Snowmageddon

The east coast is gearing up for a "crippling storm". The latest report for Washington is calling for 20-30" of snow. Local residents are stocking up to hunker down during the snowpocalypse of 2010, creating crazy, long lines everywhere. Grocery store shelves are becoming barren in the mad dash to beat the worst of the weather.

So, we've taken stock of what we've got in-house and decided to plan for a few dishes from our kitchen pantry:

Tomato Garlic Rice
Rice with Peas and Carrots, Flavored with Cardamom
Bucatini with Parsley and Breadcrumbs
Tuna Farfalle
Chickpeas with Swiss Chard
Spicy Chickpeas with Ginger
Heirloom Bean Chili
Italian Meatball Soup Rapido

Growing Your Own Garden

If Mrs. Obama can generate as much buzz as she does with each new outfit she wears, then what and how she’s feeding her family is likely to influence more Americans to plant their own gardens as well. For not too much ($50), you can get a selection of the same seeds that were planted at the White House and that are being harvested for First Family meals. Offered by High Mowing Organic Seeds in Vermont, this collection includes 18 vegetable and herb packets to grow your own "White House" vegetable garden. It's something to consider.

Bring a Salad

Vegetables do not always have to be on the side. A big Greek salad supplemented with grilled chicken, meat or fish can be a fresh and bright weekday meal or good, big-party food. This “refined” version from our latest Cook the Book pick, is more than just feta, cucumbers, tomatoes and a few olives. It can be assembled about an hour ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. As always, do not dress the salad until just before serving and don't pinch on the quality of olive oil or olives used in this salad. It makes a difference.

Recipe: Tonight's Greek Salad