Picnic Winners
I spend a lot of time thinking about what’s for lunch. Besides having written a vegan cookbook on the subject, I’m constantly packing lunches for my husband, son, and myself and blogging about them.
Most often my creations go off to work and school, but now that my son is playing team sports, we’re spending more of our afternoons outside at playing fields and parks. That means getting together with other parents to cheer on our little all-stars and share picnic fare.
As a vegan, and a health-conscious one at that, I know I can’t rely on the other parents to serve foods that I can eat. Nor will I settle for a bag of potato chips while everyone else is feasting on deli sandwiches and barbecued pork and beans. Instead, I bring along vegan versions, with plenty to share. None of the nonvegans even miss the bacon or mayonnaise.
May/June 2009 p.48get the recipes
Baguette with Roasted Red Pepper Spread
This colorful spread is a fancy, vegan version of pimiento cheese. Slipping cucumber between the filling and the lettuce helps keep the greens from wilting en route to your destination.
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Sticks-and-Stones Salad
The name of this salad alone is enough to entice kids to give it a try. If your kids’ tastes in vegetables are more adventurous, feel free to replace the celery with red bell pepper strips or with broccoli or cauliflower florets.
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Barbecue Baked Beans
Liquid smoke gives beans rich, hearty flavor without the pork. Start the beans in the slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll have perfect baked beans in the morning, ready to take on a picnic outing. For a faster version that eliminates the need to soak and precook
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Mini Coconut Cream Pies
These little coconut pies are sturdy enough to travel in a lunch box or picnic basket. Check the baking section at your grocery store for vegan-friendly, ready-made graham cracker pie crusts.
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at a glance
