The SF Chronicle debuts a new column today called The Accidental Vegetarian, by Amanda Berne; her first installment includes three recipes, tips to properly stocking a pantry, and of course, a good introduction to the column's intention: "I'm not a vegetarian, but I love vegetarian cooking. Through my years of working in restaurants, and time in culinary school, I've found the most satisfying dishes for me tend to be the vegetable sides or inventive vegetarian entrees. I've culled ideas from those years, and the recipes in this column will reflect the seasons, Bay Area produce and a penchant for whole grains and natural foods. I'll delve into beans under pressure, fancy dinner party fare, raw food for hot summer days and even follow a vegan diet for a month. I'll watch for trends, scour restaurant menus and keep up the dialogue with chefs and farmers."
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