Happy 4th of July 2007

Tomorrow is the 4th of July, and what better thing to do than hit the beach with friends, cook out and wait for the fireworks. We plan to hit the sand and the water with sunscreen, canopy, drinks, grill and have a fantastic barbecue tomorrow. The day promises to give us just about everything you could name…everything but the meat.

I’ve seen a number of articles and recipes for “vegetarian grilling,” “a meatless 4th of July,” and other topics, so what I’m adding isn’t necessarily new information. But in the spirit of a fun mid-week break from work and a reason to start that as soon as possible, I wanted to contribute.

Let me first tell you that I am not a vegetarian. I try to make the right choices and consider myself “mostly vegetarian,” but I am an omnivore. I’m conscious about what I eat and enjoy the acts of both cooking and sharing meals. I do not understand the concept that a meal is not complete without some form of meat, poultry or fish, and this applies to all meals all the time- not once a week, twice a month or any other increment. Meals are complete when friends and family come together, have great discussions, and enjoy a wonderful experience to go along with whatever it is they are tasting together. It doesn’t really matter what is not on the plate, does it? It matters what IS on the plate and who is there to enjoy it with you.

With that in mind, what’s in tomorrow’s cooler?

Amy’s California Veggie Burgers
Quorn Naked Chik’n Cutlets
Kettle Buffalo Blue & Salt & Vinegar Chips
Tomato, Cucumber, Feta Salad
Grilled Squash & Mushrooms
Cantaloupe & Kiwi Salad
Grilled Blue Corn & Cheese Tamales
Tofurky Sundried Tomato & Basil Italian Sausages
Homemade Coconut Macaroons (thanks Colleen) and Blond Brownies with Kit Kat

I don’t know…call me crazy, but this isn’t the BBQ of a deprived group restricting themselves to a vegetarian diet. Would you miss the burgers and dogs?

Happy 4th of July. Enjoy your day, wear sunblock, celebrate life and smile!

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