For the dogs:

8 medium carrots, peeled, trimmed

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 cup water

Hot Dog Buns

Combine carrots, maple syrup, soy sauce, tomato paste, paprika, and water in a deep, large saucepan. Cover and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes. You want the carrots to be getting tender, but not completely soft. Uncover, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue to cook, shaking pan occasionally, until liquid is completely reduced and carrots are coated in glaze, 2–3 minutes more. Ideally

Prepare a grill for medium-high heat or heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high; oil grate or pan. Grill carrots, turning once, until browned and slightly charred, about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer carrots to a plate. Toast buns until golden brown, about 30 seconds. Transfer buns to plate.

For the Chili:

3 TB neutral oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic minced

1 TB chili powder

½ tsp cumin

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

Pinch crushed red pepper flakes

Pinch cayenne pepper

1 can black beans, drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked black beans)

½ cup tomato sauce

1 TB yellow mustard

2 tsp apple cider vinegar

½ tsp vegan Worcestershire sauce

Salt & Pepper to taste

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and saute for several minutes until onions are translucent. Add garlic and spices and toss to coat.

Add beans, tomato sauce, mustard, vinegar, and worcestershire sauce. SImmer for several minutes. Leave beans whole, or partially mash, to your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings.

For the Sauce:

3/4 cups cashews

¼ -½ cup water

2 TB olive oil

1 TB nutritional yeast

2 TB Dijon mustard

1TB apple cider vinegar

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp smoked paprika

¼ tsp garlic granules

¼ teaspoon turmeric

pinch ground white pepper

Soak the cashews overnight in water, or for 20 minutes in hot water.

Drain and add to a high speed blender with the rest of ingredients. Blend until smooth. Stream in a little extra water if needed to keep the blender moving. Taste and adjust seasoning.