You'll need:

· 15 oz firm tofu, drained and pressed lightly
· 3 slices of day-old sourdough bread OR one cup of breadcrumbs of choice
· 1 handful of fresh sage leaves
· 1/2 tsp each thyme, garlic powder, fennel seeds, rosemary, nutmeg
· salt and pepper to taste
· 2/3 cup cornstarch
· 2/3 cup plant-based milk of choice
· 1-2 cups sunflower oil or your preferred oil for shallow frying

Instructions:

1. Pat out the excess moisture in the tofu and cut it into 12 even square pieces. In a blender or food processor, combine the sage, bread pieces, and spices. Pulse until you get an even breadcrumb. Season this mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Put the breadcrumbs in a large shallow dish, put the cornstarch in a similar dish, and the milk in a bowl. This is your breading station.

2. Using one hand for the wet ingredients and one for the dry, first coat each piece of tofu in cornstarch. Then dunk it quickly in the plant-based milk, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. When each piece is coated to your liking, set it to the side.

3. Put a skillet on medium heat and add the oil. You want the oil to be about 1/2 inch deep in the skillet. Wait until the oil is hot enough to shallow fry (to test when your oil is hot enough, put a tester piece of tofu in the oil — if it sizzles upon contact, the oil is ready).

4. Use tongs to place 4-5 pieces of tofu in the skillet at a time. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Remove the tofu with your tongs and place the pieces on a paper towel-lined baking sheet or dish to drain any excess oil.

Recipe and image courtesy of Justine Doiron

You'll need:

· 1 cup small frozen peas, thawed and drained
· 1/4-1/2 cup nutritional yeast, plus a little extra for garnish (or grated parmesan cheese for non-vegans)
· 1/2 cup packed fresh mint leaves
· 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
· olive oil
· 3 cloves garlic, peeled
· Juice of 1 lemon
· 1 baguette or bread of your choice

Instructions:

1. In a small food processor, combine peas, nutritional yeast (or parmesan), mint, basil, lemon juice, and 2 cloves of garlic, and blend. Slowly stream olive oil into the food processor while blending, until the mixture is combined. Spoon it into a small mixing bowl and season with salt and pepper.

2. Preheat the broiler to 450°F. Slice the baguette at an angle into slices no thicker than 1 inch.

3. In a small saucepan, on low to medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter and add the remaining garlic, finely chopped. Cook just until the garlic is fragrant, and transfer to a small bowl. Brush the crostini with butter garlic mixture on both sides. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place crostini on the baking sheet, and broil just until golden brown, turning once.

4. Once the crostini are golden brown, remove them from the oven and top with pea pesto, sprinkle with nutritional yeast, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh cracked pepper if desired.

Recipe and image courtesy of Wozz Kitchen Creations

You'll need:

· 10 Medjool dates
· 2-3 tbsp vegan cream cheese
· 10 pecan nuts, toasted
· 1 sundried tomato, finely diced
· 2-3 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions:

Cut the dates open lengthwise and remove the pits. Arrange them in a single layer on a large plate.

In a small bowl, mix vegan cream cheese with sundried tomatoes and chopped basil until well combined.

Using a teaspoon, fill all dates with the savory cream cheese mixture. Stuff a pecan nut into the creamy filling for a pretty finish. Refrigerate the stuffed dates for an hour before serving.

*Notes
You could also use unsweetened vegan yogurt or vegan ricotta instead of cream cheese.
Feel free to use any herbs of your choice instead of basil.

Recipe and image courtesy of Nutriciously

You'll need:

· 16 oz frozen edamame in pods
· 1/4 cup water
· 1/2 tsp arrowroot starch
· 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
· 2 cloves garlic, finely minced or grated
· 1 tablespoon finely minced or grated fresh ginger
· 1/2-1 tsp red pepper flakes
· 1 and 1/2 tablespoons tamari (ensure gluten-free as needed)
· 1 tablespoon maple syrup
· 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the edamame according to package instructions — microwaving (covered), steaming, or boiling all work equally well. We boiled our edamame in 3 quarts of salted water for about 8 minutes, drained, and set aside.

2. While the edamame cooks, combine the water and arrowroot starch in a small mixing bowl or measuring cup. Whisk until the starch is dissolved. Set aside.

3. Melt the coconut oil in a large-rimmed stainless steel or non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly sizzling, but be careful not to let the garlic burn or it can become bitter. Add the tamari and maple syrup and stir to evenly combine, then add the arrowroot/water slurry. Up the heat to bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thick and sticky.

4. Remove from heat, add in the edamame, and stir to combine. Finish with the toasted sesame oil (optional), toss, and enjoy.

Recipe and image courtesy of Minimalist Baker

You'll need:

· 2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/4 inch thick 'fries'
· 1 tablespoon oil of choice
· salt and pepper to taste
· 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese for non-vegans, or 1/4 to 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast for vegans

Instructions:

Gently toss the carrot fries in the oil, salt, and pepper, sprinkle on the yeast (or parmesan), and mix to coat before spreading them in a single layer on a silicon mat or parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Roast in a preheated 425°F oven until tender and lightly charred, about 16-20 minutes, mixing halfway through.

*Note
"I use a mandolin to easily slice the carrots into fries. Serve with chipotle mayo (1/2 cup mayo, vegan or regular, and 1-2 chipotle chilies in adobe pureed in a food processor with an optional splash of lime juice)." — or a vegan dip of your choice.

Recipe and image courtesy of Closet Cooking