Thursday, September 9, 2010

Finger Food

I had to test a few recipes from the appetizer section of my cookbook project this week. Since I wasn't planning on throwing any fancy parties, I made the appys as my main course. Inspired by Tasha's (of Voracious Vegan) famous "snack plates," I put together a fork-free lunch that was perfect for nibblin' on while I caught up on some deadlines at the office.

One such nibble were these Sweet Tater "Sausage" Balls:

My mom used to make sausage balls with Bisquick, meat sausage, and cheddar cheese. They were always a hit at potlucks and parties. But mine are pretty darn tasty too, and they're Bisquick-free, cheese-free, and meat sausage-free. Instead I use vegan sausage and mashed sweet taters. The potatoes make these really soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Though the sausage balls taste yummy on their own, I'll include this Spicy Cheezy Sauce as a suggested dip in the cookbook:

I had six of the sausage balls with dip, alongside this colorful plate of veggie sticks with my Garlicky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus:

There's carrots, celery, cucumber, zucchini, and red and green bell pepper — a cornucopia of fresh veggies to act as the middle man between the hummus bowl and my big mouth. I love eating with my hands!

15 comments:

Erin said...

Oh man, those sausage balls sound good! I've made balls a few times from gimme lean, flour and fyh cheddar, with a spicy dipping sauce. Nom nom!

Anonymous said...

I've never seen this dish. It must be delicious

The Health Sensei said...

black-eyed pea hummus for the win...daaaammmnnn!!!

Vegan In The VI said...

Food in ball form is the best.

The Kuntrageous Vegan said...

I have definitely made vegan sausage balls! That's one of those things that I miss around the holidays...Daiya and Soysage make life easier :)

Helen said...

Bianca, you just reminded me it's time for another appetizer dinner. It's a fun change from regular old dinner. And you know what? I will be attempting your sweet potato balls as one of the appetizers (even though we have to wait for the recipe). I'll have to get the bf to fry them though. I am a terrible fryer. :)

shauna said...

oh those look so good! Going to have to try those. And im glad im not the only one that makes hummus with black-eyed peas!

Jessica said...

My mom makes the same sausage balls you described. I have thought about trying them with fake sausage but never did it. Your sweet tater version sounds much tastier.

Ali - YumVeggieBurger said...

those look so good, I wish I could eat them right now!

DionneRobertson said...

I think sausage must be a Memphis (or Southern) thing. My Mumm used to make them all the time. We'd have them for dinner (probably why I used to be twice my current weight LOL). I can't wait to see the recipe for these!
I am seriously addicted to hummus.

Amey said...

mmmm, sausage balls!!!! those look so good. Also, appetizers for dinner is always fun. :)

dreaminitvegan said...

I've never heard of anything like this before but who doesn't like finger foods. My son would love these! Sometimes I think he is a cave boy the way he eats. lol!

jodye @ 'scend food said...

My boyfriend has been asking repeatedly for some good sausage, so I look forward to finding out this recipe! It sounds great, especially with sweet potato!

TB said...

Yum, this looks so awesome! Will keep my eyes peeled for your book, for sure :)

Cassie - Vegan Fox said...

I want those! Man, lady, I'm super excited about your cookbook.