I'm working on indexing the cook book, and I want to have a section in the index for the many herbivores that inhabit AQ. This is not a separate section of the book. The "vegetarian" recipes are mixed in with the meat recipes in the side dishes and main dishes sections of the book.

I know there's a million different definitions of the word "vegetarian", and I don't want to get yelled at for making a politically incorrect mistake. I know there are "vegetarians" who don't eat red meat, but will eat fish. On the other end of the scale are those who will not even eat animal products, such as milk or cheese. And a thousand shades in between.

Personally, I am a carnivore. My definition of "vegetarian" is "one who does not eat the flesh of animals". How far off am I?

I have labelled side and main dish recipes without meat in them as "vegetarian". Also there are two where the meat is served separately and can easily be left out without upsetting the balance of the dish. I want those in there too...(they are both basically taco bar things).

there are several of the "vegetarian" dishes that use eggs, mayo, or gelatin...

So I have questions...

1. how far off is my definition of "vegetarien"
2. do I call this section of the index "vegetarian" or "meatless"?
3. do I just not index the recipes separately?
4. do I put the two meat-but-can-be-meatless recipes in?

romana

I know there's a million different definitions of the word "vegetarian", and I don't want to get yelled at for making a politically incorrect mistake. I know there are "vegetarians" who don't eat red meat, but will eat fish. On the other end of the scale are those who will not even eat animal products, such as milk or cheese. And a thousand shades in between.

I'm not a vegetarian in any sense of the word, but as I understand it, there's a distinct difference between "vegetarian" and "vegan." A vegetarian being someone who does eat anything that would requiring the killing of the animal (such as hamburgers) while a vegan is someone who won't use anything that comes from an animal (such as eggs, milk, and cheese).

Then there are folks who are just worried about their own health rather than the welfare of the animals, which is why they avoid red meat but will happily eat chicken or fish. I'm not sure that they'd be called vegetarians in the strict sense of the word, but I'm not sure what they would be called either. I could probably think up a few names, though. ;o)

-- Ryan

There is "Ovo-Lacto" Vegetarians (those who eat eggs, milk, cheese) and there are "Vegans" (those who do not eat any animal products).
There are also Vegans who do not eat honey.
You could make yourself crazy figuring out how to categorize all the recipes.

I've worked with and cooked for many vegetarians who either for religious reasons or personal are vegetarians; both "Ovo- Lacto" and "Vegan".

I would index the meatless (no fish either, but do include egg, cheese, milk) recipes as "Vegetarian".
I'd indicate on those two meat recipe pages that there is a meatless option and also include the meatfree option in your vegetarian indexing.

I don't think anyone would yell at you considering all the work you've done.
At least I should hope not!

Sorry I should've mentioned that I'm not a vegetarian.

this is my thought too, and I will simply temove the two with meat from the vegetarian section and leave it as is.

romana

1. how far off is my definition of "vegetarien"
2. do I call this section of the index "vegetarian" or "meatless"?
3. do I just not index the recipes separately?
4. do I put the two meat-but-can-be-meatless recipes in?

1. Like others have said, your definition of vegetarian isn't that far off at all. There are several different types of vegetarianism, but the most common definition is the one that you used, which accurately describes Lacto-Ovo Vegetarians, and I would suggest using this particular form of vegetarianism to measure whether a dish is vegetarian for the book. If you started trying to mark vegan recipes, pecsa-vegetarian recipes, etc, I think you'd have a monster of an indexing job on your hands.

2-4. Since you want to include the two meat-but-can-be-meatless recipes, maybe you could use a section title of "Vegetarian Friendly", or something along those lines.

Additionally, I would suggest putting a statement on the meat-but-can-be-meatless recipes that you can use portobella mushrooms as a vegetarian-friendly meat substitute - they will add that fifth taste flavor known as umami to the dish that usually only comes from meat products. It's that savory flavor, and a lot of originally-made-with-meat recipes need that in order to work well.

Rogue Artist

First, I want to say I feel for you. Trying to make this cookbook and not offend anyone seems like an almost impossible task. Second, it seems that many people hold the same basic principle on what a vegetarian is and what they don't eat (the flesh of any aninal). You might also want to add a note on the foods that contain the most common food allergens (nuts/ tree nuts, eggs, wheat, and milk). Thankfully for me, I'm a strict carnivore and have an odd food allergy, pine apples and mangoes.

Thankfully for me, I'm a strict carnivore and have an odd food allergy, pine apples and mangoes.

I'm an omnivore, but also have a strange allergy, cherries and raisins. Interestingly, I can eat grapes, and anything made from cherries...just not the flesh of the fruit.

romana

That's really strange, but kinda cool (as long as you keep track of what your eating). I can't have anything made with either pine apples or mangoes. I was almost done in with an Italian crumb cake my in-laws gave me. None of us knew it had peices of mango in it. Thank God for Benedryll

Speaking of strange allergies, have a friend that can eat strawberries but can't be near the green tops of the fruit, she breaks out in hives. I thought she was kidding when she told me this.

I personally would go with "meatless" and the vegetarians can decide if it fits their particular definition or not. However you decide, I think it is great you are indexing this way.

Thank you so much for all the hard work you have put into this--and thanks as well to everyone who has contributed. I know this is going to be one of my favorite cookbooks!!

I agree with Mama Stork on this one. Many cookbooks list things as meatless and sometimes those of us that do eat meat look for a recipe that is categorized as that. Since I believe the mainstream is not vegetarian; if you happen to be, you will know how to find the recipes that fit your preferences.
You will go crazy trying to please each and every group! Everyone should know what they like and look for their own recipes and mark them their selves. Besides, with all the little "tidbits" you have included we will all probably read the book from cover to cover!
Oh yeah...I dont use Teflon or non-stick for health reasons; could you please list those recipes that turn out OK in in regular pans separately? LOL--just kidding Romana (of course) you are doing a great job and however you list the recipes it will be fine! Dont drive yourself nuts over it!
Terrio

Oh yeah...I dont use Teflon or non-stick for health reasons; could you please list those recipes that turn out OK in in regular pans separately? LOL--just kidding Romana

I agree......just leave it as "meatless" and let people figure it out for themselves. I eat meat, but I cannot eat MSG......so any recipe that calls for "cream of ____"-soup or parmesean cheese or just about any "ready made product" has to be reformated by me, but I sure don't expect that info to be in a cookbook that isn't expressly written for people who have an allergy to MSG.

Romana.......this cookbook is going to be so much fun!!!! Thank you for doing all the work to make it happen. I can't wait!