Vegetarianism has come a long way - no longer is it necessary to stick out when dining al fresco with your favourite group of omnivorous friends.
With the advent of warm weather and sunshine, I have been thinking a lot about vegetarian picnics. Foods traditionally associated with such outdoor gatherings are typically potato salad, cold cuts, and perhaps fried chicken....at least that's what I remember! Being vegetarian for many years now, I have yo-yoed between cooking every single meal from scratch to using prepared foods more often than not. I must say, picnicing is a splendid opportunity for both, depending on how much effort you feel like exerting on that particular day.
I recently attended a picnic of sorts after a long day of beach volleyball. While others in the group dined on sandwiches filled with cold cuts of various kinds and loads of cheese, I was able to make only small adjustments using veggie "deli" slices and cheese; though soy cheese or no cheese would be easily done as well. Fresh fruit is the only necessary dessert after a picnic, though we had oatmeal cookies too.
I could have prepared a delectable array of say, vegetarian antipasto, leftover cold pizza, or other gourmet delight, but I feel that goes against the ideals of the picnic. On most ocassions, I try to bring at least one vegetarian dish (a vegan macaroni salad, perhaps) to share with my non-vegetarian friends. Broadening omnivorous horizons is always an admirable goal; but it is good to know that an impromtu outdoors meal with friends can be just that - simply, not stressful, and enjoyed by all.
