I was a vegetarian for about 10 years. Well, a "fishetarian." I could never quite give up shrimp and scallops. Nonetheless, I stopped eating meat and I remember the looks I would get at a restaurant, parties, or on dates. "What do you mean you don't eat meat?" As if I had some disease. It's a different world now, where there are so many vegetarians, and places to go that accomodate them. Hooray!

Meals made without meat don't have the natural fat that you can only get from beef, chicken, or pork, and thus the flavor, so vegetarian food has to be more creative with seasoning, oils, and other ingredients. Because of this, some vegetarian recipes end up having even more flavor, and are better for your health too.

Even though I started eating meat again, I still have an awesome appreciation for vegetarian food and always will.

*Note – be sure to check out the Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches section for more vegetarian recipes.