sausage & goat cheese empanadas

Decided to try another variation on the easy empanadas that I posted about before HERE.  This time I used the JR Grands biscuits for smaller empanadas.  Bothe are great recipes but these are definitely better suited as appetizers or a side dish rather than a main course.  The preparation is essentially the same, although this time I used veggie sausage patties and goat cheese!

Ingredients

• 4 Veggie Sausage Patties
• 1 small log or container of goat cheese
• 1 tube Jr's Grand Biscuits 

1. Cook the veggie sausage over medium heat in a nonstick skillet using a wooden spoon to break up into sausage crumbles.
2. Lay out the Jr biscuits on a cookie sheet and use the heel of your palm to flatten them into circles.
3. Apply a light smear of goat cheese to the center of each circle and then add a spoonful of sausage to each as well.  
4. Fold the circle over to create a half moon shape.
5. Seal the edges using your fingers and then use a fork to create an "empanada look" by pressing with the fork all around the edge.
6. Bake according to directions or until empanadas are golden brown.

cheese bomb party spread

We had some friends over for an awards show viewing party and threw together this impromptu party spread with ingredients we had laying around the kitchen.

David made fresh homemade guac that we paired with two different types of tortilla chips.  I made easy baked bbq tofu and we sliced up some meats and cheeses for our non veggie guests that we got in a a gift basket and otherwise wouldn't have used.

We used whole wheat toasts and gave them a smear of goat cheese and a drizzle of honey, and made our veggie take on Skyline dip as well: a brick of cream cheese in the bottom of a pan, a can of veggie chili (we like Amy's Spicy Chili) and cheddar cheese on top served with tortilla chips.

Lots of dairy and so not vegan!