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How to Make Vegan Tostones with Two Dipping Sauces

December 14, 2012 5

by Teresa. 

This recipe is sure to hit the spot and transport you to the warm isles of the Caribbean – especially on a cold winter night. Tostones are served in restaurants around the world, but they are so easy to make at home. I find these to be a great comforting side dish or appetizer. Read on to get started.

What you will need for the Tostones: 

  • 2 green plantains (they should be green, not yellow – the yellow ones are too sweet)
  • Oil for frying
  • Salt to taste 


Step 1:
Preheat the oil on high heat.

Step 2:
Peel the plantains and slice them into 1 ½ inch pieces. The peel is very tough and can be difficult to remove. It is a lot easier to peel them if you drop them in boiling water for 30 seconds or so.

Step 3:
Drain them, and while they are hot, smash them. You can use a tostonera, a traditional wooden Puerto Rican smashing tool, or you can just use the bottom of a heavy drinking glass. Spray the glass with non-stick spray for easier release.

Step 4:
Heat the oil on high and fry again until golden brown.  Some people dip the plantains in water just before the second fry, but either way has a nice result.
 
Step 5:
Drain on paper towels, salt, and serve immediately with dipping sauces.

To me, tostones always taste better with dipping sauces. One of my favorite sauces is the Chimichurri sauce, which is traditionally served alongside flank steaks and brisket. I find that the vinegar and the fresh herbs make a really nice contrast with the hot and salty crispiness of the plantains.
What you will need for the Chimichurri dipping sauce:

  •  1/4 cup chopped parsley
  •  1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  •  2 cloves minced garlic
  •  1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or your favorite vinegar)
  •  2 tbsp minced red onion (optional)

Mojo sauce is traditionally served with plantains. It is very easy to do, and you can flavor it with other ingredients. I like to add cilantro to mine. This dipping sauce adds a nice cool and creamy contrast to the hot, crispy plantains.
What you will need for the Mojo dipping sauce: 
  •  1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
  •  2-3 tbsp ketchup
  •  1 clove minced garlic 
  •  1 tbsp chopped cilantro (optional)

This is one of my favorites, so I’ll hope you’ll try them. For photos and fun background stories about tostones and the 21 Days of Going Vegan Project, please visit my blog!
** Note from Sweet Greens: You can see all of Teresa’s vegan recipes here.

All photos by Teresa © mtk 2011-2012.

How to Bake Vegan Gingerbread Men Cookies for the Holidays

December 14, 2012 3

If there is one cookie that always makes me think of the holidays, it is gingerbread men. Whether you pair these festive cookies with a large glass of soy milk or use them to decorate your holiday tree — they just scream “the holidays are here!” They evoke visions of the fun the holidays bring and they make your house smell wonderfully inviting too!

Last night, I spent the evening with my family baking vegan gingerbread men. These little guys may be vegan, but they pack the same deliciousness as their non-vegan counterpart. Jump over to Inhabitots to learn how to make my easy vegan gingerbread men and indulge in the kid-favorite holiday tradition of biting into these cute little cookies.

Last Minute Holiday Gift Idea: Succulent Gardens

December 14, 2012 5

Hello, Friends! Can you believe the holidays are upon us already! I have officially finished all of my gift shopping and diy projects! Now, I am ready to sit back and enjoy the rest of the holiday season. Have you finished getting your holiday gifts together? If you are looking for a quick, simple, and perfect last minute gift to give someone special – why not a succulent?

I adore succulents and will be giving them as gifts this holiday season. Watch for a great children’s diy project at Inhabitots next week! And would beam from ear to ear if I received a succulent garden this holiday season. In fact, while we were at the farmer’s market last weekend, I saw these fantastic succulent creations and thought they may inspire you to put together a succulent garden this holiday season.

Are you a fan of succulents? Have you ever given them as gifts?

Conscious Box Holiday Box Giveaway

December 13, 2012 40

Ready for another fun holiday giveaway? Conscious Box is offering a holiday box right in time for the holidays!
Conscious Box is a monthly delivery of sustainable products that are hand-picked from businesses that care! Each box is packed with a variety of organic foods, vegan beauty products, and other sustainable goodies.

Wouldn’t it be fun to surprise someone this holiday season with a Conscious Box subscription? Jump over to Conscious Box and take a look for yourself.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

How to Make Natural Candy Cane Play Dough

December 13, 2012 3

Children love play dough — so why not put a festive candy cane twist on a classic favorite this holiday season? Making natural candy cane play dough is a fun activity to do with your kids. Or, you can make up a batch for stocking stuffers or gifts for your children’s friends. Either way, you will have a fun craft that doubles as a terrific holiday offering.

The best part, natural candy cane play dough is simple to make and won’t harm your kiddos if they accidentally lick their fingers. Jump over to Inhabitots to learn how to make this fun play dough in just a few simple steps.

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