No Meat on Fridays!!!!

We are in the midst of Lent season, meaning for all the practicing Catholics, as well as those that choose to practice when convenient, no meat on Friday's.

Last Friday, we made the mistake of going out to eat, and the only thing on the menu that didn't have meat was grilled cheese...not so great for someone who loves to eat - and we were not at the establishment for the food...

This is an optimal time for people to try to integrate seafood, tofu, or beans into their diet...my sister use to never eat seafood - my mother never at it and my dad wasn't cooking. Seafood was something "newer" to me once I got to college. There, too, I found the ever popular college bound - non-meat eater, not quite vegetarian - meaning those who went vegetarian b/c it was in, not because of a belief or preference.

I am a huge fan of pasta with a cheese sauce. Ravioli lend themselves well during this season. Take the Asian wonton wrappers you get in the produce department and stuff them with your mixture of choice - I love ricotta, Parmesan, shrimp, spinach, and diced tomatoes. Lightly toss with a sage butter or lighter Alfredo sauce and you have a meal.

Even though in the majority of the country, we aren't grilling, doesn't mean that you cannot bake fish, saute scallops, or pan sear some tofu.

Think outside of the box. Opening your options now will make you a more versatile cook at a later point.

These experiences - a college, vegetarian roommate, a close graduate school friend who was vegan - made me able to cook for both of these cuisines without feeling overwhelmed. More importantly, it taught me to cook really great tasting food outside of my comfort zone.