Vegetarian Classics: 300 Essential Recipes for Every Course and Every Meal

Although it's true that vegetarianism passed through an unfortunate period when it was best known for dishes like soybean, brown rice, and sunflower seed casseroles, Jeanne Lemlin's Vegetarian Classics offers fresh, flavorful, healthy, meatless wonders like Roasted Red Pepper Hummus; Romaine with Apples, Walnuts, and Blue Cheese; and Classic Vegetable Pot Pie. Lemlin's vegetarian dishes will appeal to everyone. Even if you're a meat eater, Lemlin reminds us, you still need side dishes and starters, and sometimes even a vegetarian meal.

Lemlin's recipes are simple and easy to follow, and very few require any advance preparation. A glossary covers the more unusual ingredients she uses, but there's nothing more outrageous here than tomatillos, couscous, and wasabi. A family-friendly collection, Lemlin includes favorites such as Classic Currant Scones, Portobello Mushroom Sandwiches with Lemon Garlic Mayonnaise, and Baked Macaroni and Smoked Cheese, but she'll also spice up your repertoire with dishes such as Crunchy Thai Noodle Salad, Curried Butternut Squash Soup with Coconut Milk, and Upside-Down Pear Gingerbread.

In a culinary world full of complicated food that takes forever to prepare, Lemlin's Vegetarian Classics is a breath of fresh air--whether you're looking for purely vegetarian menus or just quick and easy recipes for delectable meals. --Leora Y. Bloom