cover image Feeding the Healthy Vegetarian Family

Feeding the Healthy Vegetarian Family

Ken Haedrich. Bantam, $19 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-553-37936-5

""Eat your vegetables!"" That once dreaded parental directive is given a deliciously new spin by Haedrich (whose Home for the Holidays won a 1993 Julia Child Cookbook Award). Haedrich has devised over 200 appealing starters, entrees, side dishes and desserts to please the confirmed--or occasional--vegetarian family. From positively inspired Salad Burritos (kids roll their own) to Sesame Peanut Noodles and savory enchiladas, frittas, pizzas, gratins, curries and quesadillas, dishes are not only attractive to kids but also flavorful enough for the discriminating adult. Some, like Mom's Squash With Applesauce, have few ingredients and can be quickly put together for family suppers; others, such as multi-step Neoclassical Polenta Lasagna are meant for special occasions. Kids are invited into the kitchen to help, and Haedrich, father of four, understands their food foibles and deals with them humorously (slipping them, say, Deliciously Disguised Mushrooms, sauteed, pureed and tucked into risotto). Haedrich is an expert baker and his recipes for breads, tortillas and cakes are especially notable; ""Food for Thought"" sidebars offer valuable tips and advice. Food and philosophy are first-rate here, and Haedrich proves to be a warm and amusing kitchen companion. (Apr.)