Showing posts with label Raw And Not Alone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raw And Not Alone. Show all posts

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Vegan BBQ Bonanza: Tips To Creating A Memorable & "Finger Lickin' Good" Vegan Barbecue AND Free E-Book by Heather Rampolia)

3 Tips To Creating A Memorable & “Finger Lickin’ Good” Vegan Barbecue This Summer
Heather Rampolla, Raw And Not Alone

For me barbecues bring back memories of childhood, playing outdoors, the hot Florida summer heat, family laughter, and watermelon! Of course there is the food. That’s a very important factor too!



When I first became a vegan, I remember feeling some sadness thinking that I will never again taste my father’s chicken wings covered in his delicious BBQ sauce. Fast forward a few years, I am now a raw vegan and lovin’ it. Vegan Barbecue? Does it seem a little confusing to use the words barbecue and vegan in the same sentence? And how the heck does a raw foodist have a barbecue? 

Not to fret. I have a few tips up my sleeve to share with you today including delicious recipes and ideas to create your raw vegan “finger lickin’ good” backyard barbecue this summer. 

Tip #1: Re-invent your families favorite BBQ Sauce
The basic ingredients of most traditional BBQ sauces are: butter, tomato sauce, vinegar, spices, sugar, and sometimes mustard. 

When you break it down like this, it is easy to see how you can recreate these recipes into a vegan or even raw vegan version. For example, you can replace the butter with olive oil; the canned tomatoes with both sun-dried tomatoes and whole tomatoes; sugar with agave or other vegan sweetener, etc. 




If you have a family barbecue recipe, try to recreate it into a new vegan version. You might be surprised with how close it comes to the original, if not better. If you don’t have a recipe in the family, I’ve got a tried and true raw vegan barbecue sauce recipe for you below. 

Tip #2: Focus on creating memories
What do you think of when you hear the word “barbecue”? Often times it’s the nostalgia of a barbecue rather than eating meat. What are the best memories that come to mind? Is it a particular recipe or meal? Is it a game? Or is it the moments spent outdoors with family? Whatever it is that means the most to you- focus on creating that moment in your barbecue. 

For me it is spending quality time with my family and friends outdoors. A really tasty BBQ Sauce is a close second.

Tip #3: Keep it simple
Barbecues by their nature are not meant to be elaborate and fancy but relaxed. So put your hair in a ponytail, take a deep breath, and know that you can rock this barbecue vegan style while also keeping it simple. Don’t under estimate the simplicity of a watermelon and cantaloupe fruit bowl, or a sliced cucumbers, squash, and zucchini tray. You can easily dress these dishes up with a simple dip on the side if you feel the desire to do so.



If you’re like me, sometimes I can forget this “keep it simple” rule. We females have a tendency to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves and demand perfection in every detail. Let me tell you that your friends and family will not judge you for bringing such a simple dish. In fact, I bet they will wish they had thought of something so simple and relaxed while secretly admiring you.

Lastly, I wanted to leave you with a complete guide to planning a raw vegan barbecue. It includes 10 delicious recipes to celebrate with your family and friends this summer. These recipes are tried and true, and most are very simple. All for free, no strings attached! Trust me, you will want to try these amazing raw vegan dishes! Even if you don’t create every recipe, I know you will at least find one or two that inspire you for this summer.

Click here to download “Heather’s Backyard Barbecue Menu Planner––RAW Vegan Finger Lickin’ Recipes” now.

Your friend,
Heather Rampolla



(Heather lives in Florida with her husband Ron, and two step daughters. She is author of www.RawAndNotAlone.com which is a resource to those who are on the raw vegan journey and is Shop Owner of Raw And Not Alone that features raw vegan chocolates.


All photos were provided by Heather, Raw And Not Alone. Do not copy, redistribute or use without permission.
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You could win prizes by participating in this event!

Rosy Radish Relish, Navy/White Nautical Turban & Raw Vegan Chocolates
(Click here for prize details.)


{ How To Win VBB Prizes }

You must be a follower of this blog if you are not already.

Add your name to the linky list provided. You do not need to include a link.

If you have your own vegan recipe, you can enter an additional time - Just make sure to link directly to your blog post about it.

NOTE: Linky list will be on every VBB post. If you enter on one, it will show up in the others. You can enter only once unless you create a blog post with a vegan recipe.

You Are Invited To My Vegan Barbecue Bonanza!

Welcome to my Vegan Barbecue Bonanza!

Food is such a social thing & what better way to be social & eat vegan than to have a barbecue, especially now that the weather is heating up & the days are longer. If you are not a vegan, you are probably rolling your eyes. Just veggies? Well, yeah! Healthy, yummy veggies can make up a barbecue & satisfy your hunger for good eats.

Along with a splendid group of people, I will be sharing the wonders of a vegan barbecue. It is delicious, animal friendly & perfect for delighting your friends & family. So, join us everyday for new recipes, tips & more. Share them the next time you have a barbecue at your home!

{ Guest List - Alphabetical Order }

Guest Blogger: Beer Lover's Onions

Guest Blogger: Must Have Smoothie

Prize with Special Shop Offer: Rosy Radish Relish
(See below for details.)

Heather, Raw And Not Alone
Prize: 1/2 lb White Fudge & Chocolates (See below for details.)

Guest Blogger 
Prize: Navy & White Nautical Turban (See below for details.)

As each guest blogger's post is published, I will add the link here, so they can be easily found :)



{ Giveaways }

Rosy Radish Relish
Ingredients: Radishes, vinegar, water, raw pure cane sugar, pickling salt, spice.


"This unique relish is made from fresh organic radishes grown by us. It has a sweet flavor almost like pickled daikon. Its pretty pink color will add a nice dimension to your condiment selection!"

Ellipsis Book & More is also giving 15% Off their shop to my readers!
Use Coupon Code: SUMMERFUN.

Navy & White Nautical Turban


This nautical turban was created using a soft, shiny & striped fabric. An elastic back offers comfort. Since its one size fits all, it will add a nice, laid back feel to anyone's outfit. It's perfect for those lazy summer days when you want your hair out of your face, but you still want to look cute!
Dandy Nomad


Meesha of Dandy Nomad & Sweet Dreams Princess is also offering a recipe later this week.

Check back for her yummy dish!

1/2 lb Vegan White Fudge & Special Chocolate Variety Box

This prize is artisan raw chocolate made by Heather of Raw And Not Alone. Decadent, rich & just delicious! You will be delighted with $32 worth of organic, pure & vegan sweets.

Heather of Raw And Not Alone is also providing tips, ideas & a free cookbook!
Check back for her guest blogging post.

{ How To Win }

You must be a follower of this blog if you are not already.

Add your name to the linky list provided. You do not need to include a link.

If you have your own vegan recipe, you can enter an additional time - Just make sure to link directly to your blog post about it.

NOTE: Linky list will be on every VBB post. If you enter on one, it will show up in the others. You can enter only once unless you create a blog post with a vegan recipe.

Winners will be randomly picked on Monday, June 25th & an announced the same day. Winners will have until Sunday, July 1st to contact Corrinne at pinandtack@gmail.com with their information.