Independence Day Vegan Cookout

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Vegans have long been meant to feel underrepresented on the Fourth of July. From

greasy hamburgers to full racks of drippy ribs, Independence Day traditions are

typically centered on a cruelty-filled dish. And ordinary meat analogs like

soy-dogs or tofu sausages may be satisfying when cooked on a skillet or in a

microwave, but they tend to turn into a strange mess when prepared on a grill.

 

Celebrate your independence from an animal-based diet this Saturday by grilling

a pineapple. Patriotic Fruit Salad makes a perfect side dish, and save room for

vegan S'mores for dessert.

 

 

Grilled Pineapple

 

The perfect mix of savory sweet, this main course tastes more like dessert and

is so refreshing in the summer heat.

 

• 3 tbsp. vegan margarine

• 1 tbsp. brown sugar

• 2 tsp. lemon juice

 

Cut your pineapple into patty-size filets approximately 1 inch thick. In a small

saucepan, combine margarine, brown sugar, and lemon juice. Melt and stir until

properly blended. Remove from heat and coat both sides of your pineapple filets

with a kitchen brush. To cook, lay your slices of pineapple directly onto a

medium-heated grill. Smoke for 4-6 minutes before flipping your pineapple onto

other side. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

 

Patriotic Fruit Salad

 

This refreshing, red-white-and-blue dish won't last long on a hot July 4th.

Reserve some vegan marshmallows for S'Mores over an open fire with Tropical

Source chocolate and graham crackers.

 

• 1 whole watermelon

• 2 ½ cups fresh blueberries

• 2 cups small Dandies vegan marshmallows

 

Cut open your watermelon and scoop with a melon baller to create little,

bite-size pieces. You can use a small ice cream scoop if you don't have a melon

baller. Toss with rinsed blueberries, marshmallows, and pieces of fresh

spearmint.

 

If you don't have Dandies vegan marshmallows, make your own at home with this

recipe.

 

Photo by Steve Woods, from www.sxc.hu.

 

 

Author: Elizabeth Holli Wood

Elizabeth Holli Wood is an Examiner from Tampa Bay. You can see Elizabeth

Holli's articles on Elizabeth Holli's Home Page.