Saucy Secrets

Does the start of May have you dreaming of barbeque and picnics? Us too! And fitting that May is national barbeque month. This recipe is perfect to pack for a picnic lunch even though we didn't technically barbeque but used a delicious BBQ sauce instead. But be careful! Processed sauces and condiments may have some secret ingredients that you might not even think to look for. Remember if it's not homemade (if you have the time, go for it!) then you always have to check ingredients lists. Not only is a quality product better for you, but quality ingredients will allow the flavors to really shine. And that's what we all want from a barbeque sauce right, that rich, spicy, sweet goodness?  Okay so who's getting hungry?

In the interest of time and wanting to get out to enjoy that picnic, we've used several food products in this recipe. But like we've said before, "easy eats" doesn't have to mean junk. Let's first talk about finding a quality wrap before we get to the BBQ sauce. Many wraps on the shelves contain over processed flour, poor quality vegetable oils and a whole bunch of gums and preservatives. And yes maybe they may last longer in the fridge but really it's not worth it. Your wraps will be gone fast with this recipe we promise! Try to look for a wrap containing whole wheat flour, an oil other than soybean or canola, no gums and minimal or natural preservatives; ingredients that you recognize and can pronounce are always best. It may take a little extra effort next time you're shopping to read those ingredients list but then you'll know which brands to reach for next time. Same goes for the barbeque sauce. Standard, big name BBQ sauce companies often sneak less than favorable ingredients into their products. A few being high fructose corn syrup and xanthan gum. Xanthan gum is used as a thickening agent and has some nasty side effects such as increased gas, abdominal bloating, and may act as a laxative. When it comes to quality sauces, we like ours pure and simple. Tomatoes, honey or sugar, vinegar, peppers, onions, and spices are the ingredients that you should look for.  Other than the Trader Joe's BBQ sauce used in the recipe below, we also like JB's Fat Boy Products (don't let the name fool you!).

BBQ Tofu Wrap
PREP TIME: 35 mins
TOTAL TIME: 40 mins
Servings: 4 wraps

Ingredients
4 quality wraps (as discussed above)
8 oz organic tofu (we used Trader Joe's organic sprouted tofu)
1 cup spinach
1/4 cup quality BBQ sauce (as discussed above)
   + additional for slathering on your wrap when eating (we used Trader Joe's organic sriracha BBQ sauce)
1 mini cucumber
4 Tbsp plain hummus (use our recipe if you're making homemade)
Sprinkle of sea salt

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Drain the tofu from packing liquid. If you like a firmer tofu, place tofu between a clean dish cloth then place a weighted object (heavy cutting board or pan) on top of covered tofu. Allow the weighted tofu to sit for ~10 minutes to release additional liquid. Cut tofu, length wise into 4 equal blocks. Spread 1/4 cup BBQ sauce on tofu, making sure to cover all edges for even BBQ flavor! Cook in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Allow the tofu to completely cool before assembling the wraps. We cook our tofu ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge.

Cut cucumber as thin as possible. We used a mandolin to achieve an even thin slice.

Now it is time to assemble your wraps. Evenly spread 1 Tbsp hummus on each wrap making sure to get all the way to the edges. The hummus helps hold the finished wrap together. Sprinkle each hummus covered wrap with sea salt. When adding the filling to the wraps, place all ingredients - 1/4 cup raw spinach, 2 thin slices of cucumber, and 1 block of tofu - on the bottom third of wrap, making sure to leave ~2 inches of "open space" on both ends to allow the edges to be folded in so your filling ingredients are snug and won't fall out when eating. As shown in the picture, grab the bottom end of your wrap and roll with all the ingredients. Fold in each side and seal the other end. Wrap in wax paper, cut in half, and slather with additional BBQ sauce!!

You know what else is great about a vegan wrap on a picnic? There's no question about weather that meat or cheese has been in the sun just a little too long! Pair with your favorite side (we went for the olive oil potato chips this time), pack some extra sauce for dipping, and plenty of napkins. And remember to keep reading your ingredients lists and supporting brands selling real, quality food with your purchases.

That's a wrap,
Jess and Cecelia