Kabob Blitz: Tempeh Veggie Skewers with Mango-Black Bean Quinoa

Week 12 Browns vs. Steelers

There is nothing quite like a rivalry game.  There is really nothing like two rivalry games in one weekend.  And winning them both? Unheard of!

These kabobs are dangerously good

After attending the OSU/Michigan game in Columbus the day before, I set out for the Muni Lot in Cleveland for the Browns/Steelers matchup.  The tailgate had to come together quickly as we only had Saturday night to prepare.  I bought of bunch of veggies and tempeh, made a marinade and put together this tasty entree of tempeh kabobs alongside some mango-black bean quinoa.

Kabobs are a unique method of grilling.  The smaller pieces and ability to separate items that cook differently enable you to perfectly grill the food.  For instance, cherry tomatoes can be taken off before they get too soggy, while the tempeh can be left on to get a crisp outer crust. The marinade is best left to soak overnight and the veggies and tempeh really absorb the flavor.  Enjoy!

Vegan Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is about two things: food and football.  I debated doing a Thanksgiving post because its usually eaten indoors and not in a parking lot, but the distinctions from tailgating end there.  You gather around with friends and family to eat a lavish meal, watch football, drink a few drinks and have a good time.  Just like a tailgate! 

I'll be the first to confess that this is my first vegan Thanksgiving.  Last year I made an exception to the rule and ate turkey and all the fixins.  But this time around I was determined to give it a go plant based.  Plus I had a road game Sunday in Dallas (nothin says Thanksgiving like an almost win against the Cowboys) to allow me to cook from home and test out some new recipies.   

I pulled recipes from one of the most respected and creative vegan chefs around to create a complete feast.  Isa Chandra Moskowitz is a personal hero of mine for her endless pursuit of delicious food.  Her show, Post Punk Kitchen, spawned a book, which spawned a blog, which spawned many more books, is an inspiration to vegans everywhere.  Here's the menu: Seitan Roast Stuffed With Shiitakes And Leeks, Green Bean Casserole, Mashed Potatoes with Golden Gravy (from Chef Chloe) and Pumkin Pie (from Kathy at Lunchbox Bunch.  This Thanksgiving post has nothing on hers).  Enjoy!

Field Roast Sausage Stuffed Boomers

BYE WEEK

Thank goodness the Brownies had a bye week, we all needed a week to recharge.

Stuffed boomers

Anyone who knows me knows of my love for the Field Roast.  Established 15 years ago in Seattle, they trace their roots back to 7th century China and a recipe used by Buddhist Monks.  It hands down beats all other vegan sausages and they also have a number of other fantastic products.

This recipe is adapted from The Barbecue Bible, an award winning book by Steven Raichlen.  Even though the book's over 500 recipes mostly contain meat, there are several vegetable and vegetarian sections and adaptable recipes   The grilling technique chapters alone are worth a read.

This recipe is rather simple, but it will wow people.  Appetizers are an underrated part of the tailgate experience especially if you can use the grill to make something special.  This will turn heads and get your tailgate off to a great start. Enjoy!

BBQ Tempeh Sammies with Carrot-Cayenne Slaw

Week 9 Browns vs. Ravens

As the product on the field gets worse and worse, our tailgates seem to step it up a notch.  Everyone starts to hit stride as evidenced by our newest addition to the tailgate, the fire pit.  The food also is more elaborate as the year goes on the and the creative juices get flowing.  This week was no exception with this killer recipe from Byrant Terry's "Vegan Soul Kitchen."

Tempeh is a soy product similar to tofu in that it absorbs flavor wonderfully.  It is minimally processed using fermented soy beans and an ancient method from Indonesia.  It lends itself well to southern cooking because it has a grittier, more meat like texture, perfect for marinating and grilling.

This recipe starts with a delicious homemade marinade that I'd use for any BBQ grilling.  There aren't too many funky ingredients and it beats store bought BBQ everytime.  This meal has a special feel, perfect for a crowd.  We had the sammies along side some creamy hummus-based potato salad for a complete tailgate feast.  Enjoy!