Vegan S'mores Snowflake Party!

I love that magical time between Christmas and New Years Eve. I'm off work. Most of my friends are off work. I've got almost zero responsibilities. I can eat noodles all day, watch Netflix all night, go to parties on week nights, drink every day (in moderation, of course!). Of course those days are long gone now. But I most certainly got the most out of my holiday staycation.

On December 28th — just after Christmas and right before NYE — my friends Melissa and Anthony had a Vegan S'mores Snowflake Party at their house. The plan was to make s'mores, enjoy some spiked hot cocoa, and sit around a fire in their backyard. But when you get a group of vegans together, you know there's going to be a huge emphasis on food. Everyone brought a snack to share, and Melissa and Anthony went all out!

Here's a spread of chips and crudites with jalapeno-lime almond dip, kale pesto hummus, and salsa.

I made White Bean & Sundried Tomato Pate from Nava Atlas' Vegan Holiday Kitchen. Served with Sprouts whole grain flatbreads.

Melissa even made a Vegan Hot Dog Bar! She roasted hot dogs in the air fryer. We discussed roasting them in the fire, but a few people thought veggie dogs didn't do well in direct heat (I've always had pretty good luck with that though). She sat out pickled cabbage and fried onions (for IKEA-inspired dogs), plus relish and all the condiments. And she made tots!

Here's my hot dog and tot plate.

Jennifer brought Meyer Lemon Bars (yum!).

Anthony made Hot Cocoa, which we spiked with peppermint vodka and topped with Dandies. It was a VERY cold night, so this was much-needed.

I found the PERFECT beer — Shiner S'more!! This chocolate stout had a hint of graham and marshmallow flavors.

After we filled up inside, we went out back to sit by the fire and make s'mores. It was dark out, so my s'more pic was terrible. But here's a pic of host Melissa (and one of her friends whose name I cannot recall) roasting her marshmallows.

Here's Emily and Brandy!

Simon and Jennifer!

And me and Megan and Pam all snuggled up for warmth!