Cater for more vegetarians or you will lose out, warns Jus-Rol Professional

With National Vegetarian Week approaching the pastry people say caterers need to grasp the opportunity by being more adventurous in terms of their veggie menu. The Vegetarian Society estimates that there are between three and four million vegetarians in the UK and a growing number of people are now classified as either "meat-avoiders" or "meat-reducers". Jus-Rol Professional has been working closely with its Pastry Perfect Panel to highlight the versatility of pastry as an alternative to other carbohydrate based dishes. John McKears, foodservice sales manager from Jus-Rol Professional, said: "We are now in an era when the vegetarian consumer is having an increasing impact on the catering business. The fact is a growing number of people are following a vegetarian diet or else limiting their consumption of red meat and so they are often looking for non-meat options when they eat out. It is a growing audience so caterers need to ensure they offer them a more inspiring choice." Pastry Perfect panellist Carol Haime, who is the head chef and owner of The Sandrock in Farnham, Surrey said: "Customers eat with their eyes and so the Twisted Corner Basket was developed for busy caterers who are looking for fresh ideas with minimum preparation and maximum impact! It's the perfect basis for a range of dishes and will bring something truly different to vegetarian menus." People can visit www.jusrolprofessional.co.uk to download a host of vegetarian recipes including easy to make spicy pizza puffs; mini cheese & onion pasties; goats cheese & aubergine windmills to courgette, tomato & cheese slices and red pepper & onion tarte tatin. Jus-Rol's Pastry Perfect Panel recipe card includes wild mushroom, sautéed leek & brandy tart; puff pastry parcel with ratatouille & basil mascarpone with parmesan crisp, and spinach feta & pine nut pie.