“Summer time and the living is easy,” state the lyrics of an Ella Fitzgerald song. When we invite family and friends over, we want easy entertaining ideas as well. After all, the host or cook also needs to enjoy the event. These recipes are so quick and easy they are sure to become family favourites.
Quick and Easy Pita Chips
In a small bowl mix together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves of crushed garlic and a pinch of salt. Using an entire bag of pita bread (white or whole wheat), place each pita on a cutting board and cut the rounds into eight triangles. Cover a large rimmed cookie tray with foil or parchment paper and brush lightly with olive oil or spray with non-stick coating. Place each pita triangle on to the tray and brush lightly with the oil mixture. Turn on your oven broiler and set rack at the middle level. Place tray in oven and broil for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Leave the door slightly ajar and watch carefully as the pita can burn easily. When lightly toasted, remove from oven and let cool on the tray. Repeat if necessary. Chips will crisp slightly as they cool.
TOFUTTI® SOUR SUPREME® Bacon Chive Dip
12 slices of cooked bacon
1 cup TOFUTTI® SOUR SUPREME®,
1/3 cup of TOFUTTI® BETTER THAN CREAM CHEESE®
1 Tbsp chopped chives
1 Tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp salt
Cook bacon slices until crisp. Crumble into small pieces. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl mix together TOFUTTI® SOUR SUPREME®, TOFUTTI® BETTER THAN CREAM CHEESE®) herbs and salt. Add bacon and stir. Place into serving bowl and place a few whole chives on top to decorate. Make ahead to allow flavours to blend. Serve with Pita Chips or crackers.
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pulled pork has become a summer favourite. It’s a great way to feed a crowd and because it’s prepared in a slow cooker, you can keep it warm for several hours. It’s fast, simple and utterly delicious, making it an ideal summer meal.
3 to 5 lb pork shoulder (around 2 to 2.25 kg)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
3 Tbsp chili powder
½ tsp each of salt and pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
2 large onions, peeled, chopped and sliced thinly
2 cups of apple juice or beer
1 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store bought)
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, chili and salt and pepper together. Place pork on a large platter and using hands, rub the mixture onto the pork to cover all sides. Set aside and wash hands thoroughly.
To a large pot or cast iron frying pan, add 1 Tbsp of oil, swirl to coat. Turn heat to medium-high and add the pork shoulder and brown on all sides. Lift the meat on to a clean plate and set aside. Add onions to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until golden.
Add the pork shoulder, onions and liquid into your slow cooker and cook on low for six to eight hours. During the last few hours, add 1 cup of your favourite BBQ sauce. When ready, use two forks and pull the meat apart. Serve with baked beans, coleslaw and dinner rolls, or serve sandwich-style on freshly baked rolls or pitas and top with a dollop of TOFUTTI® SOUR SUPREME®.
TOFUTTI® Frozen Novelty Treat “Party Dessert Bucket”
For dessert, fill a large beach pail or ice bucket with ice cubes until it is half to three quarters full. Just before serving, place an “Ice Cream Truck Like” variety of TOFUTTI® non-dairy novelty treats in the ice including TOFUTTI Yours Truly Cones, Fudge Premium Pops, Chocolate Fudge Treats and Hooray Bars and TOFUTTI CUTIES® mini non-dairy “ice cream” sandwiches. Expect to hear big shouts of “Hooray!” when kids—and adults—see the Party Bucket filled with TOFUTTI non-dairy frozen treats!