I’ve received some e-mails asking me to suggest the most “omni-friendly” appetizers in Party Vegan. The fact is, it was my goal to make all the recipes in the book omni-friendly since many of us have occasion to feed vegan-resistant omnivores. Most of the omnis I cook for maintain a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. They love to eat my food, but would rather not discuss the fact that it’s vegan.

With the holidays upon us, I thought it would be appropriate to give a quick rundown of the appetizers in Party Vegan. Of the 39 hors doeuvres and appetizers in the book, I’d rate 36 of them “extremely omni-friendly” (nothing that would visibly scare off an omnivore); with only 3 suggested “for adventuresome omnis” (read: those who don’t scream and run away at the mention of tofu, tempeh or seitan).

Here’s the list — Let me know which of these recipes you’d like to try out on your favorite omnis. The recipe getting the most votes by Monday will get posted on Tuesday — just in time for the holidays.

Omni-Friendly Appetizers and Hors d'oeuvres:
Artichoke Tapenade
Sun-Dried Tomato and Green Olive Biscotti
Olive-cado Dip
Chickpea Artichoke Bites
Collard and Red Bean Fritters
Spinach Potato Quesadillas
Vegetable Dippers with Ranch Dressing
It’s My Party Mix
Mutant Ants on a Log
Mini Blue Corn Pancakes with Chipotle-Streaked Sour Cream
Curried Pakora Puffs
Black Olive Tapenade
Baked Potato Skins
Five-Story Bean Dip
Sherried Mushrooms
Olive and Caper-Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Pearl Balls
Spinach Phyllo Cigars with Walnuts and Figs
Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms
Polenta Crostini with Eggplant Tapenade
Truffled White Bean Hummus
Pastry-Wrapped Stuffed Cherry Peppers
Fava Bean Hummus
Smoky Baba Ganoush
Spiced Pita Dippers
Mini Falafel
Stuffed Dates
Edamame
Japanese Pancakes
Teriyaki Shiitake Sticks
Sushi Rice Balls
Antipasto Skewers
Mini-Focaccia with Tapenade
Zucchini Cups with Tomato Concasse
Pesto-Stuffed Baby Potatoes
Arugula and White Bean Crostini

Adventurous Omni Appetizers:
Finger Lickin’ Tempeh Fingers
Chorizo en Croute
Gingered “Crab” Cups with Wasabi Cream Cheeze

So, what do you think? Omni-friendly? Leave a comment for a random chance to win a random prize!

If you need a last minute gift idea: Party Vegan makes a great holiday gift for any cooks on your list: especially those omnivores who never know what to make for you when you visit! (And it’s not just “party” food — the book also has loads of recipes for main dishes, salads, soups, sides, and desserts that can be enjoyed anytime.)

Labels: Party Vegan