Summer veggie plate

Summer time in South Carolina can get hot.  Sometimes a big veggie plate is just right on those sweltering days.  Here's a recipe that is easy to customize.  Don't have quinoa?  Substitute rice or farro.  Same with your veggie choices.  Hummus adds a nice dimension to the plate, as does sticky tofu and pickled carrots.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dry quinoa prepared per package instructions
  
• pickled carrots (see recipe below)
  
• sticky tofu (see recipe below)
  
• cucumber - chopped
• cherry tomatoes - cut in half
• leafy salad greens of your choice
  
• pita bread - cut into triangles and lightly toast with garlic & basil.
• hummus of your choice

Pickled Carrots:

• 1 lb carrots - sliced thin or grated (and water to cover)
• 2/3 cup water
• 2/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1/2 tsp mustard seed
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp salt

1) In a saucepan, cover the carrots with water and boil for about 5-8 minutes.
2) In a smaller saucepan, combine all other ingredients, whisk and bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer for about 5 minutes.
3) Drain the carrots and pour the simmered sauce over them.  Let cool and then store in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Sticky Tofu:

• one block of firm tofu, pressed then cut into cubes
• 3 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup water

1) Mix all ingredients, except tofu, to create a marinade.
2) Place tofu cubes in marinade for a few hours, or even overnight.
3) Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.  Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray.
4) Drain off the marinade from the tofu into a small saucepan.  Spread the tofu on the baking sheet in a single layer.  Bake in the stove for about 35 minutes.
5) Add tofu to the saucepan and warm.

For the Veggie Plate - simply layer the greens on the plate, add all of your ingredients on top of the greens, and put the hummus in the middle.  Add you favorite dressing and enjoy!