If you're in the U.S. like we are, this weekend might find you celebrating the "official beginning of summer" by picnicking, camping, or BBQ-ing.
It may also find you remembering friends or family who served our country.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, I hope it's a relaxing, special weekend.
Although tomorrow is the actual "Holiday", we celebrated today with a bunch of friends, a backyard party, a bonfire and picnic.
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I just have to show you - Here's my summer splurge... a sweet little patio firepit!
I'd been wanting one forever and finally found it on sale!!
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We couldn't wait to try it out, but first of all - here's a picture of it all new and clean!
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The menu was almost all vegan, even if the guests weren't. (OK, the kids had S'mores with evil mashmallows and Hershey bars... send in the vegan police!) , but every single thing was gobbled right down, with lots of second and third helpings...
First off, we lit the fire pit and let the coals burn down nice and hot, it was just the perfect size, especially since I have no desire to have a big ol' bar-be-que thing taking up space on my patio.
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We roasted corn (still in the husk) and veggie hot dogs on sticks (Lightlife, Loma Linda Big Franks and Field Roast Sausages, take your pick).
Along with food from the fire, (isn't this a just a classic picnic combo?) I made "Cheater Baked Beans" from Veganomicon (cooked the beans from scratch though, I'm just not a fan of canned...) and my signature macaroni salad (with Veganaise). 
Of course there were plenty of beverages to go around - including this awesome organic wine and "Russian" Coke which was really just plain old Coke, but celebrating the Olympics or something.
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Sorry, not sure of the significance, it was a cool can though.
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Since teen-age boys and fire seem to be drawn to each other, we were "treated" to a long, drawn out and highly scientific marshmallow-roasting-s'more's-eating demonstration.
(I do have to admit some of them were quite the gooey-chocolate-y works of art, the pictures would have been even better if it hadn't been twilight by this point...)
Lots of sugar, caffiene and general goofiness (yes, someone took pictures of all that too!).
Couldn't have been a better day!
Macaroni Salad (This makes enough for a crowd - if hungry teenagers don't get to it first!)
Mix together the following:
8 cups cooked elbow macaroni (I use 1/2 wheat and 1/2 white)
1 cup frozen peas
2 bunches small green onions, sliced thin (use about 1/2 the green part)
1 English cucumber diced
1 small jar (aprox. 1/4 cup) chopped green olives or capers or 1 small can sliced black olives - your choice
1 carrot, coarsely shredded
large handful fresh parsley, chopped fine
Vegan mayonaise, as much as you prefer (My kids don't like a mayo-heavy salad)
salt, pepper and a pinch of cayenne to taste.
Mix together, chill and serve.
That's it; Pretty easy, contains ingredients ALL my kids love and I usually have everything on hand...
Have a memorable weekend!
Went to some of our best friend's for a BBQ this hot, sunny, almost-summer evening...
My oldest "Sprout" enjoyed the large screen TV/computer and wireless keyboard.
Here's my DEE-LISH plate. The odd kahki-green thing is a quarter of an artichoke, pre-cooked and then charred a bit on the grill, SO yummy!!
My children feel the camera is a play-toy, so humor me and a few silly pictures...
