Fourth of July’s come and gone, but jogging around my neighborhood in the evenings, I keep getting distracted by the smell of barbecue. So: If you’re gonna keep that barbecue going all summer long, here are some tips and recipes to make your grilling green –
Fire it up: Switch over to propane or electric. Or if you must use charcoal, opt for lump brands “made from invasive tree species or harvested from sustainably managed forests,” suggest the girls at The Green Life. And to light up the grill, use a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid.
Discover new dishes: Instead of red meat, choose from a buncha mouth-watering alternatives, from the tomato steak to the “trimmings burger,” courtesy of Roz Cummins at Grist. Roz even put together a short list of vegetarian and vegan picnic choices, along with a recipe for Chinese-style cold pickled cabbage with sliced ginger — nice and cool for those summer days.
If you’re putting together a vegan barbecue, get detailed instructions via Elise Thompson at LAist, complete with a link to finding vegan wine and beer. And Teenaged Vegan encourages you to share your vegan feast with carnivores — who may well turn into ex-carnivores after they get a taste of good meatless cooking.
Set the table: Stay fancy by sticking to nice, reusable dishes. If you must go disposable, opt for biodegradable plates and silverware. (via The Green Life).
Not throwing your own barbecue? Use these tips when going to others’ grilling parties. Take a yum vegan dish with you — and maybe even bring your own plate and cup — along with your six-pack of organic beer.
[picture of vegan kabobs by Richard Thomas; crossposted on BlogHer]
The George Foreman grills are wonderful. I have never been one to cook much, but after I got a George Foreman 6 months ago I have grilled more eggplant and green/red/yellow peppers (from the 99 cent store–some sources local and I cannot pass up 99cents for 2 huge egglants) in 6 months than I have eaten in my entire life!
Comment by Lisa — July 9, 2007 @ 9:19 pm
I used to have one of those, but gave it away because I found that cleaning it was cumbersome enough that I’d avoid using it…. The actual cooking part was nice and easy though –
Comment by Siel — July 9, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Try grilling local veggies, they’re delicious!! Eggplants, peppers, zucchini, etc. all are great and can with stand the grill! Throw in a little extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and any kinda of cheese you like and you have a great quick meal! Check out where you can buy all these veggies at http://www.eatwellguide.org which will give you a listing of all your local organic farm stands, grocery stores, and markets!
Comment by Colleen — July 10, 2007 @ 7:18 am
Try getting free Foreman grills from the meat-eaters you know. The advertised fat-draining feature they have actually makes meat taste a lot worse than grilling, and every meat-eater I know who has had one has gotten rid of theirs. Great for veggies, though!
Comment by dan q public — July 10, 2007 @ 8:14 am