Ratatouille and French Bread

A quick trip to foreign flavors can really amp up your culinary portfolio. I know I've mentioned it before, but this will be one for Lisa's Soap Box. Don't be afraid of new flavors! You may find dishes from far-away places that become your favorites. Children that are introduced to new flavors, paired with more familiar ones, and are encouraged to taste everything on their plates, are far less likely to be picky eaters. Also, by adding a new flavor or cooking method, you can explore the options healthy meals offer. Try it; when you find new dishes and new ingredients you like, you won't be disappointed.

This easy meal from France is sure to be a huge hit with the kids, especially if you've watched Disney's "Ratatouille." Make it into a family date night; make the meal, watch the movie, and you're sure to have a great time. These two recipes are very simple, though the bread takes time to rise. Make sure you start it early enough in the evening so that it has plenty of time to rise, and then cook it so that you've got hot, fresh bread for dinner. There is nothing better in the world.

Ratatouille
1/4 cup olive oil--more may be necessary as you cook
1 large yellow onion
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 medium sized eggplant
1 zucchini
1 tsp garlic
1 large red or green bell pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley
1 can stewed or crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
a splash of balsamic vinegar

1) Chop all your vegetables into roughly 1/2" cubes. This includes halving all the cherry tomatoes. If you are fast with your knife, you may be able to do this during the cooking process, but if you're unsure, it's best to at least give yourself a head start.
2) Heat a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed sauce pan over medium-high heat with the olive oil.
3) Cook everything in the order listed above. Whenever a seasoning comes after a vegetable, add the seasoning with that vegetable. Stir well after each addition, and let it cook for about 2-4 minutes between each vegetable.
4) The last is of course the cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Once those are in, stir just to heat through for about 30 seconds, and serve.


French Bread
2 cups warm water
2 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups whole wheat flour
3-4 cups all purpose flour (probably closer to 3)

1)Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a kitchen mixer, or by hand. Mix really well.
2) Add the AP flour 1 cup at a time, mixing between each cup, until the dough is fairly stiff and pulls completely clean from the side of the bowl.
3) Knead in the mixer, or by hand, for 8-10 minutes.
4) Place dough into a greased bowl (with olive oil, butter, shortening, or cooking spray) and cover with a slightly damp towel. Let rise for 1-2 hours.
5) Cut the dough in half and shape each half into a log. You can do this by rolling it out into a rectangle or oval shape and then rolling it up and pinching the ends over, so that it is a long shape. Place onto a cookie sheet that has been sprinkled with a little cornmeal. Use a sharp knife to cut about 3 diagonal slits on top. Brush the top with a little bit of olive oil or a basic egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water). Cover the loaves again with the towel and rise for another 1/2 to 1 hour.
6) Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes. When it is done, you can tap the bread with your finger and it will sound hollow. After baking, remove the loaves of french bread onto a cooling rack.

Ratatouille is good served over pasta. Also try adding other vegetables, mushrooms, or even sausage. Of course you know what to do with leftover french bread. These two together make a fantastic, French-inspired meal that is vegetarian, low-fat, and super healthy.