Vegetarian Times Complete Cookbook

Since the mid-1970s, Vegetarian Times--where Moll was executive editor--has grown from a simple newsletter to a four-color magazine. This all-purpose, appealing collection of 750 recipes is drawn mainly from the magazine's pages and caters to the vegetarian spectrum, from complete vegetarians to those who eat eggs and cheese. Introductory chapters explain differences between ovo-lacto vegetarians, lacto vegetarians and vegans, and tout the animal-free diet as healthy (most recipes derive only 20 to 25 percent of their calories from fat) and environmentally sensible (feeding a meat-eater requires 3.25 acres a year; an ovo-lacto vegetarian needs half an acre). But the real question is whether a vegetarian meal can be as tasty as a meat-, fish-or poultry-based meal. The proof here is in the pudding (a Spiced Pumpkin Custard or Spiced Carrot Pudding) and in appetizers, soups, main courses, sandwiches and breakfast foods. Recipes range from standard meat-replacement dishes (Nutty Lentil Loaf) to the imaginative (Chile-Mole Popcorn; Spaghetti Squash Salad), with nods to ethnic cuisine (African Peanut Soup). Included are plentiful recipes using less common ingredients such as soy-based tempeh and seitan, derived from wheat. Menu suggestions are also listed. (Nov.)