How I Accidentally Became a Vegetarian

... last summer. Nothing deliberate or permanent but I realized my favorite meals included no meat. Also we all realized no one's checking our food sources and veggies seemed safer. Ha!

Tomato, bell pepper, and feta pizza, rice and peas, asparagus, sesame seeds, garlic toast


Eggplant, asparagus, red bell pepper, and pineapple








Zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, onion, tomatoes

Biggest influence was probably the small Pakistani market next to my doctor's office and Himalaya restaurant a few doors down from there where Kaiser rules and will tell you what you must order that day. Not that it's sitting there; he cooks it all to order but I've seen people try to argue with him and I just won't. Pakistani food is spicy and hot, usually contains beef and is North Indian and Middle Eastern influenced. Kaiser also bakes the #1 best naan in town and he'll sell you a few if you pop in and ask. The market down the way sells a Pakistani brand of pre-packaged entrees which are really just the spices and instructions. I use 1/3 the amount of spices and double the coconut milk because of the heat. Even then, Kaiser's naan helps. Above is Pakistani vegetable curry mix with a side of sauteed brussels sprouts splashed with vermouth. Notice the gold logo inside the bowl on the left. Part of my Warwick Hotel collection bought when they went out of business.

Another influence was Three Guys from Miami black beans. They don't photograph well but I crockpot a batch at least 3 times a month. Not sure if it's the 2 tsp sugar or the red Spanish wine that makes this so delicious.