This blog entry by: Jo

The sun is shining, your esky's well stocked and your friends are on their way over! But the question is what are you going to be throwing on the barbie this Australia Day? This year (and every day) why not live and let live! Who wants to reek of burning flesh anyway, so move over meat it's time for something ethical and sustainable to take centre stage!

We've put together some of our favourite recipes for you below. But if your cooking efforts don't go much past flipping something with a pair of bbq tongs, then never fear your barbecue can still be a winner. Simply grab some of the delicious veggie burgers, sausages, schnitzels or mock meats available at your local store, cut up some veggies (try capsicum, aubergine, mushroom, sweetcorn, onion and zucchini) and season with salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic and you're ready to barbecue up a storm, if you haven't had veggies chargrilled on the barbie before you're in for a treat! Round this off with crusty bread, a salad or two and some sauces and you've got the recipe for a perfect barbecue.

NOTE: Click on the name of the dish for the recipe

To get you started:

       
            Spicy Red Pepper Dip                             Antipasto Platter                                  Arancini Balls

The main event:

       
             Aduki Bean Burgers                        Saucy Tempeh Skewers                      Vegetable Fritters*

*Note the vegetable fritters can be cooked on a flat plate on the barbecue.

On the side:

       
         Summer Potato Salad                    Garlic and Lemon Asparagus                     Spicy Couscous


The grand finale:

If you've still got room, this cheesecake is a winner and perfect for a warm day. Alternatively a fruit salad with some vegan ice cream would end the meal perfectly!

           Lemon Cheesecake