"Oh snap, the plant-based party starter is here! Let the fun begin!"
Every day your eyes open is worth a celebration of some sort. It's just that during the warmer months, we find ourselves a bit more inclined to incorporate grilled vittles over an open flame (food), a few friendly faces (folks), and some vibrant entertainment (fun) into that celebration. Throw in some jamming playlists, refreshing beverages, and an optional pool for the extra razzle dazzle and now you've really got yourself a party!
Helloooo Summer!
While you know (and we know) you're the life of the party, in today's economy the "your presence is a present" frame of mind is rarely the theme anymore when cookouts are hosted. Attendees are usually expected to bring a contribution in the form of a dish and/or beverage that "everyone can eat." More often than not, though, that "everyone" is not inclusive of the plant-based eater, so your stomach's only solution is your own contribution. In some ways, this can take away from the camaraderie because it creates a bit of exclusion. In other ways, it can be a little unfair because curiosity will have many people wanting to try your vegan food as a "side" to accompany the other items on their plates (yet none of their contributions appeal to you because they contain animal products).
Here's a few approaches that may help you, as a plant-based individual, have a slightly more level playing field when it comes to getting your "eat-on" at the cookouts on your summer itinerary.
"You Got to Co-ordinate"
Being familiar with the cookout host is your inside track to being prepared for cookouts (bonus if you're friends/family with a few attendees). Â Here's a few examples of how you can covertly (or not so much so) convince attendee acquaintances to assist in making some cookout offerings a bit more equal opportunity:
-You're doing beans? (Insert brand name) has a vegetarian baked bean that's flavorful so you don't need meat or much seasoning so it's easier to cook and less time to spend on the stove!
-You're bringing rolls? Could you grab the (insert brand) buns? I can eat those AND they're cheaper than some of the other brands that contain eggs and dairy so we're both winning!
-You're making greens/green beans? Could you prepare me a smaller pot with just the seasonings and no meat?
-You're on snacks? Are you bringing plain chips, pretzels and/or tortilla chips & salsa? That's great! I'll definitely be able to get my snack on with whatever I wind up able to eat at the cookout!
-You're making kabobs? Can you make a few veggie kabobs without the meat? Lots of people will appreciate some grilled veggies to go with the other dishes!
When in Doubt, Go Without
Dairy is hidden in many things, and you may not always have access to the packaging that came with the food offerings at cookouts. Preparers of dishes may not be aware of all the ingredients that went into their dishes as well so it's better to skip things you're unsure of to avoid potential stomach upset. In other words, act as a pauper to avoid later becoming a king or queen of the porcelain throne.
Get Satisfied on Your Own Supply
Embarking on a crusade to show the world (or at least the whole cookout) that plant-based food is delicious can be an expensive point to make, especially considering many people will want to sample your food while still enjoying everything else at the cookout that you don't eat. If bringing a dish, make it a universal side that's a popular contribution (like baked beans, grilled veggies, a salad, or green beans) but bring only enough main selections to fill just YOUR plate (like 1-2 veggie burgers or not chickn sandwiches) and use the cookout as a fine time for folks to learn your NO. Allow them to ask all the questions they want about your plate and feel free to answer them between chews of the food you brought...for yourself...that you're not sharing. If they ask for a sample, remind them that (unlike them), your cookout food options are limited but you're more than happy to recommend your favorite products to try. Sharing is caring but, for the day, food is not on the share menu. Consider it a labor of self-love.
Here's a few easy recipes to build up your own arsenal of good eats to bring for yourself as you make your way around the cookout circuit this Summer:
Following the tips above should help ensure that you're able to enjoy a satisfying plant-based meal during all the cookouts that come across your radar this Summer. But, if you find yourself still unsure about any of the approaches listed above and/or you think you may be rocking the boat or being a burden, let everyone know that...
You're Here for a Good Time, Not a Long Time
While eating is commonly grouped with socializing, the latter is not dependent upon the former. If you want to take the preparation and guesswork out of having a good time, either have a filling meal before the cookout or just snack on whatever accidentally plant-based options may be available at the cookout (i.e. chips, pretzels, etc.) with plans of chowing down elsewhere afterwards. This leaves your mouth free to talk all the tough talk you want at the card table or loudly sing along to your favorite jam while "cutting a rug" on whatever free space has been designated as the "dance floor."
No matter what approach you decide to take, cheers to a Hot Vegan Summer!
-RR
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