quick and easy dinners for vegetarians needed

Jude said:

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
pizza.

I can do even better: Seek out _20-Minute Menus_, by Marian Burros. It's
VERY good, and you can find it used:

www.amazon.com/gp/product/offer-listing/0517080257/103-1151205-9679822

Bob

I was vegetarian for six anna half years, and I practically lived on the
following (my carnivorous friends also were mad for the stuff):

Amarantha's Mountain of Nachos

for cooking:
a couple of onions
a couple of eggplants, or one really big one
a few zucchini
half a dozen large yellow chillies
as many hot chillies as you like
a large bag of mushrooms
one or two tomatoes

for layering:
corn chips
salsa
sour cream
grated cheese

Heat some oil in a large pot. Chop and add vegetable ingredients in the
order listed above, stirring with each addition. The eggplant especially
should be chopped fairly thinly (half a centimetre/quarter inch slices)
and may need more oil added with it. Once the tomatoes have been added
to the pot it's pretty much ready - a horrible-looking grey muck that
smells and tastes great. Get a plate, add a layer of corn chips, a few
big serving spoons of vegies, a layer of salsa, a layer of sour cream and
lots of cheese. Eat with fork and fingers.

Warning: this dish is deceptively large. I've had friends use a bread
and butter plate so as not to get too much and even then, when they'd
finished layering, they were alarmed at the amount of food they'd ended
up with >🙂

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
pizza.

Waldorf Salad; Tuna Casserole -- that sounds like a lot of work to me for
someone who works.
Think along the lines of picking up some cleaned salad, bread that has some
substance to it or tortillas, etc.; fresh fruit(s), cheese(s), package of
prepared multiple veggies fresh for serving raw or cooking; canned beans
which you can make your own by addition of ingredients you like; any kinds
of grains that will cook in 30 minutes, some milk or juice, canned or dried
soups which you can add some fresh ingredients to make it your own, a little
ice cream for dessert.
HTH
Dee Dee

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I
can
make for dinner really easily when we get home.

....

Quoted message said:

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

Here are a couple ideas.....hope you like 'em!!

Pseudo-BBQ Tofu Sanwiches
This is pretty quick and easy. You really do have to start with a block
of frozen and then thawed tofu. It's the only thing I make with tofu;
I'm not really a tofu person. But this is good:
a.. 1 (12 ounce) package extra firm tofu (frozen and then thawed)
b.. 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
c.. 1 onion, thinly sliced
d.. 1 1/2 cups bottled BBQ sauce (more or less to taste)
e.. 6 hamburger buns
Heat half the oil in skillet, add onions and saute. Meanwhile, press
the block of tofu between paper towels until most of the water comes
out. Slice the tofu into 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick slices. Press the
slices one last time w/ paper towels. When onions are translucent, move
them to the edge of the skillet. Add the rest of the oil, turn up the
heat a little, and add the tofu slices. Fry until golden brown on both
sides.

Add the BBQ sauce, turn the heat to low, and let cook for ten minutes.
Let everything get nice and saucey, then pile onto hamburger buns and
eat.

***

Oven-roasted veggie fajitas

Chop up some onions, peppers, zucchini, whatever you like (can do this
the night before), while you preheat oven to 450F. Toss veggeis w/
olive oil, sprinkle w/ S&P. Spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 15-20
minutes. Heat up some tortillas in the microwave (20 seconds, between
moist paper towels). Pile veggies onto tortillas, add salsa, cheese,
sour cream. Roll up and eat.

***

Black bean/sweet potato burritos

Heat oven to 400 F. Cook a couple of sweet potatoes (you can nuke them,
though they taste better baked, or else peeled and roasted as a do-ahead
step). Peel and mash. Drain and rinse a can of black beans. Mash them
up with enough salsa to moisten. Spray a casserole dish w/ cooking
spray. On a work surface, lay out a corn tortilla. Spread with some
mashed sweet potato and some mashed beans. Roll up and lay seam side
down in casserole dish. Repeat with more tortillas (2-3-4 per
person??). Sprinkle rolled up burritos with some shredded cheddar.
Bake ~20 minutes, until hot and crispy. (You can use flour tortillas,
but they're not as good, IMO). Serve w/ sour cream on the side.
***
Portobellos and Peppers over Angel Hair Pasta. : Heat up a pot of
salted water to boiling (for the angel hair pasta). Slice up a few
portobello mushrooms and a couple of red peppers. Saute peppers in
oliveoil for a few minutes; add a bit more oil and mushrooms, and cook
til they soften. Now's the time to add the pasta to the water. Add a
couple tablespoons of balsamic vinegar to the veggies and cook,
stirring, until veggies are glazed. Season to taste w/ S&P (not too
much salt, though). Serve over hot, drained pasta. Sprinkle w/
parmesan cheese at the table. Leftovers are good warmed up and wrapped
in a tortilla w/ some feta cheese.

Chris

Jude said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow.

Then you are not a vegetarian. I suppose you eat chicken, too...

-L.
(shaking head)

"-L." <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Jude said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow.

Then you are not a vegetarian. I suppose you eat chicken, too...

-L.
(shaking head)

Perhaps she just doesn't eat red meat.
I forgot to suggest eggs. Eggs are a great stand-in for many quick meal
protein -- omelets, deviled eggs, fritattas, etc.
Dee Dee

Jude said:

simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.

How old is your daughter? Can she help out at all?

--
Siobhan Perricone
Humans wrote the bible,
God wrote the rocks
-- Word of God by Kathy Mar

Then you are not a vegetarian.  I suppose you eat chicken, too...

Are you a vegetarian? Have you ever tried to convinceyour mom and dad
that you can still come visit them and they don't have to cook "all
that weird stuff" especially for you?

Didn't think so. Sometimes it;s easier to eat fish for the convenience
of others than it is to be 100% pure vegetarian.

Do you live in a glass house, as well?

Jude said:

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

My wife is Catholic, so I get to find new recipes for fridays every
year. Here is one that we make throughout the year though:

South-of-the-Border-Pie
Better Homes & Gardens 11th Edition

1/2c. chopped onion (1 medium)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 to 2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1 15 oz. can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 1/2c. cooked brown rice (I use minute rice instead)
1 c. shredded cheddar cheese (4 oz.)
3/4 c. milk
2 beaten eggs

1. In a saucepan cook onion and garlic in hot oil till tender but not
brown. Stir in chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook 1 minute more, cool.
Stir in beans, cooked rice, cheese, milk and eggs.

2. Spray a 10 inch pie plate or quiche dish with nonstick spray. Spoon
mixture into pie plate. Bake, uncovered, in a 350 F oven about 25
minutes or till center is set. Let stand 10 minutes. If desired,
sprinkle with sweet pepper and serve with salsa. Makes 6 main-dish
servings.

We ususally melt a little extra cheese on top and serve with salsa and
sour cream.
---
[email hidden]

"Foutain of youth? We have enough youth, what we need is a fountain of smart..." -seen on a bumper sticker

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
pizza.

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

--
Peter Aitken

On Wed 31 Aug 2005 08:47:12a, Peter Aitken wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

They are semi-vegetarians.

1. Semi-Vegetarians
Semi-vegetarians eat no red or white meat (beef, pork, venison, etc). The
only animals that semi-vegetarians eat are fowl and fish. (Purists would
say that semi-vegetarians are not vegetarians at all, but I have included
them in order to show the complete hierarchy.)

2. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians
The most common type, ovo-lacto vegetarians do not eat any animals, but do
eat eggs and dairy products.
Subcategories:
* Ovo vegetarians (eat eggs but not dairy)
* Lacto vegetarians (eat dairy but not eggs)

3. Vegans
Vegans eat no animal products - no eggs, no dairy, no honey, etc.

4. Raw/Living Foodists
Raw or Living Foodists eat only raw food, because enzymes are destroyed by
normal cooking processes.

5. Fruitarians
Fruitarians eat only fruit, fruit-like vegetables (e.g., tomatoes,
cucumbers), and sometimes seeds and nuts.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

"Wayne Boatwright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed 31 Aug 2005 08:47:12a, Peter Aitken wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

They are semi-vegetarians.

<snipped>

Sort of like being semi-pregnant or semi-dead, I reckon.

--
Peter Aitken
Visit my recipe and kitchen myths page at www.pgacon.com/cooking.htm

"Peter Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
pizza.

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

--
Peter Aitken

Here is what I gathered, hoping it is correct:
Vegans: a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products
at all.

Vegetarian: eater of fruits and grains and nuts; someone who eats no meat
or fish or poultry.

The most common definition of vegetarianism, however, accepts the inclusion
of animal-based products such as honey, milk and other dairy products, as
well as eggs. This is more precisely called ovo-lacto vegetarianism.

Lacto Vegetarian:

A Lacto Vegetarian is someone who eats dairy products and plant-based foods
but not eggs.

Ovo Vegetarian:An Ovo Vegetarian is someone who eats eggs and plant-based
foods but no dairy products.

I don't know what one would call a person who ate no red meat, but ate
everything else.

That's almost me -- I 'hardly' eat red meat, 'hardly' eat pork, but I do;
but never would enter my mind to buy it or include it in any menu if it were
it not for DH.

Dee Dee

"Wayne Boatwright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed 31 Aug 2005 08:47:12a, Peter Aitken wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

They are semi-vegetarians.

1. Semi-Vegetarians
Semi-vegetarians eat no red or white meat (beef, pork, venison, etc). The
only animals that semi-vegetarians eat are fowl and fish. (Purists would
say that semi-vegetarians are not vegetarians at all, but I have included
them in order to show the complete hierarchy.)

2. Ovo-Lacto Vegetarians
The most common type, ovo-lacto vegetarians do not eat any animals, but do
eat eggs and dairy products.
Subcategories:
* Ovo vegetarians (eat eggs but not dairy)
* Lacto vegetarians (eat dairy but not eggs)

3. Vegans
Vegans eat no animal products - no eggs, no dairy, no honey, etc.

4. Raw/Living Foodists
Raw or Living Foodists eat only raw food, because enzymes are destroyed by
normal cooking processes.

5. Fruitarians
Fruitarians eat only fruit, fruit-like vegetables (e.g., tomatoes,
cucumbers), and sometimes seeds and nuts.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*

Hey, Wayne, we're both on the same wave length, looking up definitions --
I've not heard of the semi-vegetarians term. I guess I can't even say I'm a
semi-vegetarian. Does this mean that I'm not a kook after all? I guess
not, there are other things that probably qualify me.
Dee Dee

Jude said:

I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home.

My all-time favorite is sauteed peppers and onions, as a sub, as a
fajita filling, or over rice. I make a ton of this at a time - the only
prep being slicing up the peppers (red, green, yellow, whatever is
cheap) and the onions. May throw in some garlic. Saute for a few
minutes in some oil, then add either an Asian inspired 'sauce' (some
soy sauce, some vinegar), or some vinegar, worcestshire, red wine, and
or steak sauce. Cover and let it simmer slowly while you relax. I let
it go until everything sort of carmelizes. I usually have it as subs
the first night, in fajitas the second, and over rice to finish up.
Also great to freeze and heated up straight from the freezer, no
thawing needed.

Another fav. is a boxed veggie sloppy joe mix from my local super
market (white box, they do a lot of veggie mixes, but can't think of
the name.) I think it is great and takes 5 minutes total. After sloppy
joes I use it as a sauce/topping for pasta.

"Dee Randall" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
crowded.

So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.

I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.

Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.

I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?

All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
pizza.

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

Quoted message said:

Here is what I gathered, hoping it is correct:
Vegans: a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy products
at all.

I do not think that is correct. A vegan is not a "strict vegetarian," they
are a vegan. The idea of "strict vegetarian" versus "just plain vegetarian"
is silly. You either are or you are not.

Quoted message said:

Vegetarian: eater of fruits and grains and nuts; someone who eats no meat
or fish or poultry.

My point exactly.

People seem to need a term to describe themselves. It's silly, really. If
you eat fish but not mammals or birds, that's fine, but there is no term to
describe you. Calling yourself (I mean "you" in the generic sense, not
personally) a vegetarian in that case is just plain dumb.

--
Peter Aitken

On Wed 31 Aug 2005 09:06:23a, Peter Aitken wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

"Wayne Boatwright" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Wed 31 Aug 2005 08:47:12a, Peter Aitken wrote in rec.food.cooking:

Quoted message said:

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then
talk about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

They are semi-vegetarians.

<snipped>

Sort of like being semi-pregnant or semi-dead, I reckon.

Sort of. :-)

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
____________________________________________

Give me a smart idiot over a stupid genius any day.
Sam Goldwyn, 1882-1974

"Dee Randall" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Hey, Wayne, we're both on the same wave length, looking up
definitions -- I've not heard of the semi-vegetarians term. I guess
I can't even say I'm a semi-vegetarian. Does this mean that I'm not a
kook after all? I guess not, there are other things that probably
qualify me.

Don't you worry Dee Dee. You are a full member of the kook's club along
with us🙂

O

"Peter Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Dee Randall" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Aitken" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Jude" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...
> OK, it's back to school season. No more luxuriating around enjoying
> summer vacation - the kids come back next week. I'm gong to a new
> school this year and inherited a classroom with 17 years accumulation
> of JUNK. I've spent all of this week going through it and filling
> trashcans with 1989's curriculum. Next thing I need to do is rearrange
> the desks and bookshelves. She has a huge room feeling small and
> crowded.
>
> So, anyways, I'm coming home absolutely exhausted every night. Next
> week, when kids are back and I actually have to plan lessons and teach
> on top of it, I'm gonna be wiped. I need some good ideas for what I can
> make for dinner really easily when we get home. Toss together some
> ingredients for a casserole, or a crockpot idea that I can leave
> simmering all day long. I've got about 30 - 45 minutes from the time we
> get home until I need to have dinner on the table for my daughter.
> We're both vegetarian, but not opposed to fake meats or even seafood.
>
> I was thinking about a tuna casserole for tomorrow. My mom's recipe but
> jazzed up: cooked rice, canned tuna, canned shrimp, celery,
> waterchestnuts, cream of something soup from a can (I use asparagus),
> and a little milk. Salt, pepper, celery salt. Topped with crushed up
> potato chips. It goes well with a waldorf salad for crunch and cold.
>
> Beyond that, I'm at a loss for casseroles that don't feel too heavy -
> it's still 83 degrees here right now and pretty damned humid too.
>
> I know you all can help me! Whatcha got?
>
> All I know is that I'm tired of take-out chinese food and delivery
> pizza.
>

I am a bit puzzled - you ask for "dinners for vegetarians" and then talk
about tuna casserole. Vegetarians do not eat fish.

Quoted message said:

Here is what I gathered, hoping it is correct:
Vegans: a strict vegetarian; someone who eats no animal or dairy
products at all.

I do not think that is correct. A vegan is not a "strict vegetarian," they
are a vegan. The idea of "strict vegetarian" versus "just plain
vegetarian" is silly. You either are or you are not.

Quoted message said:

Vegetarian: eater of fruits and grains and nuts; someone who eats no
meat or fish or poultry.

My point exactly.

People seem to need a term to describe themselves. It's silly, really. If
you eat fish but not mammals or birds, that's fine, but there is no term
to describe you. Calling yourself (I mean "you" in the generic sense, not
personally) a vegetarian in that case is just plain dumb.

Quoted message said:

Peter Aitken

Sometimes one does need to describe themselves to some people, one sentence,
"I'm a vegetarian." That would keep one from ever having to decline an
invite to "The Lone Star." They could roll their eyes, talk behind your
back, and that would be it, never having to explain yourself again why you
didn't want to go here or there, restaurant-wise. I've never had to listen
to "Why don't you have a steak, don't you want the prime rib...." for years.
Small price to pay for those few words. :-)
Dee Dee