Instructions: Fast food may mean different things to different people. To me it always meant quick and easy convenience foods like Big Macs and Whoppers. My definition certainly never included vegetarian options - until a few years ago.

Unfortunately, vegetarianism isnt exactly mainstream. There arent many vegetarian drive-ins. In fact, there are none that I know of here in Northern New England. But, when needed, Ive had great success preparing quick meatless meals at home.

Theres an amazing array of vegetarian fast food solutions in the frozen food or produce section of just about any grocery store. I stock up every time I go shopping and keep a hearty variety of them in my refrigerator and freezer at home. Following is a list of the tastiest veggie burgers, hot dogs, and other products Ive found and tried. Even my husband - a former meat and potatoes guy - agrees that these are satisfying alternatives to traditional beef or poultry fast foods. Theyre that good!

Gardenburger Inc. offers lowfat and no-fat products that are perfect for the microwave, grill, oven, or frying pan. Primarily made with bulgur wheat, rolled oats, various veggies, soybeans, and sometimes rice and cheese, they really do achieve that important hearty burger consistency. Varieties include the Original Gardenburger and Hamburger Style Gardenburger as well as Veggie Medley, Savory Mushroom, Zesty Bean, and Fire Roasted Vegetable burgers. Each box of four patties is priced at $2.99.

Worthington Foods Inc. distributes products with the brand name Morningstar Farms. They include lowfat and no-fat Harvest Burgers, Better n Burgers, Garden Veggie Patties, and Spicy Black Bean Burgers. These all contain the same primary ingredients and can be prepared in the same ways as the Gardenburger varieties.

Morningstar Farms also offers my favorite meatless fast foods and the only pseudo chicken products made from textured vegetable protein: Chik Patties and Chicken McNugget-type pieces called - of course - Chik Nuggets. In addition, their vegetarian hot dogs, made with soy, wheat protein and wheat gluten, taste just like regular beef hot dogs (as far as I remember) and are the best Ive had.Morningstar Farms products are all priced at $2.99 for a box of four patties, about 20 nuggets, or eight hot dogs.

For submarine sandwiches, try Yves Veggie Cuisines Veggie Deli Slices.

Tasting similar to bologna, these slices are made with 100% vegetable protein and are fat free. Theyre priced at $2.59 for a 5.5 oz. package. Find them next to the tofu in the produce section of most grocery stores.

Whether a vegetarian or not, these products really are worth giving an open-minded try. Or, if dinner made fast isnt of particular importance, take the time to make veggie burgers from scratch. Click here for recipes. and dont forget adding the final touches. Condiments like mustard, ketchup, relish, mayonnaise, even A-1 steak sauce, along with lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion are the perfect, delicious toppers to any meatless fast food.

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