Celebrate Earth Day with a veggie burger cookout
This April 22 marks the 35th anniversary of Earth Day, now celebrated by millions of people worldwide. There are many ways to celebrate Earth Day, from participating in community events that raise awareness about our planet and our future to joining with neighbors to clean up the community. Some people go out and appreciate the land around them, while others enjoy the fresh organic foods that become available this time of year.
Since Earth Day comes at a time of year when the grill is beckoning, serve up some spring veggies on the side, with a main course of vegetarian burgers grilled and topped with something fun.
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California Burgers
4 meatless burgers
4 hamburger buns, toasted
4 lettuce leaves
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 small cucumber, peeled and sliced
12 slices onion
12 slices peeled avocado
1/4 cup Ranch salad dressing, optional
Grill burgers according to package directions. Place burger on toasted bun; top each with a lettuce leaf, Divide green pepper, cucumber, onion and avocado evenly between burgers. Drizzle with Ranch salad dressing if desired. Makes 4 servings. Recipe adapted from BOCA at http://www.bocaburger.com.
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Meatless Patty Melt
8 onion slices
8 medium mushrooms, sliced
16 slices marbled rye bread, toasted on 1 side
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
4 meatless burgers
8 slices Swiss cheese
In a medium nonstick pan over medium heat, sauté onions and mushrooms until golden; set aside. Grill burgers according to package directions. Spread butter on toasted side of each slice of bread. Place grilled burger on one half, then onions and mushrooms and top with cheese. Top with remaining bread, placing the toasted side on the cheese. Pan griddle until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is hot throughout. Makes 4 servings. Adapted from Gardenburger at http://www.gardenburger.com.
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Grilled Caesar Burger
4 meatless burgers
2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
1/4 cup Caesar salad dressing
8 slices French or Italian bread
8 slices tomato
Grill burgers according to package directions. Meanwhile, toss lettuce with dressing until evenly coated. Divide evenly between bread slices. Top each with 1 burger, 2 of the tomato slices, and remaining bread slices. Makes 4 servings. Recipe adapted from BOCA at http://www.bocaburger.com.
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Pantry Pointers
To easily add flavor to a vegetarian burger, spread a little olive oil on both sides before grilling. This also will help prevent sticking and help the burgers brown.
Vegetables such as peppers, onions, mushrooms, corn on the cob and summer squash cook well on the grill.
The Practical Pantry ©2005 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
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