Being Vegetarian is Intense, Like Camping!

Memorial Day weekend is just a few days away! It's the biggest weekend of the year to go camping, and what are we doing? CAMPING!!! Last year we weren't so prepared, so THIS year... we are going all out. New sleeping bags, new padding… even a new cooking stove.  


Cooking. Now, who doesn't love camp cooking?! But I was asked recently: what does a vegetarian eat while camping? See, "meat people" as I like to call them, can't imagine a world without meat. You got your hotdogs…hamburgers….chicken breast…. you know, all those animals? To me, this is a silly question, because it's not much different than what I normally eat. However, there is difficulty in the convenience of preparation. 
This leads me to….Recipe time! 

Garlic Garbanzo Bean Spread : This is delicious on bread for sandwiches, or for dipping with pita and veggies! Oh, and packed with protein! 

INGREDIENTS 

15 ounces garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained if using canned) or 15 ounces chickpeas (rinsed and drained if using canned)

1/2 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 green onion, cut into 3 pieces

1 -2 garlic clove, peeled

1/4 teaspoon salt

assorted fresh vegetables and baked pita chi

DIRECTIONS 

1   In a food processor or blender, combine all ingredients (except pita chips and fresh veggies).

2   Cover and process until blended.

3   Transfer to a bowl and refrigerate until serving. Serve with vegetables and pita chips.

My Made-Up Pasta Salad : Love it, and super easy 

INGREDIENTS

1 box Quinoa pasta, I like the swirly kind (Bonus: Gluten Free) 

2 medium tomatoes, coarsely chopped (1 1/2 cups)

1 small cucumber, coarsely chopped (1 cup)

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced with slices cut in half

2 peppers sliced, however you want and whatever kind you want. Red and yellow are pretty. 

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (4 oz)

2 1/2 ounces ripe olives, drained and sliced

Olive Oil and Vinegar to taste

DIRECTIONS

Looking forward to sleeping on the ground, no showers, zero cell service (and zero makeup)….being with friends….talking over a fire… AND EATING GREAT MEATLESS FOOD! Fabulous! 

1 Cook, drain and rise pasta as directed on box. Rinse with cold water 

2 In a large bowl, stir together EVERYTHING 

3 Cover and refrigerate 

4 YUM 

Lastly, I learned this from friends last year, they called it the 'Hobo Meal'. I found that offensive, so I'll just call it delicious. Take foil…make it a pouch… and fill it with peppers, onions, zucchini, and baby yellow potatoes…drizzle with Olive Oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper…role it all up, and throw it on the fire. Let it cook until the potatoes are tender. :) Yum!