Because that entry has received so many hits and yet isn’t really super-helpful, I thought I’d write more about things I’ve learned since writing that entry and share tips that may be helpful.

• The right equipment makes the difference. This has made cooking more fun. Not necessarily better things for being vegetarian, but I purchased a good set of knives which was a big game changer for me. I’ve collected enough good pots and pans from Craig’s List, but knives for some reason have never been a priority. These were not the most expensive knives ever, but they were an upgrade from my last set and I have noticed a difference. I’m a convert in believing in the importance of good knives , so I recommend purchasing a good set in your price bracket.
• Snacking. Sometimes, I simply am too tired/lazy/busy to make dinner but don’t want to spend money on eating out. I like having cereal, plain yogurt and raw honey, and other healthy snacks on hand. They’re not what I want for dinner every night, but having some healthy things to munch on in lieu of dinner is a good thing to have.
• Changing up my stir fry. I eat a lot of stir fry. I use some sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for flavor with misc. vegetables. I’ve been experimenting with different combinations of new to me ingredients: shallots, red peppers, adding faux chicken bouillon, sherry, vinegar, honey, and subtracting occasionally from the main ingredients. The results are tasty and varied enough, plus super easy. Stir fry is fast to make.

Additionally, although not exactly fast, I challenge myself to making one new food a week. New can just adding a different ingredient to a stir fry or a completely new recipe. Keeping a recipe log has been useful for that, because one of the issues I discovered is I make a dish, love it, and I never make it again because I forgot about it.

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