The conquest of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations by the Spanish led to the disappearance of many native foods. They disappeared because the priests and the conquistadors made it illegal for the natives to grow their own food. This helped conquer and humiliate an entire population. The conversion to Christianity was well on its way with the methodology employed. More importantly, the Spaniards obtained land to grow wheat, a food imported into the Americas.
The 4th of July hails fireworks, barbeques, and lots of eating ice cream and berry pie. The month of July hosts several note-worthy food observance days, Strawberry Ice Cream Day, Barbeque Day, and Gummie Bear Day. July 4th weekend is actually the largest BBQ Party thrown by the United States, with more chicken eaten then on any other day of the year.
This week hails America’s Birthday. The Fourth of July is just around the corner and with it comes barbeques, lemonade, potato salad, coleslaw, and pounds of marinated proteins on the grill.
What if you are vegan? What if you don’t participate in the yearly ritual of slapping a slab of meat on the grill and charring it til it’s done? I’ve got some answers for you. I’ve done this for years and have found that folks are really receptive to the dairy-free salads and tofu hot dogs that I bring to grill. I’ve also hosted cookouts where it’s veggie burgers, tofu hot dogs, and loads of sides that are made with unconventional ingredients.
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