Those individuals with high metabolisms will be able to sympathize with my love of hearty foods. Adding vegetarianism to that equation can sometimes make things difficult. For instance, many, many vegetarian cookbooks are directed toward dieters. They're full of healthy, low-calorie and low-fat recipes that are great, don't get me wrong, but would leave my stomach empty after about an hour and a half post consumption.
Ultimately, that leaves my fiance and I converting non-vegetarian recipes into ones that are meatless. I've noticed that we're not the only ones in such a boat and have therefore decided to share with you a few cookbook recommendations.
Chris and I typically consult the same three cookbooks whenever we plan our meals.
The first of our beloved cookbooks has become known as the Old Testament in our household. The Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook
is an essential part of our lives! The "meat" loaf pictured above is based on the recipe found in this book. Other absolutely to die for recipes in this edition include the Spinach Lasagna, Tortilla Black Bean Casserole, and Chili (which we make with Morningstar Farms Crumbles, of course).So, what else could possibly follow the Old Testament but the New one! Enter the Better Homes and Gardens: Prizewinning Recipes
cookbook. Our New Testament favorites include Tortellini with Red Pepper Sauce, Two-Bean Tamale Pie, and White Beans and Wilted Spinach.Unfortunately, our creativity with nicknaming cookbooks ends there (suggestions are encouraged, however). Our third and final most used tome of culinary wisdom is The Taste of Home Cookbook - New Revised
. This little gem is composed of submissions from readers. Some submissions are so delicious I've found myself wondering about the people who sent them in. Rosemary from New York sent in one of our regular dishes, Tuscan Soup. It's incredibly simple to whip up and yet delicious. Like, terribly. Marie from Minnesota entered one of our favorite side dishes, Broccoli Brown Rice Pilaf. We also made Julie from Indiana's Colorful Frittata for Easter.Cooking can be intimidating at first, especially if you begin by altering the ingredients in order to fit your dietary restrictions. Just be confident in the fact that none of us are born with a frying pan in hand. The ability to alter recipes (or even create scrumptious dishes without them) comes with time, practice, and observation. My best advice is to follow your instincts. If something looks to watery, try thickening it up a bit. And vice versa. Use Google to find advice. I do it all the time.
Autumn is a great, glorious time that encourages us to better acquaint ourselves with our hearths and homes. I hope you find that these books inspire you, and I would love to know which cookbooks you utilize most often.
