Eggplant is in season and it's quite abundant at all of the farmers' markets. This time of year they're plump and firm and perfect! The eggplant (aka aubergine) is a member of the nightshade family. They're very filling, supply few calories and contain virtually no fat. Their meaty texture makes eggplant a wonderful vegetarian main-dish choice. 

Okay, so I'm going through a “pea” phase. Last week I made cauliflower every which way but loose. This week it's peas! Not just your everyday green peas mind you, all kinds of peas. Black-eyed peas, chickpeas (actually a legume), sugar snap peas, snow peas --the list goes on! Beans and peas are part of the same plant group.