conference this evening - great to come home to all this feedback, thanks! I read it all, but didn't check the kids a cookin' link yet - never heard of it, I'll do that next, thanks again!
annie1992
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I agree with Momj47, if your son's primary protein source is meat, it wouldn't hurt to have sandwich options that include meat.

I know some vegetarians, some ovo-lacto vegetarians, some pescatarians and a vegan or two, and although they have their own views about eating meat, they never criticize when someone else does it, so hopefully the vegetarian family wouldn't mind your son having a roast beef sandwich or whatever.

I think your menu sounds good, especially after you add dessert, and have fun. I've heard of bunco, but have no idea what it actually is!

Annie
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Elbal1, like most people have said here, it sounds fantastic and I would also second what others have said, don't hesitate to include something with meat for your son and other meat eaters, just make sure it is clearly labeled and separate from the vegetarian stuff so as not to confuse the kids. As I'm sure you are aware, being the mother of a child with food sensitivities, parents like that are usually used to working with their kids to help them make good food choices at social events.

Sorry to go a little off topic here, but I just want to add for Ynnej that I too love you and your new nickname! ;)

Lpinkmountain, or Lpink as some call me here, or even Pinkie if you want to go way out on a limb! As for myself, I prefer "The Great Pink One." :)
sally2_gw
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Can you explain what a Bunco night is, and also, your recipe for the veggie taco pizza? That sounds intriguing. Now to mention it, the spinach ball recipe, too. Like The Great Pink One, I love all things spinach.

I agree that a fruit plate with more than just grapes would be good. When I go to a party, I head for the veggie and fruit plates. Oh, and the cheese plates as well. Usually that's because there's usually no other options for vegetarians.

What about a desert table? Cookies? Short bread cookies don't have eggs.

Sally
bob_cville
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Instead of the potato skins you could do stuffed mushrooms.

The are relatively easy to make a day or so ahead, and then you merely pop them in the oven for 10 minutes or so and serve them.

Bob's Magical Mushrooms
1 lb white mushrooms
12 oz cream cheese
3 Tbsp butter
1 tsp minced garlic
4 slices of provolone cheese
3 green onions (chopped fine)

Remove stem and cut away the lower half of the mushroom exposing the gills
Soften cream cheese in microwave, mix garlic and green onions into cream cheese.
Melt butter in small dish.
For each mushroom, spoon the cream cheese mixture into the mushroom, then dip the top into the butter, and place in a glass baking pan. Then cover the top of the cream cheese with provolone cheese.
The above amount should fill a 13x9 baking pan.
At this point you can refrigerate overnight.
Preheat oven to 400 deg F
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the provolone is melted and the mushrooms are cooked.
Serve immediately.
dgkritch
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
What about a salmon dip?

This one is quick and easy:

4 oz. smoked salmon (more or less)
Best Foods Mayo
Garlic powder.

Just mix and taste!

If you don't want to buy smoked salmon, you can use canned or fresh cooked and add a drop or two of Liquid Smoke.
Cheese/Meat kabobs (cubes of each on a toothpick). I LOVE veggies, but I'm also a protein freak. Carnivore mainly, but I'm fine with a vegetarian meal as long as there's plenty of protein. Otherwise.....I'm hittin' Burger King on the way home. GRIN!!!! Sounds like a fun night. Deanna
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks all for the additional feedback. Regarding the meat, I thought for this one meal, I would make it a challenge and just skip the meat. We usually have pizza on Fridays, and sometimes my son & I have mushrooms on our half with a salad, and I have occasionally made pasta dishes without meat, so I figured every single dinner doesn't always have to have meat.

Regarding Bunco: it is an easy, fun party dice game (you could say it resembles Yahtzee) and you don't need any experience to play (which also means you can talk a lot while you play!). It comes in a box with everything you need. We typically play with a dozen people; 3 tables of 4 each, although there are instructions on playing with different numbers of people. You also move around a lot to the different tables depending on if you win or lose each round, so you get to play with everyone during the course of the evening. I play monthly with a group of women - we each put in $5 and get $ prizes at the end for the biggest & second biggest winners, most Buncos, last Bunco, and the biggest loser gets their $ back :). The few times I have played with families, either everyone puts in $1 if that's what they want to do, or I just give out little $1 store prizes at the end. It's a little more fun that way. We've also done it with couples, hearty appetizers & wine and really had a blast!
With the women, we play after dinner, and surprisingly, they like little bowls of junk food on the tables - sweet & salty things - Swedish fish, peanut m&m's, honey mustard pretzels, chocolate chex mix, etc. The only rule is there has to be something chocolate on every table!
For this event, since the appetizers will be dinner, I will wait until we are done playing to set out dessert. As mentioned in my first post, I was going to do chocolate fondue & homemade caramel dip with fruit, brownies, cherry biscotti, etc. I didn't want to lose folks with too many details, but the reason I'm not putting fruit out for dinner is there will only be room for a few things at each table while we're rolling the dice, and my husband & daughter have something I now know is called oral allergy syndrome where they are allergic to many raw fruits (& raw carrots, but can eat any of it cooked) and I'm challenging myself to create a spread where everyone can eat everything if they want too (one of the kids coming is also allergic to nuts). Thanks again for the further suggestions - I will definitely copy all the recipes even if I can't use them all that night.

I will pass on the recipes for the veggie taco pizza & spinach balls below when I get back (have to go out for a bit). It's great to have folks to bounce these ideas off with!
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Spinach Balls

1 pkg frozen chopped spinach or broccoli, thawed and well drained
1 cup cooked stuffing mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup melted butter (I just use a couple TBSP, and it comes out fine)
(can add some parmesan cheese to taste)

Combine above and refrigerate a little while so it is easier to shape.
Roll into balls and heat @ 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Makes approx. 27 appetizers.
Can freeze prior to baking.

These are always a big hit. I often double the recipe. Once I didn't have time to shape them into balls for a church potluck, so I put the mixture into a casserole dish & heated it that way. Folks spooned it out as a side dish & like it just as much.
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
There are actually 2 different recipe variations - one is "veggie pizza" and the other is "cool taco pizza," I was going to see what I felt like doing at the time.
For either, you start with a pkg of Pillsbury Crescent Roll Dough (or now they have the rectangle version) - roll it out on a baking stone or pan & heat @375 degrees for approx 10 min. until done.

For the veggie pizza, combine an 8 oz pkg cream cheese, 1/2 cup mayo or sour cream & 1/2 pkg ranch dressing mix & spread over cooled crust. Top with diced raw veggies (e.g. broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, yellow peppers, scallions) and grated cheddar cheese.

For the cool taco pizza, combine an 8 oz pkg cream cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream & 1/2 pkg dry taco seasoning mix & spread over cooled crust. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato, scallions & grated cheddar cheese.
Chi
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
That sounds really good. What brand of stuffing mix do you use? I know that Stove Top uses chicken broth even in the cornbread/herb versions in their mix, so I wanted to mention something in case you were planning to offer that to the vegetarians. If they aren't strict they might not care but it's one of those hidden things. :)
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Elba1 I can totally relate to loving a cooking challenge. When I have vegans coming over I like to come up with a menu that everyone likes, or for someone like my brother, who has food sensitivities, or my friends kids who don't like veggies, etc. I enjoy the challenge, I find it creative and fun. I also want to say that I really commend you for your positive attitude dealing with all those food issues in your family. I have some friends with some of these same issues. I know how rough it is myself, since I have developed some food issues in my older years, after having what seemed like an iron constitution in my youth. Because of interstitial cystitis, I am not supposed to eat most fruits, although I still do somewhat, since they are one of my favorite foods. Luckily they don't affect me as much as they do your family!
annie1992
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
elba, I make that veggie poizzza for nearly every family party, I think. Both my girls love it and I usually use cauliflower, broccoli, celery, either carrots or red peppers for color and chopped scallions for a bit of "bite". It's also easy to take the chopped vegetables and make a pattern, I did a christmas tree once with broccoli for the tree, cauliflower for the background and little stars cut out of red and yellow peppers to decorate the tree. Yeah, I know, I'm a little nuts, LOL.

Oral allergy syndrome? I'm going to look that up. Fortunately, the only food "issue" I have is that pomegranate makes my mouth really sore. Two hours later, it's fine, very odd. Too much fresh pineapple will do the same thing. Oddly enough, it's only fruit that gives me any trouble.

so, enjoy your bunco and enjoy your cooking challenge. I'd spend the whole night waiting for that biscotti!

Annie
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oh rats - never thought about chicken broth in the stuffing mix - I'm used to looking for hidden nuts on labels, but not hidden meat - back to the drawing board on that one! (I just made a triple batch yesterday & froze it, half to bring to a party today, half I was going to use then.)

The Great Pink One - you might be giving me too much credit. I thought it would be the right thing to do - "creative & fun" might be pushing it a bit especially since I now can't use those spinach balls lol! Even the family food issues can get a bit frustrating since I love and can eat practically anything (I'm not a fan of liver & some strong cheeses, but that's about it). However what can you do - my son's nut allergy is life threatening & we have had to use the epi-pen a couple times when he was younger, so we are all very careful about that.

Annie, fun ideas for that veggie pizza! Pineapple is how it started with my daughter - she used to love it, but now her mouth feels funny if she is even too close to it - the same thing happened with kiwi, which she also used to like. Interestingly, I think my husband might be ok with those. His started with apples & pears, then he was disappointed that it extended to peaches, cantaloupe, etc. (but my daughter can eat cantaloupe). Citrus, berries, grapes & bananas that aren't too ripe are the only ones they can both eat raw (she can eat mangoes too). To be honest, at first I thought my husband just didn't want to eat fruit - I try to eat healthy & he takes after his mom who is not a big fan of fruit & vegetables, but he could still eat the apples if I made applesauce or a pie - sounded fishy to me! When my son was diagnosed, the allergist had me sign up for FAN (Food Allergy Network) that publishes a newsletter. I don't get it anymore, but it was helpful at first for things I wouldn't have thought of (like hidden nuts in a veggie burger or cross contamination with an ice cream scoop at a shoppe even when you pick an ice cream without nuts, etc.) There was an article about oral allergy syndrome and how the pectin in certain raw fruit can make people's throat start to tighten up, etc. and how cooking it denatures that or something so it is not a problem. My daughter said some of her friends' moms don't believe her when she says she can't eat an apple, etc. It's hard to understand if you are not educated or don't have a family member with the problem - I guess that can be said for lots of things!
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oops, I meant to say "pollen" not "pectin" in the above post about oral allergy syndrome.
Chi
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Sorry! If you don't have a mix without the chicken in it (there are some that are just the bread), I would still make them and just make sure they know there might be chicken broth in it, as it seems like there are plenty of other people who can still eat them. If they eat fish, they might not be as strict about things like broth. Trust me, vegetarians are used to having a few dishes they can't eat at a party, and it's really not a big deal. I'd hate to see you waste your idea as they sound good!
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Thanks, chi. We will be seeing the family at a party this afternoon, and my husband's job is to see if they eat the spinach balls :). Just kidding, he said he will ask the dad, so that way we know as I have been bringing them to their house the past few years, not thinking of the chicken broth (I do use Stove Top). Never noticed if they actually ate them, since they are always gone, someone does!
sally2_gw
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Elba, thanks for the recipes. I never would have thought of making balls of spinach, but I like the idea and they sound good.

You certainly have a challenge ahead of you, but I like your style. Challenges can make it interesting. You are so considerate of your guests. That party sounds like loads of fun!

Sally
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
You're welcome Sally. The spinach balls are really good - just brought an empty plate back home. Husband didn't get to ask the vegetarian if the chicken broth is a deal breaker. I'll play it by ear; if I'm inspired to make a replacement I will, if not, everything else will definitely be meat free!
lpinkmountain
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Elba1 I know totally what you mean about that fruit thing. I have a friend whose mom has that syndrome and I first heard about it when I was doing a preschool program with apple snacks and she warned me that some kids might not be able to eat the apples. I couln't hardly believe it, since apples are such a ubiquitous food. How common is that kind of thing I wondered? It was certainly the first time I had run into it. Then I met her mom and she said yes, she couldn't eat apples, her lips burned and swelled up if she even touched apples to them. Now I have IC and can't eat apples either, due to the acid, except I can eat gala, fuji and pink lady apples. Thankfully I am not that senstive, I cheat all the time with fruit. My worst offenders are green tea, diet soda, and alcohol, particularly wine.

Here's a recipe you might add to your repertoire, it is a pretty popular appetizer around here, it came from my friend Sherry, known here as Sheshebop!

Spinach Brownies
1 package (10 oz.) frozen shopped spinach, thawed
16 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1 cup flour
2 eggs beaten
4 TBLSP melted butter
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 8x12 pan with cooking spray. Drain spinach in a colander and squeeze out excess moisture. Combine cheese, spinach and onion in a large bowl. Mix eggs, butter, and milk in anothe bowl and add to the spinach mixture. Mix together salt, baking powder and flour and add to spinach mixture. Pour into the pan and bake 30-35 minutes. You can also make these in mini-muffin tins. Makes about 42. Bake in the muffin tins for 18-20 min.
jessyf
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I make a batch and keep spinach balls in the freezer, they are a great instant veggie side at dinner.
sheilajoyce_gw
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Dips and kids equals a messy floor and furniture, so try to be sure that the dips won't stain. I would worry about the chocolate.
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
LPink, I don't know how common the fruit allergy is, but I bet it is becoming more common like everything else. Before my son was born in 1995, I didn't know anyone with a nut allergy, now there are so many people. Same thing with juvenile diabetes - I knew one kid growing up, that was it, now we have more than one friend & a relative dealing with it. Thanks for the Spinach Brownies recipe - I will have to try that!
jessyf, funny how I have only used the spinach balls as an appetizer for guests.
Sheilajoyce, I'll keep that in mind, thanks.
centralcacyclist
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I like the Spinach Brownies. I make them with sharp or extra sharp cheddar and I add minced garlic and some dried oregano and basil.

Eileen
Bizzo
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Lpink! I was going to hunt down Sherry's Spinach Brownies recipe.. little bites! I'd vote for them over the spinach balls!
annie1992
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I also love Sherry's Spinach Brownies. Elery eats them for breakfast with toast, they're yummy and they refrigerate and reheat very well.

Annie
lalithar
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Elba,

My family is vegetarian and I make this appetizer for kids (lot of our friends are vegetarian also). I like it as it is a good protein option. You can also make ahead and warm up in oven before serving. Serve as is or with mini toothpicks. Can also use kabab sticks (like a satay). I usually also add some cherry tomatoes and bell peppers to make it look nice and get some veggies in. Also works well for mini wraps with lavash or tortillas. Size up as you wish.

Glazed Tofu/ paneer

Ingredients:
2 cups cubed paneer (indian grilling cheese)or super firm tofu. Rinsed and patted dry. Cubed into 1 inch cubes.. You can also make them longer (about 3 inch long by 1 inch thick) if you are planning to serve it like a satay on a kabab stick.

1 bell pepper (cut into large chunks like for a kabab)
1 large onion (large chunks like for a kabab). Red onions or shallots work well here.
a cup of cherry tomatoes (optional to make it look pretty)
1 tsp ginger garlic paste (use freshly ground paste if possible)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp ketchup
3 tbsp oil
1/2 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch + 3tbsp water (make a smooth paste)
Salt to taste
scallions (1 bunch)

For the Marinade:
5tbsp corn starch
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
1 tsp minced garlic
a pinch of cayenne or paprika for a bit of bite (optional). You can experiment with other flavorings here as well.
A pinch of salt
Water

Make a thick-ish paste with the ingredients for marinade. Add water after soy sauce to make sure the marinade is not too thin. Dunk the paneer/ tofu pieces in and let them soak in the marinade. It will be instant love, I promise. I let it marinate for about and hour with occasional gentle mixing to get the tofu or paneer to be evenly coated. In a wide pan/ griddle,heat the oil and shallow fry the paneer/ tofu pieces turning them over to evenly brown all sides. Remove to a plate with some paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

In the same pan on high heat, stir fry the bell peppers and then the onion (separately) till tender crisp. They should not get limp. Season with a pich of salt. Some charring on corners due to high heat is a good thing. Remove to a plate.

In the same pan on high heat, add the soy sauce, ginger garlic paste, sugar and tomato paste. If you choose, you can add other seaStir-fry on high for about 30 seconds until well blended and turn the flame to low. Now add paneer/ tofu cubes and give it a good toss. Add the corn flour paste to make a smooth glaze.. stir as you add this to prevent lumping. Cook 3-4 mins to thicken the glaze. Add the bell peppers and onions and give it all a good toss. Turn off heat. Sprinkle scallions slices for garnish. You can either serve it on a plate or use tooth picks or kabab sticks to make individual finger food. Also works as a stuffing in mini pitas or rolled in a lavash or even as a lettuce wrap. Whole cherry tomatoes (do not cook) can be added here to give a visual punch and a fresh taste.

This dish is very flexible.. Just the marinated and pan fried tofu/ paneer is yummy as a hors d'ouevre. I always save some for DD and some of the younger kids. You can actually stop right there. The glaze is gorgeous to look at. Feel free to dress up the marinade or the glaze with other spices (cayenne, minced chilli, hot sauce, any jerk seasoning you mightg have etc.) You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top if you want an added crunch. If you find any fresh small red radishes, they really dress up the dish (either finely mince and sprinkle on top or slice and add it to your kabab arrangement).

Other veggie appetizer options I make are cilantro lime hummus with pita triangles, tortilla chips, or toasted bread. Warm garbanzo, channa dal or edamame salad is wonderful as well. Mini veggie sushi, ravioli on toothpicks, mini quesedillas. I will check back to see if you need any more recipes. Now I have to look into this whole bunco party thing.. It sounds like fun.. I like the 3-4 tables thing.
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Lalitha, thanks a lot! I was definitely still looking for something to replace the spinach balls. I think I've heard of paneer - will have to look for it (my son is allergic to beans & soy, so I can't use the tofu, hummus, garbanzo or edamame. Funny you mentioned ravioli, I was just thinking of fried ravioli since that would be a finger food. (I've never done that before, but bought some refrigerated ravioli today and was going to give it a try.) I still have a week. Those are all good ideas!
blueiris24
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oh, I'm going to try that spinach ball recipe! Sounds yummy. Family bunco night should be great fun.
To add to the "off topic" discussion - I eat no red meat, but I do eat a little poultry and I eat seafood -- and it's the people in restaurants and new people I meet who consider me a "vegetarian" - not what I consider myself!
lbpod
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
'Dragnet' used to have a bunco squad.
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
If anyone was interested in a follow up, the family Bunco party was last night and it was really, really fun! On table 1 I had the raw vegggies & spinach dip, pizza bagels from one of the families, and popcorn. Table 2 had the fried calamari, nacho potato wedges, grapes, and the other family brought spinach squares (which must be like spinach brownies - they were so different from the dip it was not a problem to have both). Table 3 had tortilla chips & salsa, veggie taco pizza & fried ravioli - all of which was a big hit. For dessert we had brownies, cherry biscotti, cookies, chocolate fondue & caramel dip with strawberries, marshmallows & pretzels. There was so much stuff, no one wanted apples or bananas, so I didn't cut those up at the last minute. Thanks once more for all the feedback I received on this thread!
annie1992
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Oh yum, it sounds like a delicious party, I'd have spent all my time snacking and not nearly enough time thinking about bunco, LOL.

Annie
elba1
Original Author
14 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
Annie, you're right - luckily Bunco doesn't require much thinking :)!

Kid friendly, vegetarian appetizers with restrictions

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