Coobook I Can't Do Without

A few days ago I purchased a cookbook called "Quick Vegetarian Pleasures," by Jeanne Lemlin. I needed it because my previous copy, which I have owned for several years was falling apart from overuse.

I think it is clear from my blogs that I am NOT a vegetarian. I am an omnivore that eats anything and too much of it (OK, and drinks anything too if you don't want to put too fine a point on it). But I do like to make meat free dishes about once a week. And that is where this cookbook, and others by the same author come in. Lemlin's recipes are so damn good, and in this book are so easy, that I just keep using them, over and over.

She covers a lot, from muffins and bread, to salads and desserts. But her main dishes are what keep me coming back. Some of my favorites; Capellini with Tomato Pesto, Tortellini with Sour Cream Sauce, Linguine with Cauliflower in a Tomato Cream Sauce, Ravioli with Garlic Peppers and Tomatoes, Rice with Chickpeas Herbs and Sun Dried Tomatoes (I call it Italian fried rice), Vegetable Enchiladas and for dessert, Deep Dish Pear Pie.

Her recipes are so good, I never miss the meat. They are quick and easy to make, and are delicious. This copy will last another decade I am sure...at that point I will probably need to buy another copy.