90s Snacks Were All That
Dispatch from a place of nostalgia, deep dived into pool of melancholy induced by almost 100 days of enforced lockdown and came out dripping recollections of childhood food favorites. Which also led to the question, how come no one talks about how much snacks served as signaling for millennials growing up? You know what I’m talking about, as soon as you pulled out your lunch as a kid all eyes zoned into what kind of snacks you had. Were you a Lunchables kid or the kind who got PB&Js after you failed to effectively convey to your parents how much of a hot commodity Dunkaroos and String Things were?
Consuming Kids
I have a lot to say about our generation and growing up on fast food and snacks filled with sugar masquerading as fruit —did you know there’s an actual phobia to Gushers commercials, you weren’t the only one. But reserving that deep dive for another day, let’s talk about something I used to deem impossible, that is to recreate a childhood favorite of mine, parapapapaaaa —the infamous McNuggets. Here’s another fun fact, did you know that Silicon Valley’s Thomas Middleditch did a McNuggets rap that actually was used by McDonald’s as a commercial —if you know, you know. McNuggets, wuuuh?!
Made out of chickpeas, these are actually cruelty-free because you’re making them yourselves as opposed to getting them from an establishment that overworks and underpays its employees (workers’ rights are equally as important when it comes to labeling something cruelty-free IMO) this is certainly one Happy Meal!
Vegan McNuggets
Ingredients
1 can of chickpeas (drained)
½ tsp of kosher salt
½ tsp of pepper
¼ tsp of garlic powder
¼ tsp of paprika
¼ tsp of onion powder
⅓ cup of gluten-free Panko or gluten-free flour (if you use flour option season salt and pepper to taste) for coating
**NOTES: There are two ways of making these, you can FRY/BAKE it all really depends on you and how “healthy” you want to make these, I’ve included directions for both**
Directions
If BAKING pre-heat oven to 350F if FRYING heat oil to 350F.
Pour the drained chickpeas into a food processor and process for a few seconds.
Then add the seasoning, blend it a few more seconds. Everything should be well mixed and have a chunky texture.
Scoop up teaspoon sized glob and using your hands, roll them into balls then carefully smash them into nugget shapes.
Pour bread crumbs or flour into a bowl and coat each nugget.
If BAKING: Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Lay each nugget on the parchment but don’t let them touch. Bake for 20 minutes, then flip and bake for 10 more.
If you are FRYING, once the oil is heated carefully add the coated chickpea nuggets and wait until they are turning golden. BE CAREFUL not to overheat the oil or leave them too long that they will turn dark. Once they start turning golden, they will also have a great flakey, “Mc Nugget” texture!
Allow nuggets to cool before eating. If you want to recreate the image above, place your nuggets into a parchment/wax sheet of paper and add different dipping sauces to try them out with, it’s such a fun way to eat them and keep that inner child alive!
Nurturing Our Collective 💗
Using this space to highlight efforts to fight food insecurity during these times:
@SharingExcess has rescued over 30,000+ pounds of food from local restaurants and has delivered 67,000 fresh meals since #COVID19 hit, learn more here. 📦
Chef Jose Andrés’ continues to expand efforts across US with World Central Kitchen been feeding health care workers with meals prepared at restaurants that would have otherwise remained closed due to stay-at-home orders, providing laid-off restaurant workers jobs during the pandemic. 🍲
This week, @PatternBrands announced @GetOpenSpaces x subliming.jpg graphic & t-shirt with 100% of proceeds going to @FoodBank4NYC. It’s a limited run, get your’s while you can. 👕
@CivilEats makes the case for more equitable nutrition incentives. ⚕️
@TheAtlantic highlights unsustainable struggle of food banks during the pandemic. 😥
Hungry for more?
Here are perfect recipes to try out while you WFH:
Embrace the pastabilities with these easy, DIY recipes!🍝
These spicy noodles are good to the last slurp! 🌶️
Vegan bites that pack more than just good taste. 👅
Bring home the vegan bacon 🥓
Check out our leaked noods for a tasty slurp! 🍜
Be the star of “Breaking Bread” with this tasty loaf recipe. 🍞
Try this nacho average “queso” dip and ditch dairy! 🧀
Curb your caffeine addiction with these alternative energizing drinks. ☕
Opt for a healthy dessert, try these fudgy vegan brownies! 🍫
Impress yourself with these miso-glazed cauliflower bites. 🥡
It’s almost summer time, if you can’t handle the heat, try salads? 🥗
Plan your weekend brunch around these fluffy, vegan pancakes. 🥞