Winter Blues

This has got to be THEE cruelest winter I've ever experienced.  These freezing temps and polar vortex storms (SN: I swear I've never even heard of this term "polar vortex" until this year, much less know what it means other than a fancy way for meteorologists to say, "it's gonna be cold yall"... I digress) have got my heart aching for the warm sunny days of summer, riding with the windows down, blasting some throwback jam through the radio, and of course it can't be summer without those summer cookouts (or BBQs, picnics... what have you).  The veg life doesn't mean you have to pass by the grill (see photo below). #FOODIE

None of the above food was prepared by me, but instead
by mi lovely madre.

Nope your eyes do not deceive you.  That is a burger on my plate, but not what you may think.  Not beef, turkey, or even a veggie burger, but a mushroom burger.  Under that sesame seed bun is a portobello mushroom cap.  The great thing about portobello mushrooms is that they are huge (perfect patty size), they're sturdy (perfect for grilling), and juicy just like a real meat burger!  Of course next to the "burger" you've got your usual cookout staples: baked beans, potato salad, and devil eggs (anyone know why they're called devil eggs?)  Now back to the grill.  Try these kabobs, which include more mushrooms (my fav), zucchini, onion, bell pepper, and pineapples.  Asparagus is also a great grilling vegetable, that's the best way to prepare it in my opinion.  And of course, last but not least, you can never go wrong with a simple garden salad.  Enjoy and let's pray these winter days are finally over.