Beautiful Florida and French Women for all Seasons

Back from a fantastic vacation! Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all of the technology that we are bound to? Between Twitter, Facebook, emails, blogs and more, it can be too much to keep up with! I only checked email once a day and stayed off all social media and I have to say I think we should all do it every so often. Here are a few photos from my adventure to Florida, the perfect getaway. We visited Wet n' Wild Orlando, Siesta Key, Lido beach and more. Can't wait to go back!

On a cooking note: Treasure Seeker Colleen recommended a new cookbook for me to try and I am loving it. It's called "French Women for all Seasons" by Mireille Guilano. It has very simple and delicious recipes that are healthy and easy to make. See below the Eggplant Tapenade I made that got rave reviews from those who tried it! We also made BBQ'd shark delic!!

Eggplant Tapenade

2 medium eggplants, unpeeled cut into 1-inch thick slices

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

2 cups chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons capers

8 pitted green olives

8 pitted black olives

salt and freshly ground pepper

1. Salt the eggplant slices, and let stand for 20 minutes. Rinse with cold water, and pat dry. (This process makes the eggplant tender and less bitter.)

2. Warm the oil over medium heat. Cook the eggplant and onion until brown and lightly crisp. Remove from the pan.

3. Add the tomatoes and vinegar to the pan, and cook for a few minutes over medium heat. Add the capers and olives, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss with the eggplant and onion, and serve immediately.