Summer Sizzlin' with Vegetarian BBQ Options

One of the main (and most fun) activities people participate in during the summertime is the almighty barbecue! And, of course, the vegetarian/vegan can tend to feel left out. But don't you worry! Here are tips for enjoying all the season has to offer, while keeping your conscience clean! Starting with a recipe for suave, sexy, summer skewers that your fellow meat-eating friends will drool over! And, if you find yourself craving a piece of that grilled meat, remember the health benefits of saying no! Vandana Sheath, a registered dietician, told Dennis Thompson in an interview for U.S. News, that "people who follow a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle enjoy a number of health benefits [including]: lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, a healthier body mass index, decreased risk for heart disease, decreased risk for cancer, [and] better control and prevention of diabetes" (Thompson, 1).

Ingredients: Amount depends on how much you'd like to make...for two people, I recommend a 1/4 of a pineapple, half a pack of mushrooms, half an onion, and a full bell pepper.

Pack of wooden skewers

Pineapple (cubed)

Mushrooms (sliced)

Onions (chopped largely)

Green Bell Peppers (chopped largely)

Italian Dressing

Brown Sugar (1/3 cup)

Honey (1/4 cup)

Next, take the pineapple cubes and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle with the brown sugar, and drizzle with honey. Cover and place in the fridge.

After cutting all the veggies, as instructed, place them in a large bowl. Sprinkle 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder over the veggies. Next, cover (generously) the veggies with the italian dressing and set in the fridge.

Let the veggies and fruit soak up all that love for about 1 hour.

Skewer the veggies (alternating).

Next skewer the pineapple.

Place on a hot grill until it reaches your desired doneness! Hooray for Hawaii at home! 

If you'd like some cruelty-free side dishes...check out this link to an amazing vegan potato salad! 

http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=11737.0

How about something stylish (and of course environmentally conscious) to bring all your goodies in to the get-together? This picnic basket, with all the trimmings, from Uncommon Goods is adorable, practical, and awe-striking!
http://www.uncommongoods.com/product/eco-picnic-basket?utm_medium=shopping+sites&utm_source=froogle&utm_campaign=17182

And why not wear something cute and eco-friendly to your summer shindig? Synergy makes this perfect barbecue worthy skirt that is flattering for your figure and for the environment!
http://shopruche.com/birds-on-a-line-skirt-by-synergy.html


Thompson, Dennis. The Mainstreaming of Vegan Diets. HealthDay. U.S. News, 27 Dec. 2011. Web. 2 April 2012. ‹http://health.usnews.com/health-news/diet-fitness/diet/articles/2011/12/27/the-mainstreaming-of-vegan-diets>.