cover image Enemy of the Steak: Vegetarian Recipes to Win Friends and Influence Meat-Eaters

Enemy of the Steak: Vegetarian Recipes to Win Friends and Influence Meat-Eaters

Nikki Goldbeck, David Goldbeck. Square One Publishers, $16.95 (242pp) ISBN 978-0-7570-0273-1

Making a persuasive case for avoiding meat, the Goldbecks argue that vegetarianism addresses concerns about air and water pollution, food-borne pathogens, humane treatment of livestock and one's own general health, at the same time offering ""much ... sheer enjoyment."" To bolster this argument, they provide recipes like Quick Vegetable Bean Soup, built on a pleasing tomato-flavored broth, as well as the more appealing Hearty Miso Vegetable Soup, jazzed with carrots, potatoes and corn. A Tomato Gratin with olives and capers tastes almost Mediterranean, while Baked Stuffed Onions make a tasty main course, especially when filled with cracked wheat that's been steamed in mint tea. French-Style Lentils with Vegetables are a convincing imitation of the Parisian bistro classic-minus, of course, the typical bacon garnish. Desserts are of the virtuous school, which means less cane sugar and more maple syrup; nevertheless, Applesauce Date Cake is a moist treat, and Chewy Oat Cookies are fit for even the most finicky child's lunchbox. What this vegetarian cookbook lacks in originality it makes up for in healthy meal ideas and excellent intentions, though, curiously, none of these recipes include nutritional information, a frustrating omission.