Spicy BBQ Carrot Sticks with Tofu Ranch Dip

I mentioned in my post last week on the Spicy BBQ Chik'n Bites that I only ended up using about half of the batter and sauce I made, based off of Kristy Turner's Buffalo Cauliflower Wing Pizza. I wasn't sure how long it would last, so I wanted to use it up as quickly as possible. I've been getting a lot of carrots in my vegetable deliveries so I thought this would be a new fun way to use them up - kinda like breaded zucchini sticks. They were a big hit and super simple to make!

I was a little nervous as to how they would turn out since I've never had anything like them, but they were great and Jay loved them - here are a couple of his best quotes:

• "Wow, these are amazing!"

• "These are the best carrots ever!"

Individually, the carrot stick is spicier than one of the bites I made since they don't have the extra breading or the tofu baked in. They turn out a little bit soft, but still sturdy. These are a great healthy way to add some vegetables to your normal snacking routine, plus you can dip them as much as you want! The tofu dipping sauce is naturally low in fat and calories but high in protein and calcium. I love guilt free snacking!

Ingredients:
About 5 Carrots
1/2 Batter Recipe
1/2 Spicy BBQ Sauce Recipe

Tofu Ranch Dipping Sauce:
1/2 Block Tofu
3 teaspoons Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice
1 Tablespoon dried Dill
1 teaspoon Onion Powder
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Servings: About 40 carrot sticks

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Slice carrots in half and then into quarters so that you get 8 sticks out of each carrot. Dip the carrot sticks in the batter and then place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.

Once cooled to the touch, dip the carrot sticks in the Spicy BBQ Sauce and then place back on the parchment lined cookie sheet. Cook for another 5-8 minutes.

While the carrots are cooking, make the ranch dipping sauce. Combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth. The proportions I used make a thick dip, so if you want it creamier, add more liquid.

Serve and Enjoy!