Preparing a meal that doesn’t have meat as its centerpiece can be disconcerting for a dedicated carnivore. But it’s not that hard, and something everyone should make a habit of doing fairly often. If you’re serving vegetarian guests, make sure you’ve asked if they eat any animal products at all. Some vegetarians are vegan, and do not eat any animal products, including dairy and seafood, which rules out a lot of foods. Others simply shun red meat, and eat dairy. You’ll need to know the parameters before you plan a menu, and don’t be shy about asking. For those who eat dairy but no other animal products, consider a meal that uses creamy pasta and sauce as the main dish, topped with vegetables. Consider this a terrific opportunity to expand your cooking repertoire. Your meal can be satisfying and meatless.