Vegetarian picnic?!
i am having a graduation picnic for my daughter!. all but 2 guests are meat eaters!. instead of lighting up a grill we opted for picnic style!. cold fried chicken, baked beans and bbq pulled pork sandwiches (we have a chafing dish for these 2 hot dishes) along with the standards of pasta salad, potato salad, fruit and vegi trays!. chips!. dips etc!.
now what i need is an entree that will satisfy the vegetarians!. it has to be something that i can make ahead of time that will require no heating at the park!. please please i need suggestions!. keep in mind it is a park picnic!. and i am looking for an entree that they can eat with the salads and fruits and veggies and something that the meat eaters will enjoy as well!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
now what i need is an entree that will satisfy the vegetarians!. it has to be something that i can make ahead of time that will require no heating at the park!. please please i need suggestions!. keep in mind it is a park picnic!. and i am looking for an entree that they can eat with the salads and fruits and veggies and something that the meat eaters will enjoy as well!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Answers:
You could make some very yummy Panino alla Margherita sandwiches!
You'll need:
2 slices (1/2-inch-thick; about 2 ounces) fresh mozzarella
2 slices (1/2-inch-thick) rustic white bread
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 slices (1/4-inch-thick) tomato
6 medium fresh basil leaves or 3 large
2 teaspoons (about) olive oil
Place the mozzarella ontop of 1 bread slice!. Sprinkle with salt and pepper!. Add the tomato slices and then the basil leaves!. Top with the second bread slice!. Brush both sides of the sandwich with the oil!.
Heat a grill pan over medium-low heat!. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing down with a metal spatula or grill press, about 4 minutes per side!.
You can store them in the fridge over night and serve them cold for the picnic!. They taste sooo good!Www@FoodAQ@Com
You'll need:
2 slices (1/2-inch-thick; about 2 ounces) fresh mozzarella
2 slices (1/2-inch-thick) rustic white bread
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 slices (1/4-inch-thick) tomato
6 medium fresh basil leaves or 3 large
2 teaspoons (about) olive oil
Place the mozzarella ontop of 1 bread slice!. Sprinkle with salt and pepper!. Add the tomato slices and then the basil leaves!. Top with the second bread slice!. Brush both sides of the sandwich with the oil!.
Heat a grill pan over medium-low heat!. Grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese melts, pressing down with a metal spatula or grill press, about 4 minutes per side!.
You can store them in the fridge over night and serve them cold for the picnic!. They taste sooo good!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I think what you're having already is perfect for both vegetarians and meat eaters!. When you make the pasta and potato salad just don't put any meat in them!. The chips, veggie trays, dips and fruit will be all that's needed!.
I'm not a dedicated vegetarian but prefer to not eat meat most of the time!. I would be very happy with what you're already planning to serve!.
Congrats to your daughter and enjoy your picnic!Www@FoodAQ@Com
I'm not a dedicated vegetarian but prefer to not eat meat most of the time!. I would be very happy with what you're already planning to serve!.
Congrats to your daughter and enjoy your picnic!Www@FoodAQ@Com
sounds like you have enough food their already!. try some buns maybe, i am not sure about where you are, but at the grocery store you can buy slices of tofu meat, that look like meat, but it is not, and they can just put that on their sandwiches instead of meat!. im a vegitarian and have been for 8 years now, and i still like it!. Yves makes the best i find!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
I like cold pasta dish!. I am vegetarian and am always trying new things that I think others may enjoy too when they come for dinner!.
Make with some corkscrew type noodle, chopped tomatoes ( sun dried), some spices like basil, some garlic, a little parsley and a bit of olive oil!.
I also like the morning star farms chicken nuggets ( in the freezer section)!.!.!.they are yummy cold or hot!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Make with some corkscrew type noodle, chopped tomatoes ( sun dried), some spices like basil, some garlic, a little parsley and a bit of olive oil!.
I also like the morning star farms chicken nuggets ( in the freezer section)!.!.!.they are yummy cold or hot!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
honestly, pasta/potatoe salade, fruits/veggie trays are plenty!
I'm a vegetarian and I love that stuff and can easily fill-up on that!.!.!. just get enough for the meat eaters and for vegetarians as a full meal!.!.!.!.!.
get vegetarian baked beans so all can enjoy, too
but if you really want more!.!.!.!. pita chips/hummas is goodWww@FoodAQ@Com
I'm a vegetarian and I love that stuff and can easily fill-up on that!.!.!. just get enough for the meat eaters and for vegetarians as a full meal!.!.!.!.!.
get vegetarian baked beans so all can enjoy, too
but if you really want more!.!.!.!. pita chips/hummas is goodWww@FoodAQ@Com
Sounds like you already have it covered!. What else do you need!? Veggie members everywhere are raising their hand and saying!.!.!.!."you need to invite me!"
EnjoyWww@FoodAQ@Com
EnjoyWww@FoodAQ@Com
With those side dishes of potato and pasta salad!.!.!.was well as the fruit/veggie tray!. You're pretty much set!. I'm a vegetarian and when it comes to BBQ type picnics, those things fill me up!.
However, you could also buy some buns/bread, cut up some different types of cheese (or get pre-sliced), maybe some pickles, condiments, such as Miracle Whip or mayo, mustard, ranch dressing!.!.!.and they can make some yummy cheese sandwiches!! That is typically what I would do!.
Or you can get a pack of vegetarian meat, that is mock bologna, turkey, chicken!.!.!.etc!. I wouldn't spend too much on that though, it can be really expensive!! Look in your produce section, close to the bagged salad, is where I've usually found it!. Brand called, Smart Food or Yves!.
Congrats for your daughter!! =) Have fun!Www@FoodAQ@Com
However, you could also buy some buns/bread, cut up some different types of cheese (or get pre-sliced), maybe some pickles, condiments, such as Miracle Whip or mayo, mustard, ranch dressing!.!.!.and they can make some yummy cheese sandwiches!! That is typically what I would do!.
Or you can get a pack of vegetarian meat, that is mock bologna, turkey, chicken!.!.!.etc!. I wouldn't spend too much on that though, it can be really expensive!! Look in your produce section, close to the bagged salad, is where I've usually found it!. Brand called, Smart Food or Yves!.
Congrats for your daughter!! =) Have fun!Www@FoodAQ@Com
You're choices are great! Try not to add bacon bits, or things of that nature to the pasta salad and potato salad!. Personally, I'm not a fan of the lunch meat, hot dogs, or fake chicken nuggets that are made WITHOUT meat -- they still remind ME too much of meat!. This might be something to consdider when you are looking into advertised vegetarian premade items -- plus they are NOT cheap and I doubt if meat eaters would like them very much (my meat eating friends don't)!.
Maybe you could make some subs (sandwiches) up ahead of time!. You could get long buns: cheese, lettuce, tom, onion, etc!. After you make them then cut them up in smaller sizes, such as 3-4 inches long and put them on a platter!. You could easily make them up ahead of time and they will be great for the next day!. Or this could also be done by making a tray up of the cheese, tom, onions, lettuce, etc!. and then have them put their own topping on buns that you would have set on the side!.
My personal favorite: veggie lasagna!. This can easily be made up ahead of time and frozen!. Pull it out of freezer the day of and back as normal!. Keep it warm by using the chafing dish idea!. There are tons of recipes online for veggie lasagna and I have found that my meat eating friends enjoy them too!. I have seen them made just as you would make a meat lasagna with spaghetti sauce but without the meat!. And I have seen them made more as a cheese type lasagna without the meat and NO red sauce!.
I found 2 websites that have veggie lasagna recipes!. Just remember that you can replace any of their recommended veggies with ones that you might like better or have handy!. also, Stouffers makes a frozen meatless lasagna (no red sauce) that is absolutely wonderful!. You can find it in your local grocery store or even Walmart frozen section!.
Think of one of your favorite dishes that you enjoy making -- many of them can be made without the meat and everyone can enjoy them!. Have fun!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Maybe you could make some subs (sandwiches) up ahead of time!. You could get long buns: cheese, lettuce, tom, onion, etc!. After you make them then cut them up in smaller sizes, such as 3-4 inches long and put them on a platter!. You could easily make them up ahead of time and they will be great for the next day!. Or this could also be done by making a tray up of the cheese, tom, onions, lettuce, etc!. and then have them put their own topping on buns that you would have set on the side!.
My personal favorite: veggie lasagna!. This can easily be made up ahead of time and frozen!. Pull it out of freezer the day of and back as normal!. Keep it warm by using the chafing dish idea!. There are tons of recipes online for veggie lasagna and I have found that my meat eating friends enjoy them too!. I have seen them made just as you would make a meat lasagna with spaghetti sauce but without the meat!. And I have seen them made more as a cheese type lasagna without the meat and NO red sauce!.
I found 2 websites that have veggie lasagna recipes!. Just remember that you can replace any of their recommended veggies with ones that you might like better or have handy!. also, Stouffers makes a frozen meatless lasagna (no red sauce) that is absolutely wonderful!. You can find it in your local grocery store or even Walmart frozen section!.
Think of one of your favorite dishes that you enjoy making -- many of them can be made without the meat and everyone can enjoy them!. Have fun!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Recipe: Crudités - Raw Vegetable Platter
Crudités is a French term that refers to "raw vegetables," so a platter of crudités typically consists of one or more types of raw vegetables served with one or more dips!. These are great for parties and can be served as an appetizer, at a buffet, in place of a salad - the sky is the limit!. Here are some ideas for interesting crudité platters - mix and match to discover what you like best!.
Vegetables
Asparagus (steamed)
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumbers
Fennel
Green onions
Jicama
Mushrooms
Radishes
Snow peas
Tomatoes
Possible additions
Bread
Cheese
Crackers
Edible flowers
Dips
A?oli
Baba Ganouj
Caesar Dressing
Guacamole
Herb Dip
Hummus
Tapenade
Tzatziki
Vegan sour cream dips
Your favorite salad dressing
More dips
Tips
Make the vegetables as appetizing and ready-to-eat as possible: rinse well, trim stems, remove spots and seeds, peel (if necessary), cut into sticks or rounds
Arrange the vegetables on a nice platter with the dip(s) in the center
If you only have an ugly platter, camouflage it with lettuce leaves
Garnish the platter with slices or wedges of lemon, lime, orange, and/or tomato
Garnish the dips with minced parsley and/or a sprinkling of paprika and/or black pepper
Serve alongside a cheese plate
Deviled Eggs
Aside from being a nice way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs are easy to make, convenient to eat, and tasty to boot!.
Yield 12 halves
Time 30 minutes
Tools saucepan (large enough to hold six eggs on bottom)
2 medium bowls
knife
plate
2 spoons
Ingredients 6 eggs
? c mayonnaise
1 T soy sauce
1 t dry, yellow, or Dijon mustard
2 T red onion, minced
dash salt
paprika and/or minced parsley
Directions Place the eggs in the pot and cover with cold water!. Once water simmers, cook for 8-10 minutes!. Drain the eggs, place in a bowl of cold water, remove one, tap lightly all over until shell cracks, and peel!. If it gets too hot to handle, just hold it underwater for a few seconds and try again!. (You may need to add more water to the bowl to keep it cold)!. Peel all of the eggs, then cut in half length-wise!. Arrange on a plate!.
Pop the yolks out of each half and place in the other bowl, being careful not to break the egg whites!. Mash the yolks, then stir in mayonnaise, soy sauce, mustard, onion, and salt!.
Take a spoonful of yolk mixture, and use the other spoon to scrape it into one of the egg white holes!. Repeat with remaining yolk and whites!. If you have some yolk left, just add a bit more to the deviled eggs that don't have enough!.
Sprinkle with paprika and/or parsley, and serve!.
Notes Deviled eggs are the perfect finger food - you can just grab one and go, so they are great for picnics and buffets!.
Recipe: Caprese
This is my favorite starter; even though I make it myself regularly, I always order it when I eat out!.
Yield 2-4 servings
Time 20 minutes
Tools bowl
nice plates
steak knives
forks
Ingredients 1? c fresh mozzarella cheese
? c balsamic vinegar
2 large tomatoes
1 large bunch basil
?-? red onion, finely diced
? c good olive oil
1 T dried, crushed oregano
Freshly-ground black pepper
Directions Cut the mozzarella into ?-inch slices, spread out in bowl, and douse with vinegar!. Set aside!.
Slice the tomatoes into ?-inch thick slices!. Arrange on plates!.
Take a slice of mozzarella and rub both sides into the vinegar!. Place on top of a tomato slice!. Repeat with remaining cheese!.
Remove the basil stems, then arrange the basil over the tomato-cheese piles!. If you like, you can chop or slice the basil first!.
Sprinkle the diced onion over the caprese!.
Drizzle with olive oil
Sprinkle with oregano and pepper!.
Serve immediately with knives and forks!.
Notes The ingredients for this dish are very simple, so get the freshest you can!.
The mozzarella-vinegar soak step is optional; if you prefer, you can just drizzle the vinegar over the caprese with the oil!. I really like balsamic vinegar, so I soak the cheese in order to ensure a noticeable flavor!.
For a picnic or buffet, you might prefer dicing everything up and mixing it into a salad rather than dealing with the individual "towers" of caprese!.
hope these helpWww@FoodAQ@Com
Crudités is a French term that refers to "raw vegetables," so a platter of crudités typically consists of one or more types of raw vegetables served with one or more dips!. These are great for parties and can be served as an appetizer, at a buffet, in place of a salad - the sky is the limit!. Here are some ideas for interesting crudité platters - mix and match to discover what you like best!.
Vegetables
Asparagus (steamed)
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Celery
Cucumbers
Fennel
Green onions
Jicama
Mushrooms
Radishes
Snow peas
Tomatoes
Possible additions
Bread
Cheese
Crackers
Edible flowers
Dips
A?oli
Baba Ganouj
Caesar Dressing
Guacamole
Herb Dip
Hummus
Tapenade
Tzatziki
Vegan sour cream dips
Your favorite salad dressing
More dips
Tips
Make the vegetables as appetizing and ready-to-eat as possible: rinse well, trim stems, remove spots and seeds, peel (if necessary), cut into sticks or rounds
Arrange the vegetables on a nice platter with the dip(s) in the center
If you only have an ugly platter, camouflage it with lettuce leaves
Garnish the platter with slices or wedges of lemon, lime, orange, and/or tomato
Garnish the dips with minced parsley and/or a sprinkling of paprika and/or black pepper
Serve alongside a cheese plate
Deviled Eggs
Aside from being a nice way to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs, deviled eggs are easy to make, convenient to eat, and tasty to boot!.
Yield 12 halves
Time 30 minutes
Tools saucepan (large enough to hold six eggs on bottom)
2 medium bowls
knife
plate
2 spoons
Ingredients 6 eggs
? c mayonnaise
1 T soy sauce
1 t dry, yellow, or Dijon mustard
2 T red onion, minced
dash salt
paprika and/or minced parsley
Directions Place the eggs in the pot and cover with cold water!. Once water simmers, cook for 8-10 minutes!. Drain the eggs, place in a bowl of cold water, remove one, tap lightly all over until shell cracks, and peel!. If it gets too hot to handle, just hold it underwater for a few seconds and try again!. (You may need to add more water to the bowl to keep it cold)!. Peel all of the eggs, then cut in half length-wise!. Arrange on a plate!.
Pop the yolks out of each half and place in the other bowl, being careful not to break the egg whites!. Mash the yolks, then stir in mayonnaise, soy sauce, mustard, onion, and salt!.
Take a spoonful of yolk mixture, and use the other spoon to scrape it into one of the egg white holes!. Repeat with remaining yolk and whites!. If you have some yolk left, just add a bit more to the deviled eggs that don't have enough!.
Sprinkle with paprika and/or parsley, and serve!.
Notes Deviled eggs are the perfect finger food - you can just grab one and go, so they are great for picnics and buffets!.
Recipe: Caprese
This is my favorite starter; even though I make it myself regularly, I always order it when I eat out!.
Yield 2-4 servings
Time 20 minutes
Tools bowl
nice plates
steak knives
forks
Ingredients 1? c fresh mozzarella cheese
? c balsamic vinegar
2 large tomatoes
1 large bunch basil
?-? red onion, finely diced
? c good olive oil
1 T dried, crushed oregano
Freshly-ground black pepper
Directions Cut the mozzarella into ?-inch slices, spread out in bowl, and douse with vinegar!. Set aside!.
Slice the tomatoes into ?-inch thick slices!. Arrange on plates!.
Take a slice of mozzarella and rub both sides into the vinegar!. Place on top of a tomato slice!. Repeat with remaining cheese!.
Remove the basil stems, then arrange the basil over the tomato-cheese piles!. If you like, you can chop or slice the basil first!.
Sprinkle the diced onion over the caprese!.
Drizzle with olive oil
Sprinkle with oregano and pepper!.
Serve immediately with knives and forks!.
Notes The ingredients for this dish are very simple, so get the freshest you can!.
The mozzarella-vinegar soak step is optional; if you prefer, you can just drizzle the vinegar over the caprese with the oil!. I really like balsamic vinegar, so I soak the cheese in order to ensure a noticeable flavor!.
For a picnic or buffet, you might prefer dicing everything up and mixing it into a salad rather than dealing with the individual "towers" of caprese!.
hope these helpWww@FoodAQ@Com