Monster Fingers

Monster Fingers (GF Vegan Cheesy Breadsticks)

Makes: 12-14 fingers
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes

Ingredients

For the dough

  • 250g gluten-free self-raising flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 1 tsp mixed herbs (optional)

  • 150g vegan cheese, grated

  • 125g vegan margarine

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For decorating

  • 12-14 almond flakes

  • 2 tbsp tomato sauce, passata, or ketchup

  • Extra vegan cheese (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven

    • Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan).

    • Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

  2. Make the dough

    • In a large bowl combine the gluten-free flour, baking powder, salt and herbs.

    • Stir through the grated vegan cheese.

    • Add the vegan margarine and olive oil.

    • Mix until a soft dough forms.

  3. Shape the fingers

    • Divide the dough into 12-14 portions.

    • Roll each piece into a finger shape about 10cm long.

    • Make them slightly knobbly and uneven for a creepy monster look.

  4. Create the knuckles

    • Use the back of a knife to lightly score lines across the dough at two points to resemble knuckles.

    • Pinch slightly between the knuckles to enhance the finger shape.

  5. Add the fingernails

    • Press an almond flake onto one end of each finger (stick on with a drop of water)

    • Press firmly so it stays in place during baking.

  6. Bake

    • Place on the prepared tray.

    • Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden and lightly crisp.

  7. Serve

    • Let cool slightly.

    • Arrange on a platter with a small bowl of tomato sauce for dipping.

    • Add a little tomato sauce around the almond "nails" for a gruesome blood effect.

Halloween Twist

For extra spooky fingers:

  • Add a pinch of activated charcoal powder to part of the dough for grey "monster skin".

  • Brush with olive oil before baking for a glossy witch-finger appearance.

  • Scatter around plastic spiders or mini pumpkins when serving.

  • Serve with a smoky roasted red pepper dip instead of plain tomato sauce for added flavour.

High-Protein Version

To boost the protein content for your viewers:

  • Add 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.

  • Increase vegan cheese to 200g.

  • Mix 50g chickpea flour with 200g gluten-free flour.