Hard to Go Vegan on July 4th Weekend

I’ve been thinking about it and I’m not really certain that I can go vegan…yet. I’m pretty convinced by the argument that our modern means of keeping animals for slaughter and the slaughtering process itself contributes to our ill health and harms the environment. Hopefully with all this attention there will be an increasing effort to make the slaughtering process a more humane and eco-friendly necessity in our lives.

So while I’m a luke-warm meat eater (most of the year), come the July 4th weekend (well any major summer barbecue weekend) I become a very enthusiastic carnivore.

Across the nation as we gather in our communities to celebrate our love of country and neighbor there will be a few consistent elements drawing people together. Flags, music, fireworks, and…barbecued meat! Neighbors, children, grandparents–the whole, great cross section of your community will be gathered in parks to celebrate our nationhood together.

It helps to have the sweet smell of your favorite meats cooking. It’s an image and experience we cherish throughout our lives. Food cooked really well, outdoors for all the senses to enjoy.

So for those of you that are vegetarian or vegan my hats off to you. I’m sure you’re having as much fun as the next person during your July 4th holiday festivities.

I will think of you as I lick my fingers clean!

BBQ Ribs Southern Style:

4lbs country style pork ribs (trim the fat)

4 tbsp. lemon juice

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tsp. all purpose flour

3/4 cup Jack Daniels (or to taste)

1/2 ground mustard seeds

4 tbsp. Worcestshire sauce

1 1/2 tsp. Hot Sauce of your choice

Marinate ribs: place in a baking dish. Stir together lemon juice and flour until it is smooth. Add all other ingredients. Spread mixture over the ribs – make sure you turn over ribs to coat well. Marinate for 2 hours.

Grill: Place your marinated ribs over medium to hot coals and grill for about 1 hour. Mmmm!