Exploits of a Vegan Wannabe

When I was a little girl my mom and dad used to entertain guests all the time. I think that is where my love of hosting cocktail parties comes from. One appetizer I remember being a beloved guest was the Ham Pinwheel. Usually crafted with ham, cream cheese and a scallion or pickle center..the Ham Pinwheel was an easy, finger food that could be made ahead of time and enjoyed all evening without ever setting down your Harvey Wall Banger.

I decided to reinvent this classic favorite to be a  sophisticated and vegan-tastic delight. At a holiday soiree we hosted last week it was surprisingly one of most enjoyed and chowed down appetizers we served. As I prepared them several hours before the party, I was eating them as quickly as I was making them which brought me to the realization that they would make a smashing finger food lunch for yourself or a few picky eaters because they are really fun to eat.

Photo By: S. Duquet

Tofurky  Fig Pinwheels

By: S. Duquet

Ingredients

1 Package of Hickory Smoked Tofurky slices

1 Carton of vegan cream cheese ( I used Tofutti)

1 Jar of fig jam (or jam of your choice. I think apricot would be smashing)

Fresh ground black pepper to taste

1-2 Dollops of vegan sour cream (I used Tofutti)

Make It Happen

~Put 3/4 of the cream cheese in a bowl and let soften.

~Once the cream cheese is soft enough to stir easily add a dollop or two of sour cream until the mixture is spreadable.

~Add black pepper to taste. I wanted the cream cheese to be “peppered” with a peppery bite to counter the sweet of the jam so I added a ton of pepper.

~ Spread the peppered cream cheese over one slice of Tofurky

~Spread a small amount of jam on top of the cream cheese. I put mine in a line through the middle so it was easy to roll.

~Roll up and wrap with plastic wrap

~Chill for at least an hour

~Slice any way you think is attractive (or leave whole for little ones to enjoy)

Photo BY: S. Duquet

Notes:

~For a beautiful pinwheel use a jam or jelly that is smooth and not chunky. The jam I used had large chunks of figs in it which made it taste amazing but made it difficult to create a tight spiral.

~If the filling is gushing out the sides  when you roll it (mine was at first) then use a bit less.

~Roll as tightly as you can so they are easy to cut once they are chilled

~Enjoy your party,  lunch, or well deserved time out with a glass of wine and some Tofurky Fig Pinwheels.

Have a delicious day.

Ham Pinwheel photo courtesy of: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/3933211068_65626333ef.jpg

Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, Tofurky, Tofurky Fig Pinwheels, Tofurky recipes, trying vegan, vegan, vegan appetizers, vegan brunch, vegan challenge, vegan experience, vegan holiday food, vegan recipe, vegan wannabe, vegetarian appetizers, vegetarian holiday food, vegetarian recipe