2.06.2008

a superbowl spread

I never really watch the Superbowl, but I've never missed one. That is, every year, I end up in a room with people who are watching it, sometimes even voluntarily. I'm not a big football fan, but I always seem to be surrounded by people who are. My father, for example, my brothers, my friends and now my roommate, who is a HUGE Patriots fan. So when roommate Mish suggested a superbowl party - what's more, an all-girl, potluck (snacks) superbowl party - I could not refuse!

Here's what we provided:
All vegan! What guests brought (not pictured): ice cream (vegan [thanks S!] and diary), vegan lentil koftas (thanks Lo!), a fruit plate, hummus, dried lychees and candied ginger. (Also not pictured: Mish's famous non-vegan pizza.)

We had chips of all kinds (corn chips, all-natural triscuit equivalent [Quilts!], Mish's amazing homemade pita chips), so we needed some dip to go with it. Hummus and salsa are standard, of course, but we also had Veganomicon's Curried Carrot Dip:
I was worried "Curried Carrot Dip" would sound a little too foodie/vegan for our guests, but everyone dug right in. This was a big hit! and since I am obsessed with carrots, of course I loved it. I used some of the leftovers for a tasty sandwich spread earlier this week.

Mish has a super-decadent, VERY not-vegan Williams-Sonoma Dessert Cookbook, in which every recipe calls for approximately 5 cups of butter and 10 eggs. She kindly veganized (earth balance and flax seeds - hooray!) the chocolate chocolate chip recipe:
("I really did it just so I could be on your blog," she joked.) I ate four that day.

And because one dessert is not enough: pineapple right-side-up cupcakes from vegan cupcakes take over the world!
I used almost entirely whole wheat flour for this recipe, and the pineapple I used didn't have a lot of juice in the can, so the cupcakes came out pretty squat and dense:
But needless to say, they were delicious.

I even used what was left in the blender after making the recipe to make a little pineapple-soyyogurt smoothie!

Finally, I will actually post a recipe for you. I am a big fan of Cracker Jack, but not a big fan of high fructose corn syrup or all the pesticides involved in producing non-organic peanuts. So I have come up with a solution to this problem:
Cracker Jack-y Popcorn
(makes a pretty big bowl)

For the Popcorn:
1/2 C popcorn kernels
1 Tbsp olive oil

For the Topping:
3 Tbsp peanut oil
1/3-1/2 Cup Molasses, depending on how much of a molasses fan you are.
1/4 Cup agave (or sugar)

Optional:
1/2 cup Shelled Peanuts

Heat the oil and popcorn kernels in a large (6-quart) pan over medium heat, partially covered. Once the kernels start to pop (1-2 minutes later), cover all the way and shake continuously until most of the popping stops. Remove from heat, keep covered until all popping stops. This whole process takes maybe 5 minutes.

Now make the topping! In a small pan, combine all topping ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Stir for about 30 seconds after it has reached a boil, then remove from heat. Pour over popcorn and mix well! Add optional peanuts now if you so desire, then let it cool for a few minutes before serving, stirring occasionally.
I am off to New York City for a work meeting thing this weekend - I'm going to try to hit up as many vegan restaurants as I can. Wish me luck!

11 comments:

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Thanks for the cracker jack-y recipe! I used to be addicted to the stuff, but it's so processed that I'd rather make it myself. =) Looks so good. *bookmarks*

Rural Vegan said... Best Blogger Tips

Now that's my idea of a superbowl party!

Virginie said... Best Blogger Tips

A fine and healthy idea to cover pop-corns. thanks.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the popcorn! For vegan pizza & brownies you should try Pizza Fusion. Then you can have a vegan pizza party too!

Ashasarala said... Best Blogger Tips

I hate watching sports, football the most. But when there is an excuse to have a party, why not!

The spread looks great. I'd be gobbling everything up, myself.

And I just had to laugh at the '5 cups of butter and 10 eggs' bit. Aren't they all just that way!Especially vegetarian cookbooks. They might as well change 'vegetarian' to 'cheese-atarian'!

jd said... Best Blogger Tips

I love the soy-smoothie! And believe it or not, my grandma actually has those exact same teacups!

Have a wonderful time in NYC! Enjoy the yummy food, & don't forget to report back about it on your blog :)

ChocolateCoveredVegan said... Best Blogger Tips

Wow, I bet that spread would make even the biggest football-hater a Superbowl fan!

Have fun in New York, you lucky girl!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

The cookies made it on there!!! Yay!!!

Liz Ranger (Bubble Tea for Dinner) said... Best Blogger Tips

good luck in new york! I admit I usually mentally pass over the pineapple cupcakes, but those look absolutely scrum, no more mental ignoration now! also, molasses + popcorn = lovvvvvve

LizNoVeggieGirl said... Best Blogger Tips

that cracker jack-y recipe is too fun!! love it!! have a WONDERFUL time in NY!

Vegan_Noodle said... Best Blogger Tips

So cool that your friend veganized a cookie recipe... and made it on your blog!
And the popcorn sounds like a great snack.
Can't wait to hear about all the vegan food in NYC!!