Part Time Veggie

Hey readers,

Well, I know it's not the new year, or bikini season, but sometimes, just sometimes, the lulls of the year are the best time to evaluate your "life choices."

(And sometimes it helps to have a catalyst. In this case, a very special reader has decided to lead the way.)

That catalyst? Going vegetarian.

I know- most of you that know me would scoff at the idea of me giving up bacon, beef jerkey, buffalo wings, club sandwiches, most any sandwiches, etc.

So, in the spirit of compromise, I've decided to devote at least 1-2 days per week being vegetarian.

And no, not because I think eating animals is wrong (they're delicious!), or for religious reasons, but mostly because it's healthy, and well, it affords me the opportunity to appreciate meat even more. (Absence makes the heart grow stronger- especially if there's less red meat clogging it.)

So, with that goal in mind, I've decided to share some veg-friendly links!

First, a recipe tht I used this past weekend in honor of H-Ween, Pumpkin Risotto:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/roast-pumpkin-and-feta-risotto/Detail.aspx

Feel free to use any hard squash in lieu of pumpkin and I would strongly recommend homemade veggie broth!

Next, a book bought for LLK (that selfishly I'm sure I'll enjoy from too):
http://www.amazon.com/How-Cook-Everything-Vegetarian-Meatless/dp/0764524836/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

This book seems good for those interested in being vegetarians, even if they are meat-eaters. It's non-pretentious, and the recipes explore a lot of different genres of food, and breaks down dishes in their most basic elements. I would suggest it to anyone, regardless of whether they're veggies or not. The rationale is that like my decision, I think everyone can benefit from eliminating meat from a few meals a week. Even if you're in tip-top shape, it provides a different perspective, is less expensive, and the bottomline is generally more healthy!

I'll be posting more recipes that I use incorporating my part-time veg game-plan!

Happy eats, everyone!