Planning a Vegetarian Picnic

There are several ingredients to a perfect picnic. You need a great location – be it a sunny beach, a green lawn, beside a flowing river, or simply in a beautiful park. You also need guests (naturally). These ingredients, though, are not that hard to find. The key to any great picnic is, of course, the food. One of the most difficult things about planning a picnic is figuring out who eats what. You do not want to serve your guests food they will not eat, especially if they are vegetarian. If you do not know how to make a vegetarian picnic, then today is your lucky day. Below are great ideas for your next vegetarian picnic in the great outdoors.

Vegetarian Picnic Appetizers: Zucchini Fritters

You do not have to have meat in your appetizers, despite what most people believe. Indeed, vegetables make for terrific appetizers, and can provide a tasty precursor to the main meal – even without meat. Here is one recipe for zucchini fritters:

- 2 grated zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 minced cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 diced red onion
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 1/2 cup of cheese (I like shredded mozzarella)

To make, make sure your zucchini is drained of excess liquid. Then, fry the zucchini with the onion in a tablespoon of olive oil for 4-6 minutes. Then, include the garlic. You know it is done when you no longer have liquid. Pour this mixture into a bowl along with eggs, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and butter. Place the other tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat and fry the mixture in small batches. Sprinkle cheese on top. After about 6 minutes or so, flip and fry the other side for about 5 minutes.

Vegetarian Picnic Entrees: Vegetarian Pizza

Mmm…pizza. There are few foods on earth that are as universally loved as pizza. While we typically picture pizzas topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, and other meats, you can have a vegetarian pizza that is just as delicious. Here is a good recipe for one you can take with you to your vegetarian picnic:

- Dough (I recommend pre-made pizza crusts for simplicity)
- Marinara sauce
- Dried oregano
- Brown sugar
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Shredded Romano cheese
- Shredded Asiago cheese
- Diced purple onions
- Banana peppers
- Minced garlic

First, take your marinara sauce and mix in a dash of oregano and garlic. Do not add too much; a pinch or two should do. Then, mix in brown sugar over low heat. Add a little at a time until the sauce tastes nice and sweet. Then, spread evenly over your crust and cover with the three cheeses mixed together. Apply your onions and peppers, lightly sprinkle more oregano and garlic, and bake in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15-20 minutes (or until cheese is golden-brown). Now you have a wonderful Pizza for your vegetarian picnic.

By: Chen Bar

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