Mattroxx

Funny you say this. Yesterday I was at the grocery store and saw this bizarre looking thing called karela (bitter melon). Being a vegetarian I like to try new foods so I bought one even though I didn't know what I'd do with it. Turns out the way to cook it is: slice and chop up the karela, let it soak in a bit of salt water then drain (to remove some of the bitterness). Saute some onions and garlic, toss in the karela, add a bit of turmeric and chili powder, also some curry if you want, then let simmer for a while. Serve it on top of rice or quinoa. Easy-peasy.

Kyra what made me laugh wasn't the joke so much, but the sound effect. Okay so the problems I would have with the PC sauce are many: besides the meat in it, I'm also lactose intolerant. But even more importantly, I eat vegetarian because I find it healthier. Whenever I read of items on the list of ingredients like Polysorbate 80, I put the jar or can back down onto the store shelf. And then I look for quality products. Every Saturday morning at the Brickworks on Bayview there's a farmers market, and I have found some really good items there. Most recent discovery is Kozlik's Canadian Mustard. The Amazing Maple mustard is smoothly sweet, with some spiciness and makes a great glaze and dip. http://www.mustardmaker.com/ Animal ingredients - in a light bulb? Digging in to the ancient prog rock past, we uncover:

I haven't eaten meat in years and agree with Kyra Graves, more information about the type of dishes would be helpful. And how ambitious you are. One thing I would say you should avoid is the pre-packaged meat substitutes (such as Yves "mock meat" products). Having said that you should also try to incorporate some proteins in the meal. Zucchini spaghetti can be good, I've done something similar to this recipe: http://lisaiscooking.blogspot.com/2008/08/zucchini-and-summer-squash-spaghetti.html And with the cold weather you can't go wrong with herbed, oven-roasted potatoes or mixed tubers. eg Slices of turnip, parsnip, beets tossed with olive oil, garlic, and seasoing. Put in 400 degree oven for around 30 minutes. Also kale is popular these days, separate the leaves of kale and tear into tortilla chip-sized pieces, wash and dry them, put in a pan, drizzle some olive oil on top, toss on a bit of salt and pepper, and oven-bake at 350 until dry and crispy (10-15 minutes, you have to keep watching them) and served like potato chips.