This guide to cooking for vegetarian friends (when you eat meat) will help you avoid some pitfalls.
Here’s why dishing up some eggplant Parm might not be the best idea.
You assume all cheeses are vegetarian-friendly.
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But you should do your research before hitting the cheese counter if you want to keep your meal vegetarian-friendly.
For instance, Parmesan cheese is not typically vegetarian.
Other cheeses like Grana Padano, Roquefort, Gorgonzola and Gruyere also use rennet in their curdling process.
A resource likethis list of vegetarian cheese producersfrom Vegetatio can also be a helpful tool.
You throw a veggie burger on the grill so they can partake with everyone else.
Just remember to handle the vegetarian or vegan options with care.
You don’t bug them about what their dietary restrictions areafter all, you already know they’re vegetarian.
Don’t get ahead of yourself on menu planning too quickly.
You go a little overboard on making friendly conversation.
You probably won’t be the first to trot out lines like “Not even fish?”
or “I could never do itI love bacon too much.”
You offer all the food buffet-style, so they can eat what they’re comfortable with.
Buffet-style is always a simple, effortless way to serve guests.
Plus, it’ll keep you from having to answer the same questions over and over again.
The same is true of condiments like fish stock, Worcestershire sauce and Caesar salad dressing.
