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10 Friday, July 15, 2022brooklintowncrier.com Isn't it lovely to be out in backyards socializing again? But summer barbecues can be challenging for vegans. A bit of extra planning though can make barbecues and picnics be a lot easier and even enjoyable. I went to a recent backyard celebration hosted by a family member and the only thing I could eat was raw veggies. I did, however, prepare for the catered event by eating before I went and carried a plant-based protein bar in my purse. Problem solved. No one was offended and I had a great time. Here are some tips to help you navigate summer events: 1. Bring your favourite vegan hot dog, sausage, or burger. Also, offer to provide veggie burgers or dogs. There are lots of store brands you can purchase. 2. Make a dish everyone can enjoy, like a salad. Some salads are not vegan as they contain mayonnaise, honey or cheese. I will often suggest I bring a vegan and gluten-free salad. While they are not related, it covers two lifestyle diets and can be helpful to the host. 3. How about a vegan dip? Veggie trays seem to be at every backyard party, so have some hummus or dairy-free dip handy. 3. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages). Some wines are not vegan - yes, it's true. So show up with two bottles, one as a gift for the host and one for yourself. 4. Let the cook know your needs. My friends are familiar with my plant-based choices and will cook the veggie burger first or on the side of the grill not used for meat. Be aware you may have to tactfully suggest this to the host. Anytime I've done this, it's been appreciated. 5. Remember, it's a party, not a protest. There will be meat on the grill and on nearly everyone's plate. If you are not okay with this, maybe decline the invitation - with love. 6. Invite friends to a plant-based event yourself. I find people open to trying new foods and are often surprised by how great the food is. Summer outings can be challenging for vegans. If we take some control over the situation, we can make it a lot easier. From ohsheglows.com comes this great portobello mushroom burger recipe: 2 medium portobello mushrooms 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons plus 1½ teaspoons fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried basil ¼ teaspoon fine-grain seal salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Remove the stems from the mushrooms. Rub the mushroom cap with a damp dishcloth to clean. In a large bowl, whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, basil, salt and paper. Add the portobello caps and toss to coat them in the marinade. Marinate the mushrooms for 30 to 60 minutes, tossing them every 15 minutes (you can also marinade them over night). Sheree's hack: Triple or quadruple this recipe to use as a marinade for peppers, asparagus or zucchini. Surviving BBQs and Picnics As A Vegan Plant-Based Eating by Sheree Nicholson Brooklin Bafflers: by Liz Lowe Crossword Across 1 Turn away from by persuasion 9 English explorer who reached the South Pole 14 Blows up 15 The code of law derived from the Koran 16 Carrying developing offspring 17 Develop into a pupa 18 Brouhaha 19 Extremely malicious or wicked 21 Sorceress 22 Beliefs 24 252 wine gallons 25 A person who is expelled from home or country by authority 27 Apple spray 29 Melodic 30 Buoy 31 Mixture 34 Forms of fiction with strong irony or sarcasm 36 Big dipper 37 They last a long time 39 Arm or leg 40 A-one 43 Expire 44 Interlocks with 45 Big galoot 47 The skeleton of the human foot between the toes and the tarsus 49 Engine sound 50 Catch 51 A church 54 Slumbers 55 Becoming gradually narrower 56 (Greek mythology) monster with nine heads 57 Type of criticisms Down 1 Profundity 2 Bit of progress 3 Arctic transport 4 Kind of palm 5 Ashes holder 6 Eastern title 7 A measuring instrument for determining optical or photographic density 8 Subjects of wills 9 Avoid 10 A person who invests capital in a business 11 Obscurely prophetic 12 A salt containing titanium and oxygen 13 Old Chinese money 15 Fitness centers 20 Of or relating to theosophy 22 Fake 23 Part of a score, maybe 26 One of the mourners carrying the coffin at a funeral 28 Abbr. next to a telephone number 30 Community spirit 31 Completely 32 Befitting or characteristic of a maiden 33 Conceded the existence, reality or truth of 35 Clearasil target 38 Beverages of sweet spiced hot milk curdled with ale or beer 41 The child of your aunt or uncle 42 American artist whose pop art emerged from the New York City graffiti subculture of the 1980's 44 They may provide relief 46 Hand grenades 47 Fit together 48 Spanish appetizer 49 Prefix with scope or meter 52 Number cruncher, for short 53 Allow