Looking for recipe recs...

Dear flist, I am in need of your assistance *puppy dog eyes*. I am looking for reccomendations on vegetarian dishes, be they starters or main courses because a) I wish to try some myself and b) I wish to be able to cater in style for my vegetarian friends and I'm a little clueless. I've never been very vegetable orientated, but I'd like to expand my repetoir.

For example, how exactly does one eat an artichoke? I've seen one prepared on TV, but I have yet to figure out which bit you eat ::g::.

Some recipes that do not involve garlic would be good too :). Personally I love the stuff, but I have more than one friend who does not so some with and some without would be lovely.

Thank you in advance for any pointers you can give me.