Veg Out Tonight!

Happy Birthday Lisa! While today is Lisa's birthday, it also happens to be the 30th Anniversary of World Vegetarian Day. As we have encouraged you to do before, today is the perfect day to eat meat free! Even if you have already had a turkey sandwich for lunch - why not have pasta for dinner? According to the Environmental Defense, if every American ate vegetarian for just one meal a week, it would have the same impact as eliminating 500,000 cars off the road!

So.....to celebrate Lisa's quarter century of life, and please the boys, we are having a MNF (Monday Night Football) Bday Party Celebration at my house this evening. I have no intention of actually watching the game, but figured this was the perfect opportunity to whip up some vegetarian appetizers!
Here's whats on the menu:

• Gouda Croissant
• Artichoke Dip
• Cheese and Crackers
• Veggie Pizza

We are also going to try out this new recipe by Robin Roberston:

Guacamame

For all of you Guacamole lovers - this is a high protein, low fat, low carb alternative to your favorite dip!

1 cup cooked edamame

1 small ripe avocado, peeled and pitted

One 4-ounce can chopped mild green chiles, drained
2 teaspoons lime juice

1 tablespoon minced onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Assorted cut raw vegetables for dipping

Combine the edamame, avocado, chiles, and lime juice in a blender (or food processor). Blend until its a smooth consistency. Add the onion, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste, and pulse to blend in , leaving some texture. Serve with veggies, or chips (we love the scoop kind!).

We will report back tomorrow to let you know how it goes!