Peas and Thank You: Simple Meatless Meals the Whole Family Will Love by Sarah Matheny (Harlequin Nonfiction, $21.95)
When Oregon-based cook Sarah Matheny decided to go meatless, she suspected her family would resist. The secret was to eliminate meat yet retain tasty, nutritious meals that would be irresistible. The result is a collection of recipes that serve up delicious meals that are not just creative but fairly easy to prepare.
The eighty-five recipes are divided into five main sections: Breakfast at the IHOP; Beyond Pea B and J – Lunches, Salads and Soups; Peas on the Side – Snacks, Sides and sauces; Sure to ‘Peas’ Dinners; and Sweet Endings for Sweet Peas.
In addition to the recipes, there are countless tips and even personal anecdotes from a very relatable family. The emphasis of this cookbook is recipes that are appetizing and fun to prepare. The extra bonus of putting food on the family dinner table that are healthier choices is also appealing.
I tested two recipes from this collection, Self-Serve Oatmeal Bars that were moist and had both fiber and protein. I also prepared a Green Bean Casserole. Both dishes were a snap to prepare.
SELF-SERVE CASSEROLE BARS
Ingredients
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup water
1 cup non-dairy or organic milk
Pinch of salt
Sweetener, if desired (I used two packets of Nectresse made from monk fruit
Combine oats, water, milk and salt in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add in any base flavorings you wish (see below). Lower heat and continue to simmer oats for five minutes, stirring frequently until they are thick and creamy.
Prepare toppings by putting small amounts of each in mini serving dishes with small spoons and placing them in the center of the table.
Place oats in serving bowls and allow family or friends to top their own bowls with toppings.
Optional flavorings:
Banana oats: add one banana
Peanut butter oats: 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter
Strawberry oats: ½ c fresh strawberries
Topping suggestions: roasted almond, walnuts, pecans, pistachios r peanuts.
Sliced bananas, strawberries, peaches or pineapple chunks.
Fresh blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.
Use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

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