Just moved to England from the Pacific Northwest US, and find myself a housewife for the first time in 15 years, as I wait for paperwork to allow me to get a job outside the home. As such, I have a lot of time to adjust to the culture shock I'm experiencing when it comes to food and its preparation here. I love to make stews, soups, and pies. Coming up with vegetarian versions of dishes, that don't taste "vegetarian," is one of my favorite ongoing challenges. I've always enjoyed making tasty meals while being as frugal as possible, and using what's on hand. My mother was a master at "frugal with flavor." I've been quite pleased with the meals I've managed since getting to England, as I am making them without my usual arsenal of herbs, spices, pots, pans, and American ingredients.