The truth is, this blogger goes meatless every day, not just Monday. I have nothing against meat, or meat-eaters, but what I do have a problem with is frozen veggie burgers. They are a sorry excuse for a burger and getting handed a gray, faux-meat patty is just about the worst thing that can happen to a vegetarian at a picnic. I'd much rather eat a plateful of picnic sides than a pretend burger. But burgers are the quintessential picnic food, and sometimes, when everyone's piling the toppings onto their toasted bun, I want in too. Vegetable patties come in all forms -- they can be elaborate and include different grains, spices, vegetables and beans packed into a burger shape, or be as simple as throwing a portobello mushroom cap on the grill.

So for Meatless Monday, Labor Day and neglected vegetarians everywhere, here's a round-up of our best-ever meat-free burgers. Make one this weekend -- you (and your guests) will be glad you skipped the frozen aisle.

Michael Chiarello's Grilled Portobello Mushrooms With Hummus and Feta Cheese

• Mark Bittman’s Zucchini-Pear Soup
• Kelsey Nixon’s Ratatouille Tart
• Kelsey Nixon’s Garden Vegetable Frittata
• Grilled Squash Quesadillas
• David Rocco's Panzanella