This Party Season, Don't Forget the Vegans
Plus Vegan Smoked Salmon Terrines
Party season is upon us, and as you can probably imagine, I couldn’t be happier. However I am not without trepidation, dear reader! Somehow when it comes to options at the festive buffet table, vegans still seem to get left out in the cold. Vegan friends, raise your hand if you’ve ever found yourself all dressed up at the holiday party with only bland homemade hummus and celery sticks for sustenance 🖐.
But it’s 2024, which means it’s time we fixed this!
Today’s newsletter is all about the new stars of vegan party food in 2024. Whether you’re vegan or not, I’m gonna give you some cracking treats to share with all the vegan, vegetarian and plant-curious folks in your life. I’ve got 10 game-changing recipes that will change your holiday spread forever, including a brand new Vegan Smoked Salmon Terrines recipe for all paid subscribers.
If you want this exclusive recipe, or perhaps you just fancy helping me to keep School Night Vegan going, you can upgrade to a paid membership for just a few bucks. My blog and this newsletter only exist because of your support, so thank you thank you for all your support. You’re amazing! 🥰
OK, let’s get this party going!
Your 2024 Vegan Party Spread
Vegan Buffalo Tofu Fries
Kicking things off with… well... a kick! These spicy little fellas are the hot option you bring out half-way through the party and just watch as everyone gathers around. They’re a pretty unique combo of crispy, breadcrumbed tofu fries tossed in my delicious, vegan buffalo sauce - plus they’re made in the air fryer so they’re super quick. Top with homemade vegan ranch, chives and crispy onions and you’ve got a party animal on your hands!
Vegan Pigs in Blankets
These are a big thing here in the UK - little sausages wrapped in bacon - but obviously these ones are vegan. In the US it seems like pigs in blankets are sausages wrapped in puff pastry (which is what we call a sausage roll) - it’s all very confusing. But just know this. These will put a smile on everyone’s face. The homemade bacon is a combo of marinated aubergine and rice paper, for that super crispy bacon vibe. They even bubble and crackle like real bacon!
Vegan Panko Shrimp
This recipe has been a winner at my holiday gatherings for years now! They’ve got a spicy little kick and you don’t need any store-bought vegan shrimp, which can be quite difficult to come by! Be sure to pair with a sweet chilli dipping sauce!
Vegan Tiramisu Cupcakes
Our first sweet option! Everyone’s favourite dessert but in easy to eat cupcake form! They’re impressive to look at, and because they’re cupcakes, it’s much easier to put an entire cake in your mouth when nobody’s looking, which is always a win!
Crispy Air Fryer Gnocchi
Another big win for anyone who got an air fryer this year! These guys are quick to whip up and SO so crispy. You don’t need to pre-cook the gnocchi - just open the pack, season and air fry to crispy perfection! They’re best served with cocktail sticks and a bowl of marinara sauce for dunkin’!
Gochujang Smashed Potato Salad
dWe needed a potato salad recipe, obvs, but I wanted to do something outside the box. This one is made from crispy, smashed potatoes, tossed in the most deliciously spicy, tangy, gochujangy dressing. If you served me this at your party, I’d cry and refuse to leave. Is that a good thing? You decide!
Air Fryer Tofu Nuggets
Keeping things classic and crispy with this chicken nuggie vibe! The hardest part of this recipe is choosing a sauce to dunk! You could try my Gochujang Mayonnaise, my Vegan Sour Cream or maybe even my Ultimate Vegan Burger Sauce!
Vegan Christmas Cookies
These guys just make me so happy every time I make them. Last year I even punch holes in the top and made some into Christmas decorations (which admittedly didn’t last very long because I have an impulse control issue). The little tree design is enough to make you sing a little carol in delight.
Vegan Blinis
Truly versatile! A party staple! Top with anything you like! The obvious choice being vegan salmon with vegan cream cheese (and don’t forget the capers and dill!). They’re not too sweet or salty so can even be used for dessert blinis (custard and apricot??). The world’s your blini, so go wild!
Vegan Smoked Salmon Terrines
And speaking of vegan salmon - here’s our exclusive subscriber recipe! These Vegan Smoked Salmon Terrines are bursting with smoky, zesty flavour and are packed with a creamy, herby filling. They make a wonderful starter for a sit-down dinner party OR they make a wonderful cheesy option as part of a vegan grazing board!
As a big festive thank you to my paid subscribers, this recipe is down at the bottom of this newsletter. I’ve also included a printable, downloadable PDF version, so you don’t have to come back to Substack when you wanna make it! If you want this recipe, you can upgrade to paid right here 🥰
And that’s it! Whatever you’re up to this week, I hope it’s full of great food, loving people and loads of joy!
Big love to you all until next week!
Richard xxx
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