Linda McCartney's Home Cooking was one of the first cookbooks I bought when I went vegetarian, and it continues to be the one I return to again and again. The recipes are simple, easy, and always right on, and they usually use basic ingredients that you're likely to have on hand. This book is especially good for new vegetarians, meat eaters, and those turned off by stereotypically vegetarian fare, because the recipes are very satisfying versions of fairly standard kinds of dishes. It is also an excellent introduction to cooking with meat substitutes. There are those that will find fault with the book for its generous use of butter, cheese and the like, but recipes are easily modified by using less fat and/or vegan alternatives. This is an excellent, reliable, basic vegetarian cookbook that should be required reading for those new to vegetarianism, contemplating it, or doubting that such food can be satisfying. Especially good: Madras Onion Curry, Beefless Rice Casserole, and Shepherd's Pie.