Carrot Hotdogs

Every once in a while, I come across a recipe that redefines how I see food and how it can behotcarrotdogs transformed.

Such is the case with Carrot Hotdogs….Yes, Carrots as an alternative to the hot dogs we have seen in the supermarket made with  either with whole meats or a combination of beef, pork, turkey or chicken.

I know, you are a little skeptical, so was I, but I am willing to test my self with a culinary challenge. And believe it or not, the carrot hotdogs turned out rather well. And did I mention, they are gluten-free without the hot dog buns……..

So score the perfect game day meal with these vegan carrot dogs! It’s a great, healthy substitution for any game-watching party.

Serves 8

Ingredients:
8 large carrots
8 whole wheat hot dog buns
1/2 cup red wine
1/3 cup barbecue sauce
2 teaspoons Siracha sauce
½ Tablespoon ancho chili powder
½ Tablespoon smoked paprika
½ Tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons oregano
Kosher salt, to taste
Ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add carrots to the boiling water and cook until soft for about 15 minutes.

In a casserole dish, mix the marinade of red wine or soy sauce, BBQ sauce, chili powder, paprika, oregano, garlic powder. Once the carrots are done, put the carrots directly into the casserole dish with the marinade. Be careful, as the carrots will be fragile. Allow the carrots to soak these juices in, for about 5 to 10 minutes.

On the stove, heat up a pan, with a little oil or non-stick cooking spray or even vegetable broth or water to be completely vegan, to medium to high heat. Place the carrots on the pan and “flash grill” them for approximately 90-seconds to 2 minutes on each side until the texture that is desired is achieve to your liking.

Toast buns the if you like, prepare condiments, and enjoy!

Pickled Beet Deviled Eggs

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Let these deviled eggs take center stage at your next party. They will have your guests wanting more!

Ingredients:
6 eggs

For the Brine:
One 16 oz  can beets with liquid
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon salt

For the Yolk Filling:
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 Tablespoon mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1 Tablespoon white vinegar
3 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon light cream
Salt, to taste
White pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped chives,  for garnish

Directions:
Hard boil your eggs and remove the shells.For perfect hard boiled eggs, see  this link for the method: http://wp.me/p43Rn7-oY

Set the eggs aside.

To prepare  the brine, pour the entire can of  beets into a large mason jar or bowl. Add cider vinegar, sugar, peppercorns and salt. Stir mixture. Because beet juice will stain, carefully lower the hard boiled eggs into the brine, cover and let sit for at least 12 hours, up to two or three days. The longer the eggs stay submerged in the brine, the more sour and dark maroon they will become. If just the rim of magenta color of the egg white and a slightly pickled flavor is desired, let the eggs sit for about 13 to 16 hours.

When brining time has completed, using sharp knife dipped in hot water, cut each egg in half and carefully scoop out the yolks using a small teaspoon. Place yolks in a medium-sized bowl, along with the mustard, mayonnaise, curry, vinegar, and olive oil. Mix/mash until smooth. You can always add a little bit of light cream to the yolk filling, if it is too stiff. Add the salt and pepper to taste.

Using  small teaspoon, or a pastry bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off,  spoon or pipe the yolk filling back into the magenta colored eggs. Sprinkle with chopped chives and arrange on a platter for serving.  If the eggs are not to be served immediately, cover the dish with plastic  wrap and place in the refrigerator until ready to be served.

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