Let's take time to review the ABCs of cooking, eating and enjoying vegetarian cuisine.

By taking stock, alphabetically, of all the things I really love in a vegetarian diet, it's amazing to discover the diversity and scope of those foods. Take a few minutes and compile your own alphabetical list of favorite vegetarian foods — you'll be amazed at how much variety you're enjoying.

A — Aside from the avocados, artichokes, acorn squash and asparagus, and all types of Asian foods that fit the bill, there are some surprisingly good meat analogs or alternatives (veggie hot dogs, burgers and bacon).

B — Stock up on barley, a huge variety of beans, bok choy, basil, broccoli and broccoli rabe.

C — Capers, chilies, curry and cilantro add bold flavors, but don't leave out the cashews, cauliflower, couscous, cheese and chick peas.

D —Dates, dill, dals (lentils) and dipping sauces are delicious.

E — Eggplants and eggs are among the staples, and both are versatile, too.

F — Lots of fruit and a little bit of feta go a long way.

G — We couldn't live without garlic and gratins. And a bit of garam masala (from India) adds spice to life.

H — One word: herbs. Lots of them.

I — I love Italian food. Its rich flavors and textures won't leave you wanting more, that's for sure. But for a change of pace, Indian cuisine is nice, too.

J — Jalapenos rule.

K — Keep trying new recipes and ingredients.

L — Lentils cook up quick and are so nutritious.

M — There's nothing better than the bold flavors in Mexican and Middle Eastern foods. But let's not overlook our mangoes and miso, either.

N — Oodles of noodles and a few handfuls of nuts.

O — Oils are essential. Some add lovely, subtle flavors, while others are nearly tasteless. My favorite is olive oil. Which reminds me to include olives.

P — Some of the best foods start with P: pasta, Parmesan cheese, parsley, peppers, polenta, pilaf, pita bread and pizza.

Q — It has to be quesadillas — so easy and tasty. Perhaps I will get around to trying quinoa one day....

R — Another top-notch list that includes rice, risotto, ricotta cheese and rosemary.

S — What variety! There are seeds, stir-fries, soups, saffron, salads, spinach and sesame. But don't forget soy, which is used in a seemingly endless array of foods from soy sauce to “sausage.”

U — Aside from udon, a Japanese noodle, and ugli fruit — which I know practically nothing about at this time — U will just have to stand for all those undiscovered vegetarian delights just waiting to be tasted.

V — Encompasses the entire vegetable world for its variety and versatility. But, let's not leave out vinegars of all types that lend a helping hand in so many different cuisines and recipes.

W — Two of life's long-time consumables: wheat and wine.

X — For all the (e)xcellent experiences we have when we choose to create and enjoy a vegetarian meal.

Y — Yummy yogurt! Flavored or plain, it's a simple food with a large following.

Z — Last but not least, the lovely zucchini, which finds its way into so many wonderful dishes.

Single in Cincinnati: Older daters aren't happy
E-mails lead to love and marriage
KIESEWETTER: Television
Chuck's checkout line
Eat Your Vegetables
Learn from retail tastings that let you try before you buy
Lower-fat cake keeps flavor, texture
Smart mouth
Smooth Production Line
Trade Secrets
Body & mind
Nobel Prizes reflect the history of medical research
Scholar approaches fun seriously
Get to it