Being Vegan Doesn't Mean Giving Up Eating on New Year's!

The foods normally served at New Year's parties can make a vegan's stomach turn; cheese dips, sausages, and other greasy, meaty treats are served to guests as a final blow to their health during the holiday season. What is a vegan to do? Stand to the side and nibble on carrot sticks? Of course not! There are a huge number of options for easy New Year's, whether you are throwing the party or just bringing a dish!

A great addition to any party is a delicious dip, and as many vegans know, hummus can be one of the most versatile dips around! High in protein and good-for-you fats, this dip is enjoyed all around the world, and is easy to make. In a food processor, blend a can of garbanzo beans, a few tablespoons of olive oil, a few cloves of garlic, a pinch of cumin, squirt of lemon juice, and a dash of salt. To make it extra special, add a few tablespoons of pesto, or some curry to spice it up. Serve with sliced cucumber, or gourmet vegan crackers for guests to enjoy.

Another easy dip is bean dip. In a casserole dish, spread a layer of refried beans (make sure they're without animal fat!), then a layer of Tofutti sour cream, a layer of diced tomatoes, and top with a layer of vegan meltable cheese, such as Follow Your Heart brand nacho cheese. I've found this to be the best kind, as it does exactly what real cheese does: it melts!

If you are experienced with tofu, a great "meat" dish is to marinate it in chicken seasoning (make sure it's vegan) and sautee it. Cut the block of firm tofu diagonally lengthwise, and then into approximately 1/4 of an inch strips. Place the marinade into a shallow bowl and coat each side of the tofu. Heat a small amount of oil in a pan, and cook tofu on each side until a golden brown color is achieved. Serve these warm, and have a sweet dipping sauce on hand for guests to pair with your tofu.

For a sweet dessert, a wonderful raw option is to make a sweet cashew "yogurt." This dish needs to be started the night before by soaking cashews in a bowl with water covering the them. In the morning, they should be soft. Drain the water off of the cashews and add to a food processor. Add the inside of a dried vanilla bean, a bit of sea salt, a bit of agave, and add water until it is a thick, liquid consistancy. Garnish with fresh fruit, and be ready for your guests to eat it up!

Though it may seem hard to have easy finger foods for vegans, it's actually very easy to provide your guests with healthy, delicious dishes this vegan New Years!