Other: We are at the top of the food chain for a reason. Meat, it's what's for dinner.

Does the first choice mean enjoying eating vegetarians a few times a week?

I'm an other. My husband and kids don't eat meat and they do like meat substitutes so we have them regularly. But I still eat meat and enjoy getting the real thing now and then.

My husband has been a vegetarian for 35 years and he really appreciates all the options that are around now that weren't when he was a kid.
And these products make it easier for my kids out in the world. They can show up at a cook-out with their own veggie burgers and participate or go to fast food joints and find veggie burgers.

Most of our meals are based on other ingredients but I make a great "meat"loaf that even my meat eating friends enjoy. And I recently won an office chili cook-off using fake chorizo sausage. The judges, all meat-eaters, were astounded to learn it was fake.

So yea, we're fans of the fake stuff.

Sarah - I am a meat lover but would love recipes for your meatless meatloaf and chili.

I eat meat maybe once a week, but it has to be something i really want. A good meal is a good meal; but i dislike most meat substitutes, just don't "do it" for me; would rather just not eat it at all. It's got to be REALLY perfect for me to order it again.

I eat meat every day and love vegetables to go along with it. I really don't understand meat substitutes. If you love vegetables and hate meat then eat vegetables. More power to you. Maybe I will invent faux brocolli made out of bacon for people who don't vegetables.

Do you need an investor? EL

When I was a kid, I faux ate vegetables. I'd scoot them around my plate till no one was looking then slip them to the dog or tuck them into my napkin.
I was fortunate to have a dog that ate anything that came from our table. He strongly associated the table, I think, with real meat.

jl - I would line my peas up under my knife hoping they wouldn't be noticed. Sis put her peas in her milk glass. Both bad plans. Later I figured out my Mom's weekly menu plan and would come home from school every Tuesday (which was liver night) sick, be put to bed and got to eat in bed. The cats ate well that night. I didn't even miss playing outside just not to have to eat the liver.

@Elite Elephant Lover

I know you're joking but vegetables alone don't provide all the nutrients a person needs. I think the fake meat (which, I guess, is primarily soy or other bean based) provides protein to round out a non-meat eater's diet.

I eat meat, vegetarian meals, and meat substitutes when I want them. The Morningstar Farms veggie corn dogs are a guilty pleasure. I just don't expect it to taste like meat. I almost consider it a whole other food group. But in the end, it's all food, and it's all good.

I don't eat meat because I don't like its harmful effect on the environment, and I don't necessarily think that the people supplying the meat are treating the animals in a humane way. I don't dislike the taste of meat nor do I deny that humans should be at the top of the food chain. An occasional meat substitute works well for me.

I have to agree with Nik. I like meat and meat substitutes, and the Morningstar Farms corn dogs really, really are delicious. They are also unfortunately kinda high in fat if I remember correctly.

My pet peeve (even though I'm an omnivore) are non-burgers that have surprisingly little protein. I remember one package that listed potato as a main ingredient. And while that might be a delicious option, it probably isn't very satisfying.

Been meaning to try some recipes for black bean burgers. They look pretty easy.

Liz Kay, I've tried one black bean burger recipe that called for chipotle mayo, as I recall. It got raves.

If that is real, made from scratch chipotle mayo, I'd eat a brick slathered in it.

Other. I was a hardcore vegetarian for years (even a foolish vegan for three months - never again! - although I felt great) and I love most fake meats (Tofurkey is absolutely disgusting, however). I've converted several carnivores to tofu's loving ways (it's all about how you cook it - mushy tofu is bad tofu). In the past year or so, I've reintroduced seafood, which I now eat quite a bit. And I cook all sorts of meat for my wife and will usually try what I've made her (just to make sure it doesn't taste/feel like cardboard - I'm getting pretty good at it).

So I guess I love almost all vegetables, most meat substitutes, and the abundant treasures of the sea.

usurers weirder? love ReCaptcha!

I love to eat meat, and I love to eat fresh veggies. But I don't want my meat made out of veggies.

Here is a good video on the subject: http://meat.org

Mmm, chipotle mayo. Definitely a good reason to black-bean burger.

Salmon cakes are another good burger option for the frugal pescatarian ... basically canned salmon and mashed potato (I think I substituted hummus/garbanzo beans). Top with a little mayo and lemon or dill.

Mmm, chipotle mayo.

Another burger option for the frugal pescatarians out there: salmon cakes --- basically canned salmon mixed with mashed potato (I think I subbed a hummus/garbanzo bean mix) ... top with a little mayo/yogurt and lemon or dill (or both). Would probably freeze pretty well, if your dinner companions don't scarf them all up.

captcha: "was amongst"

kippered Father

Chiptole mayo on a turkey wrap...yum!

Other: I'll have the occasional meatless meal such as mac & cheese with a veg, or eggs and toast, or a cheese pizza; however, I love meat and am loath to give it up.

Imitation Vietnamese soup

"faux pho?"

Hue - *groan*