Bozeman Magazine

The monthly Live and Let Livingston Vegan Food Potluck will take place at the Park County Senior Center, 206 South Main Street, on Sunday, June 11 at 4:30pm. Everyone is welcome; attendees don’t have to be vegan - but the food does. The (always optional) theme this month will be Mmmmm Bacon! Bacon is all about salt, fat, and a nice chewy mouth feel; how wonderful it is that the smoky flavor we crave does not require misery, cruelty, or a violent death. Our recipe demo this time will be coconut flake bacon, made in an Air Fryer. We’ve never met a person who actually wants to hurt animals. People are kind. Practically everyone says they love animals; and no one wants them to suffer. But few people are aware that every year 71 million pigs, (whose lives are complete misery, seriously hell on earth), are slaughtered at 6 months young. Those who think “humane” or “local” mean anything to the animals are forgetting the ultimate betrayal, the terror of the transport, and the horror of slaughter. Pigs are smarter than dogs, and just as affectionate - just ask Esther the Wonder Pig about that! We’ve also never met a vegan who gave up meat because it tastes bad. Practically everyone loves the taste of salt and smoky fat - and that’s why we are happy to tell you that BACO’s are “accidentally vegan”! There are also many delicious vegan bacons on the market today, and with a little soy sauce and liquid smoke, homemade bacon can easily be made from carrots, eggplant, shitake mushrooms, and much more. Potluck attendees don’t have to be vegan, but the food does. They are asked to bring a 100% plant-based dish free of flesh, eggs, animal-derived dairy, honey, and gelatin. People are also asked to bring their recipe or a list of all ingredients used, (for the benefit of those with food allergies). The theme is always optional, and those who don't want to cook can bring something to drink. Live and Let Livingston meets on the second Sunday of every month, at 4:30pm. Delicious food, educational resources, and recipes are shared with those who care about their health, the planet, and most of all, the animals. Plates, cups, utensils, napkins, and warming trays are provided, along with hot tea, coffee, and non-dairy cream. Anywhere from 2-4 dozen people attend and there are usually several gluten-free and raw dishes offered, along with the inevitable… cupcakes! For more information or cruelty-free recipes, join Live and Let Livingston on Facebook and Vegans Rock Montana on MeetUp.com or call Bonnie Goodman at 222-0321 to be added to the monthly recipe email list.