Southwestern Vegetarian

Book excerpt: Stephan Pyles is the undisputed master of contemporary Texas cuisine, with world-renowned restaurants in Dallas and Las Vegas, the best-selling books The New Texas Cuisine and New Tastes from Texas, and a hit show for public television. He has been praised by everyone from Paul Prudhomme and Craig Claiborne to "Gourmet and "Esquire, and is widely recognized as one of the most creative chefs in the United States. Now, in Southwestern Vegetarian, Stephan introduces us to a bold new take on two of the country's most popular culinary styles -- the regional specialties of the American Southwest and the natural splendor of vegetarian cooking. From Jalapeno-Cilantro Jelly or Red Chile Linguine with Pumpkin Seed Pesto to Southwestern Vegetable Paella or Smoked Tomato Pizza with Basil and Queso Fresco, every chapter features Stephan's special brand of innovation. Stephan also excels in reinterpretations of traditional dishes, whether it's the simplicity of a homemade Pico de Gallo or the perfect Wild Mushroom Risotto, or even a country-style soup such as Posole -- here spiced up with southern greens, chayote, dried cherries, and pecans. From a breakfast of Huevos Rancheros with Ancho-Roast Garlic Potatoes to a dessert of Mole Cake with Cherry-Almond Ice Cream, Tamarind Anglaise, and Orange Caramel, these dishes will make every meal, in every season, an unforgettable experience. The nearly 200 recipes are at once brilliantly inventive yet still accessible to the home cook. And although all can be prepared for a strict vegetarian, Stephan's approach is that vegetarian food is a cuisine, not a lifestyle -- and so he doesn't stifle the urge to toss in the occasional ingredientsuch as shrimp or chorizo sausage (optional, of course). With stunning photographs and a design that perfectly evoke the food, Southwestern Vegetarian is a sophisticated change of pace that opens a whole new approach to two increasingly popular cuisines.