I gave up meat for a month. I did this to find ways to broaden my pallet without eating meat. I also attempt to refer to this book that I read back in 2011. But, since Chicago has Au Cheval, I’ve been neglecting the vegan or vegetarian diet. However, I can’t help but notice that every time I eat meat I feel tired, sluggish, bloated and almost sick. I typically don’t like feeling that way. So when I payed a visit to the recent Green Music Fest in Chicago, Morningstar challenged me to take their Veg of Allegiance. It was just the opportunity I was looking for to broaden my food pallet and to cut meat out of my diet; so I did it. I have given up meat for a month. So far so good.

*Cue the dramatic music* — it struck me that the Fourth of July was this weekend and that would mean I couldn’t eat meat during the cookout I’m hosting! “American” favorites like burgers and hot dogs would be out of the question since my pledge to go veg. For someone that normally eats meat, my ‘veg of allegiance’ will surprise my close friends. I even surprised myself for a moment; I’m really not going to eat meat on the Fourth of July, my favorite-holiday-ever? The Fourth is synonymous with eating these things and is basically standard procedure. In order to combat this predisposed longing for a burger, I’ve been reading up on some vegetarian options to grill. It’s time to do as the vegetarian does.

So at my Fourth of July cookout, I will not be eating meat. I will though, be grilling Morningstar veggie burgers and avocado, thank you very much.
Whether if you’re going meatless or not, grilling avocado is a delicious side dish that has to be tried.
This recipe was shared with me by my carnivorous colleague, Joe Nelson. He spared his other half and it changed me.

If you love avocado like most of North America, take a look at this:

Here’s all you do to replicate those avocados:

1. Cut avocado in half.
2. Grill avocado.
Depending on how strong your grill is, it could take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Maybe you don’t want your avocado totally charred –If that’s the case, then closely watch your avocado and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Again, it’s all preference (freedom), which is awesome. Grill at your leisure.
3. After grilling; sprinkle salt & pepper, squeeze on lime juice and add cilantro (optional)
Now apparently, some people are genetically predisposed to detest cilantro –which is really, incredible unfortunate. I simply LOVE cilantro. 
4. You’re done — time to eat!

Other vegetarian options:
-Morningstar products like original Garden Veggie Pattie.
-Micro Greens: Add items like micro greens to a salad for *amazing* texture that you will not be disappointed with.
-Caprese salad.
-The Sweet Basil Vinaigrette from Farmed Here is amazing and you can put it on top of any salad. Or anything at all, because it’s that good. You’ll forget why you thought you wanted meat in the first place.
–Thug Kitchen — Check out this clever little Vegan cookbook. Great options, all the time. Joe, my carnivorous colleague I mentioned earlier, recommended it to me! How about that?!

Basically, all these suggestions and cookbooks I’ve mentioned will give you lots of ideas for grilling without meat this Fourth of July weekend. Don’t let the naysayers bring you down. Not eating meat is OK and not the end of the world –and it’s totally not boring! Explore. Try something new than simply grilling a piece of processed meat. Just know, you have the *freedom* to eat whatever you want. But I do suggest these options because they’re really good, plain and simple.

Let freedom ring

…Happy Birthday, America!

Christine

Christine is the Marketing & Communication Specialist with Campus Cooks. She is a proud alumna of Northern Illinois University & experienced Campus Cooks as a sorority woman. With this blog, she’ll let you in on life inside Campus Cooks and what it’s like feeding the Greek Experience – in the kitchen & beyond.