Addicted as I am to cookbooks, my most recent obsession is Silk Road Cooking by Najmieh Batmanglij. Such a lovely gift to receive from my dear friend Susan. Absolutely stunning pictures and commentary, along with 150 recipes that vegetarians will be drooling over. I have already bookmarked several dishes to try and I am sure this will become a treasured addition to my collection. I know my dining friends have been wowed by the results so far.

Surely this could be a coffee table book, but most importantly, the recipes are top notch and a visual feast adorned with artworks and extensive history. From China to the Middle East, this wonderful book compiles unique but accessible creations that will have you craving for more. A book to sit down with and read and a trusty book to cook from. Salads, soups, eggs, rice, fruit and vegetables, pasta, pizza, breads, pastries, desserts, beverages and preserves will certainly make your vegetarian tummy happy and also the tummies of your more carnivorous friends. Good energy certainly goes into the selections contained in this book. Definitely an enchanting experience in so many ways. Highly recommended from my vegetarian kitchen.

This tangy and spicy vegetable and tamarind soup was adapted by me, as I can never resist adding my own touches. I used carrots instead of the squash and included some green beans that I did not want to go to waste and also added some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra tangy-ness. I suggest you use the soaking liquid from the sun-dried tomatoes as it is like gold and imparts a nice flavor to this creamy, warming and nourishing soup. Serve with rice for a delicious and balanced meal.

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If you are looking for comfort food, this classic dish is recommended, especially during cold months. Warm up the kitchen and your tummy with this rather decadent mixture of potatoes and cheese. It reheats well, so if you don't feel like cooking for a few days, you will have plenty of nourishment on hand. Serve with a leafy green salad and some cornmeal johnny cakes for an especially filling and satisfying meal. Be sure to shop for the best quality cheese you can find. Mushrooms are optional but highly recommended, adding an extra and desirable earthly flavor to the dish. Do consider using fresh sautéed mushrooms in place of the dried variety if desired.

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Vegetarian cooks are often challenged when it comes to serving their most voracious carnivorous friends. I can assure you this loaf will go over well and your diners won't miss the meat, even though combined are lentils, quinoa and toasted cashews along with some spice, and no animals. My husband never eats meat at home as I can't stand the smell and will not tarnish my cookware with dead carcass. He was most delighted as this dish reminded him of meatloaf. Indeed, he declared that he liked this vegetarian version better than the traditional ones. Serve with a dollop of salsa, sour cream or ketchup.

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This oven-baked cornbread comes from Muffins & More by Jean Pare. The book was a gift from my Mom and it has proved to be a valuable reference tool for quick breads for many years and was one of the earliest additions to my cookbook collection that has grown to be quite extensive over the years.

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