The Cardiologist's Wife

Pimento Cheese, Not Your Grandma's Spread

Pimento cheese is one of those foods that has been so corrupted by the food industry that it has become synonymous with other crappy foods like Spam. I'm not even certain what store bought pimento cheese might contain, nor do I want to find out. It's a shame because pimento cheese can be a delightful treat, even if it does Read the full post…

Plum Good BBQ Sandwiches

In a few days it will officially be fall but the temperatures are still warm enough for me to continue swimming for a few more days. The breeze was a little cool but that didn't stop me from swimming several laps this morning and I felt great afterwards! Have you exercised lately? With fall's cooler temperatures and fewer insects, you Read the full post…

Shingles Vacine and Treatment

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with shingles so I felt I should discuss this nasty virus once again. If you ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for getting shingles and believe me, you don't want it. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters that scab over and may take 4 weeks or more to heal. The Read the full post…

Vegetarian Tacos are muy delicioso!

There are times when I think I could easily become a vegetarian, especially when I try a new dish that is as good as the vegetarian tacos I had at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock and the tofu fried rice at Sai Tai here in Jonesboro. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past weekend by spending Read the full post…

Midyear Health Check

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten. It's time for a health reality check. First of all, how is your health lately? If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful? Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to Read the full post…

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

I'm back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation? If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect. But Read the full post…

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Ratatouille Rating – Penne With Sausage, Eggplant and Feta

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on July 21, 2011 ][ In Pasta, Pork ]

Well, I must report that though the ratatouille was pretty good, it was not well received by my children. I think it would make a much better side dish than a main dish but vegetarians will love it. The recipe I used called for eggplant, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, basil, mushrooms, and zucchini, all layered with Parmesan cheese. It was a pretty dish as well. If you are interested in making ratatouille, simply google it. There were plenty of recipes online and none were hard, just a bit time consuming with all the vegetable chopping.

Continuing with the farmers’ market theme and fresh produce, I am sharing a favorite pasta dish that uses eggplant, tomatoes and fresh parsley. Eggplant is one of those vegetables that people don’t know what to do with it seems. I love eggplant and look forward to finding new uses for it. My kids never even noticed the eggplant in this dish so give it a try and see how your family likes it.

Penne With Sausage, Eggplant and Feta
4 1/2 cups peeled, cubed eggplant
1/2 lb. light pork sausage
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 ripe tomatoes, diced or 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
10 oz. cooked penne pasta
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
Cook eggplant, sausage and garlic in a large nonstick skillet over medium high heat until sausage is browned and eggplant is tender. Add tomato paste and next 3 ingredients. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add pasta, cheese and parsley to sausage mixture and toss well. Makes 4 servings.

Serve with a salad and crusty bread. Notice how easy my dinners are, side salad and bread heated in the oven. All our vegetables are in one dish practically. I am making this dish Friday with the tomatoes and eggplant I got Tuesday at the Farmers’ Market. I will make another trip Saturday for more tomatoes and blueberries, maybe a melon of some sort. I hope to see you there!