It's happened,it's finally here.You've counted down the days.You've marked your calendar especially.You woke up this morning after a giddily sleepless night like a kid on Christmas.That's right:today(May 21st)marks the start of National Vegetarian Week.
Carrots!Halloumi!Courgettes!It's all for you,all this week.One hundred per cent,PG-rated vegetable action.But while we all strive to get our five-a-day,it can be hard to do something memorable and special for this important holiday.
And that's why,when the sun finally parts the grey spring clouds later this week,we can rush outside and enjoy a wholesome,veggie barbeque.
"Catering for veggies at a barbeque is really very easy,"says Alex Connell,principal tutor at the Vegetarian Society's Cordon Vert cookery school and banana-baked-in-tin-foil expert."But if you haven't ever cooked for a veggie before,you do have to pay attention to a few basic rules.
"Don't cook your veggie offerings next to the meat.Meat juices are going to splash on to the veggie burgers-better to have a small BBQ dedicated just for veggie products.
"Large field mushrooms filled with garlic and cheddar cheese cooked slowly on the BBQ then topped with fresh coriander make a great alternative to veggie burgers,"says Alex."And baby new potatoes,parboiled then placed in foil with garlic,rosemary and a little olive oil are delicious."
But before you throw your steaks and rib racks in the bin in newly vegetarian disgust,you do need to get your garden BBQ-ready before you embark on a halloumi-grilling summer frenzy.
With the changeable British weather keeping Olympic nervously up late at night,it's a good idea to have a gazebo or similarly covered area in your garden for if and when the heavens open on your BBQ party.
And having a central,built-in table out in your garden,with drawers and shelves for cutleries,plates and'Kiss the Chef'-style aprons will also save you a number of journeys to and from the house for supplies.
Also,don't forget those outdoor lights-with the vegetable kebabs you're going to serve up,getting your guests to leave will be an ask-so have illumination ready for after-hours.
Solar lights are as worthy as the grub you'll be serving up,powered by built-in panels to keep your fuel costs down,and will be sure to keep your vegetable-themed garden party going until the wee hours.
