Check It Out:

Vegetarianism has become an increasingly popular lifestyle choice.

Fortunately, eating a plant-based diet is no longer the challenge it once was.

Many restaurants now offer meatless dishes.

Farmers’ markets have sprung up in many communities.

Grocery stores are well-stocked with frozen vegetarian entrées and a variety of fresh produce.

Cookbooks have also kept pace with the trend toward healthier eating.

The Newport Beach Public Library boasts a bountiful harvest of vegetarian cookbooks.

Perfect the art of preparing green cuisine with these selections:

“The Complete Vegetarian Handbook” by Kathy Farrell-Kingsley: If you’re new to the vegetarian lifestyle or not quite sure how to go about it, this book has just what you need to get started.

Learn how to select and store fresh ingredients, what staples to have on hand, and essential vegetarian cooking techniques.

Discover 75 easy-to-prepare recipes that include legumes, grains, sprouts, soy, nuts and other wholesome foods.

“Pure Vegetarian: Modern and Stylish Vegetarian Cooking” by Paul Gayler: British chef Gayler presents an impressive selection of vegetarian recipes that will appeal to the most discriminating of palates. Expand your culinary repertoire with baby shallots roasted in Marsala, smoked paprika feta salad, zucchini linguine and other enticing dishes.

“A Year in a Vegetarian Kitchen: Easy Seasonal Dishes for Family and Friends” by Jack Bishop: Bishop guides readers through the seasons with 248 savory dishes that can be made in an hour or less.

His mantra to “buy locally and cook locally” is both environmentally friendly and practical.

Enjoy pan-glazed tofu with Thai red curry sauce, garlicky greens in soft corn tacos, fettuccine with caramelized onion sauce and more!

“Passionate Vegetarian” by Crescent Dragonwagon: Packed with more than 1,000 recipes, this substantial cookbook will please vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

The author’s collection of swoon-worthy comfort food and specialty regional dishes are simple to prepare, yet delicious.

Several recipes include vegan or low-fat variations along with savvy cooking tips and amusing anecdotes.

“The Jumbo Vegetarian Cookbook” by Judi Gillies: This children’s cookbook introduces young chefs to the world of vegetarianism.

Kids are encouraged to have fun as they learn how to cook more than 125 healthy, meatless recipes.

This resource also provides basic cooking terms, kitchen safety tips and nutrition facts for novice vegetarians.

“Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone” by Deborah Madison: Renowned chef Madison shares her extensive knowledge of vegetarian cooking principles and techniques in this comprehensive guide.

This 10th anniversary edition features 1,400 recipes and detailed instructions on how to select, prepare and combine vegetables.

The simplicity and ease of this innovative cuisine will appeal to both omnivores and vegetarians.

“Totally Vegetarian: Easy, Fast, Comforting Food for Every Kind of Vegetarian” by Tioni Fiore: Delicious TV’s “Totally Vegetarian” cooking show host demystifies the art of preparing eco-friendly meals.

Several of the nearly 200 recipes are meatless adaptations of favorite foods such as potato sage pizza, veggie potstickers and tempeh fajitas.

Bon appétit!

CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org . For more information on the Central Library or any of the branches, please contact the Newport Beach Public Library at (949) 717-3800, option 2.