I had 2 skinny Italian eggplants, a few tomatoes, a sweet vidalia onion, garlic, and some mushrooms.

Out came the kitchen knife and a stockpot to cook in.  Vegetables were chopped, put into the pot with some olive oil, seasoned with  oregano, salt and pepper.  I simmered the vegetables for 20 minutes on low heat.   Voila, a great veggie dish for dinner tonight, and a clean refrigerator.

You can make ratatouille with any leftover vegetables you have.  Enjoy!

Not actually DO gardening, it’s still too cold, the risk of snow and inclement weather is still too great.  But it’s a good time to start thinking about your garden, and considering what to do this year that’s new, different, or just the good ol’ same.

I started my gardening reading with an inspiring story about the Leopoldo Urban Vegetable Garden.  It’s a small, flat-pack recyclable steel structure which makes garden easy and fun.   What makes this small gardening space so inspirational is that it is starting to be used as a therapeutic tool in hospitals and clinics.   You can read all about it at Treehugger.com.

And start dreaming about your fresh tomatoes and herbs.  It’s never too early.

The Great Hang Up

Our kitchens and dinner tables tend to be places that we gather with family and friends to share the news of the day. We encourage you to make some time to talk about the risks associated with people are getting in accidents and even losing their lives because of texting or talking on the phone while they are driving. 11Alive, the NBC affiliate in Atlanta, recently started a campaign to inform the people of Metro Atlanta of the dangers of distracted driving and encouraging them to join the movement to put down the phone while driving. It’s the Great Hang Up!

We are spreading the word to our extend friends and family. Print out The Great Hang Up Pledge and have a conversation with those you hold dear about the risks of driving while distracted.

Healthy Snacks

Popcorn Board jAugust 2004

Are you glued to the Olympics? We are! During the past week, (once again), we’ve become enthralled with the talent, interesting stories, the variety of sports, the competition and the judging. To prepare for a weekend of viewing and cheering on the athletes, here is a healthy snack.

Roll back the clock to make popcorn the old-fashion way – on the stove top! It’s healthier, budget friendly and delicious - the ideal Mama Says recipe combination:

Stove top Popcorn with Olive Oil

Makes 8 – 10 cups

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup popcorn kernels

Preparation

In a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and olive oil and popcorn kernels, stir to mix. Cover partially with lid to create a vent for the steam.

Allow to cook over medium heat until popping slows; about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove pan from heat, cover completely and let stand until popping stops, about 1 minute.

Salt or season, as desired, with a few shakes of garlic powder, your favorite herb, cinnamon, brown sugar or nutmeg.  For other topping ideas and popcorn recipes visit popcorn.org.

Photo credit: Popcorn Board (www.popcorn.org/)

Olympic Gold. EVOO + popcorn kernels!

OTBN Open That Bottle Night – Feb 27, 2010

Are you a hoarder! Do you have a bottle of wine that you’ve been saving? Mark your calendar for Saturday February 27, 2010.

It is Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) 2010. OTBN is an annual event created by wine writers Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher (wine@wsj.com) to encourage us to open those bottles we thought we’d never open.

Every year since 2000, on Saturday night in late February, OTBN encourages us to open a bottle of wine, champagne or spirits that we’ve been saving for some special event that, so far, has never quite happened. The premise is for everyone to pick one of the bottles that they have been saving for a special occasion – which never comes – and open it before it goes bad…It doesn’t matter if the wine is expensive or low cost, white or red, or even if it is still good. What matters are the memories!

Don’t wait to drink that special wine.

Gather some friends to share some wine and some stories.

We recently opened a Cakebread Cellars 2006 Napa Valley Chardonnay and enjoyed the light golden straw color and aromas of green apples, apricots,  with a smooth buttery, creamy finish that included a subtle hint of vanilla oak. Refreshing and classic California Chardonnay.

We also unearthed a Cameron 1994 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir to relish the smoky, earthy, ripe blackberries and smooth finish. Just like a beautiful fall afternoon in Oregon.

Any night can be the right night to open “that” bottle of wine!