   
Food Fact
Eggplant
When discussing vegetables, this deep purple giant of the garden is often forgotten. Here are some fascinating tidbits about this unusual food that might help you remember it the next time your browsing through the produce department or stopping at your neighborhood farmer's market.
The Eggplant is also known as the aubergine and the garden egg.
One average size eggplant will serve three people.
Smaller, immature eggplants are best to purchase. Full-size puffy ones may have hard seed and can be bitter.
Eggplants are very perishable and become bitter with age. They should be stored in a cool, dry place and used within a day or two of purchase. If storing in the refrigerator, place the eggplant in a plastic bag.
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 A Taste of Tuscany
Tuscany is a bountiful, pastoral region full of small family farms beside medieval ruins and lush forests. Located in northern Italy, it's only about a two-hour drive north of Rome. It's known for its shimmering fields of wheat, groves of olive trees and delicious food. The flavors of this time-forgotten place are world-renowned and seem to instantly transport us to a place where slow-cooked homemade meals are the reason for living. There's also something about this place that inspires the entertainment experts at The HoneyBaked Ham Company to pass along the basic elements of Tuscan cooking and entertaining to you, our readers, so you can enjoy the simple pleasures of this rich countryside.
The key to preparing a Tuscan meal is to start with the freshest ingredients you can find. Nearby farmer's markets or locally grown produce will ensure the most flavor. Most Tuscan cooking is surprisingly simple, letting the natural flavor of the food come through. Basically, Tuscan cooking meshes simplicity, flavor and convenience, the same ideals of The HoneyBaked Ham Company. Here are some of the staples of the Tuscan kitchen items that you can incorporate into your next quick and easy meal.
Fresh Vegetables - Artichokes, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplants and peppers are just some of the great tastes you can find still very fresh into the early fall.
Fresh Herbs and Spices -Basil, parsley, oregano and garlic provide the rich flavor Tuscany is known for.
Olive Oil - To add a robust flavor to all your cooking, use extra-virgin olive oil. Also, use it for salads, pasta and dipping crusty breads.
Pungent Rustic Cheese - In addition to the more common fresh mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Tuscany is known for its Pecorino Romano cheese; it's made with pure sheep's milk and aged to perfection.
Red Wine Made from the Sangiovese grape, Tuscany is noted for its many red wines, especially Chianti.
Crusty Breads The traditional crusty Ciabatta bread as well as breads such as Focaccia and Asiago are an integral part of the Tuscan dining experience. Use olive oil sprinkled with oregano for dipping instead of butter.
When serving a Tuscan meal, think simplicity. To complement the foods above, add a fresh HoneyBaked Hamฎ or Turkey Breastฎ. Focus on the freshness and taste of the food, along with the family and friends around the table. A simple centerpiece of a wooden bowl filled with artichokes or a simple chunky candelabrum is a great choice. Use simple dishes placed upon a red or mustard colored tablecloth. Tie napkins with twine with a sprig of lavender or basil to underscore the importance of nature. Serve water or wine and enjoy!
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