The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in festive flavors while making conscious choices that are kind to animals and the planet. This season, chef @chefsummerstorm is inspiring chefs and home cooks alike with a Holiday Tofu Flight—four inventive, plant-based takes on crispy tofu—and a decadent, irresistible Christmas Cracker Candy. Both dishes combine flavor, creativity, and compassion, making them perfect additions to any celebration.
Holiday Tofu Flight: Flavor, Kindness, and Celebration on a Plate
Directions:
- Press tofu for 20 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Cut tofu into roughly 2-inch squares.
- Toss with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Pan-fry in coconut oil until golden and crispy.
1. Pesto Tofu
- Top crispy tofu with your favorite vegan pesto.
- Sprinkle with vegan parmesan.
- Add a touch of lemon zest for brightness.
2. Cranberry Chili Walnut Tofu
- Spoon cranberry sauce over tofu.
- Drizzle lightly with chili crisp.
- Finish with crushed toasted walnuts for crunch.
3. Gingerbread-Glazed Stuffing Tofu
Gingerbread Glaze Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
- ⅛ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of black pepper
Directions:
- Mix glaze ingredients and heat over low until combined.
- Coat crispy tofu in the glaze.
- Add a small spoonful of vegan stovetop stuffing on top.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.
- Brush tofu with pure maple syrup.
- Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Top with a small scoop of mashed sweet potato.
- Add crushed toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Finish with mini vegan marshmallows.
- Broil 1–2 minutes until marshmallows are lightly toasted.
Christmas Cracker Candy: Sweet, Salty, and Irresistible
No holiday celebration is complete without a treat like Christmas Cracker Candy, also known as Saltine Toffee Bark. This dessert is sweet, salty, and totally customizable. A Food with Feeling recipe.
Ingredients:
- 40 saltine crackers
- ⅔ cup butter
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 cups chocolate chips (milk or dark)
- Optional toppings:
- Potato chip: ⅔–1 cup lightly crushed
- S’mores: ⅓ cup graham cracker crumbs + ½ cup mini marshmallows
- Peppermint bark: ½ cup crushed candy canes + ¼ cup melted white chocolate
- Plain: Christmas sprinkles
- Cranberry Pistachio: ⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries + ⅓ cup chopped pistachios + pinch of flaky sea salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a large baking tray with foil and lightly grease. Arrange saltine crackers in a single layer, breaking as needed.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring only once, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Drizzle caramel evenly over crackers and bake 5 minutes until bubbling.
- Immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over caramel. Let melt for 5 minutes, then spread evenly.
- Add desired toppings. Let cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then chill for 1 hour. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Expert Tips:
- Don’t over-stir the caramel to prevent graininess.
- Line your tray with foil and lightly spray for easy cleanup.
- Let chocolate melt naturally; residual heat works perfectly.
- Chill fully to ensure clean, snappable layers.
This candy can be made ahead, keeps well at room temperature or in the fridge, and even freezes for 2–3 months when layers are separated with parchment. This is a Food with Feeling Recipe.
Sweet, Sustainable, and Stress-Free Holidays
These recipes prove that holiday indulgence doesn’t have to come at the expense of animals or the planet. The Holiday Tofu Flight delivers savory sophistication, while Christmas Cracker Candy satisfies every sweet tooth with ease and joy. Together, they offer a blueprint for mindful holiday cooking that is creative, delicious, and sustainable.
For more plant-based inspiration, step-by-step instructions, and festive ideas, explore the full recipe archive at SAN Recipes. This holiday season, you can share meals that celebrate flavor, kindness, and conscious choices.
