My husband is Muslim.  I am a bacon addict.  I had to learn how to make these two things co-exist when we throw parties.   I’ve mastered it but it took time, research and a bit of sacrifice.  If you remember my last post I told you about the Mac and Cheese bar from my Mom’s party.  This is the perfect example of the amount of research I do to ensure that Hubby has plenty to eat at our parties. 

The result?  TURKEY ANDOUILLE SAUSAGE.  Yup.  You read that right.  I found it at Whole Foods a year ago.  Let me just tell you.  I love me some Andouille sausage.  When I go to New Orleans – I seek it out like a phene.  It’s a problem but, I’m ok with it.  I really am.  The discovery of this little gem is that I can make gumbo that even he can eat. 

Along the lines of sausage I have a serious thing for chorizo.  Its spicy and good and just….YUM.  I didn’t want him to miss out on Chorizo because that’s just cruel.  Enter Chicken Chorizo.  I’ve used this for tacos, chili, antipasto platters….it just, works.  Try it. 

A word of warning on sausage substitutes cause it ain’t all sunshine and rainbows.  CHECK THE INGREDIENTS.  Some turkey/chicken sausages are in pork casings.  It’s freaking stupid but, it happens.  Make sure you check this before cooking up a meal and serving to the Muslim person that you love.  Show them that you care.  Flip the package over and make sure you are clear.

Oh, I have a substitute for pork bacon too.  Its not that turkey bacon garbage and I’ll be honest – I HATE beef bacon.  He loves it.  I can’t get with it.  I just can’t.  Back to the point….I present you with LAMB BACON.  If you have never had this, I need you to ask yourself some serious questions cause holy shit.

We threw a pizza party once….More on this later. We grilled pizza and when guests arrived there were a variety of toppings for them to choose from and customize their own pizza before my hubby threw them on the grill. We used turkey pepperoni. That way everyone could enjoy pepperoni because let’s face it – its THE best pizza topping. I don’t care who you are. They make vegan pepperoni, ok? Like, everyone likes pepperoni.

Ok so, I never have and never will like pork chops. It’s a texture thing honestly. I’m not a fan BUT, while shopping at the Amish Market we discovered smoke turkey chops and yeah…these are da bomb. You can get turkey chops from any grocery store though. Check them out. Throw a good rub on them and pay your grill a visit. You won’t be sorry.

My final substitute which isn’t actually a substitute is beef ribs.  We use Beef ribs instead of pork spare ribs.   I’d be lying if I said I don’t want baby back ribs sometimes.  There is just something about them.  Needless to say – I had to substitute them for beef ribs for our cookouts cause you know we gotta have ribs at the cookout.  Its fine…It’s fine.  We make it work.  Rub them, throw them in the Instant Pot and then toss them on the grill.  Ribs deserve respect.  Treat them appropriately and you won’t miss the spareribs too too much.  I promise.