All I had to do was show up!

It took some effort not to wiggle my way into the kitchen activities and put in my two cents….but I refrained.

My girls cooked salmon, asparagus and red skin potatoes with rosemary.

My eldest even made a sauce to serve with the potatoes. She experimented and improvised; it was really good.

They set the table and poured wine. I surrendered to it all and had the best Mother’s Day ever!

The star of this meal had to be the chocolate chip cookie, ice cream sandwich!

The presentation was perfect and it was a great way to end a great meal with my two favorite girls.

After dinner we went to see Date Night at the matinee and enjoyed the rest of the sunny, chilly evening together watching chick flicks and doing homework!

No stranger to boar sausage, or to a finely braised veal shank, Mario Batali however isn’t the first name that pops to mind when you think about vegetables. And that’s what’s so interesting about his decision to embrace Meatless Monday in all of his 14 restaurants across the country.

“The fact is, most people in the U.S. eat way more meat than is good for them or the planet,” maintains Batali. “Asking everyone to go vegetarian or vegan isn’t a realistic or attainable goal. But we can focus on a more plant-based diet, and support the farmers who raise their animals humanely and sustainably. That’s why I’m such a big believer in the Meatless Monday movement.”

Read Chris Elam’s article in Huffington Post for more on the enthusiasm and momentum that Meatless Monday! is gathering throughout the country.

When the likes of Mario Batali and Lydia Bastianich go meatless you know it’s time to get on the bandwagon!

Something light and “springy” was on my mind today.

A chill in the air did not stop the sunny skies from inspiring a salad full of all my favorites; avocado, black beans, corn, red onion, scallions and cilantro!

Lime and olive oil dressed this salad and allowed all the flavors to come through and keep it light.

You can get really creative with tomatoes, olives, peppers…I used what I had on hand.

I tend to go heavy on the cilantro!

Meatless Monday! Fried Eggplant and spinach fettuccine is easy and fresh!

Fresh mozzarella puts the finishing touch on thinly sliced eggplant lightly coated in Italian breadcrumbs.

Roasted garlic and roasted cherry tomatoes add rich flavor to spinach fettuccine.

With all this flavor, who misses the meat?

Top with shredded parmesan and enjoy!

Toss tomatoes in olive oil and roast on 400 degrees until they pop open! and smell delicious!

Beautiful beaujolais makes dinner…beautiful!

Egg and water then bread crumbs go into frying pan with hot oil for a quick, light frying.

Mash up roasted garlic with a fork and mix in about 1/4 cup olive oil to create a “sauce”.

Add salt to taste.

Just throw in fresh baby spinach to the last few minutes to boiling pasta to add flavor and nutrition.

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A great way to save money for your business, whether you are a sole proprietor or work for a large corporation, it is use discount printing. Discount printing is a great way to save on overhead costs, which is always a very good thing for businesses, especially when the economy is on shaky ground.

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This surprising combination was a nice twist on your usual flatbread.

I will definitely play with this; deconstruct, and see what I can come up with.

It was very tasty, I’m even thinking salad, burritos, etc.

I love trying something new!

After a long night of rockin’ out with The School of Rock we needed food.

These kids are fantastic!

It’s so much fun to watch this young talent sing from their souls!