Penne with White Beans and Tomatoes

You probably thought I was never going to blog again, but here I am! You may be wondering what happened to me.... Well, my whole life changed one night in early November. We had a relaxing evening planned of wine & take out Thai food on the couch while watching TV. Anyways, we ended up watching a food documentary, FORKS OVER KNIVES.

FORKS OVER KNIVES examines the claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. As I watched, I could feel myself choking on my Pork entree.... The documentary definitely encourages a plant-based diet. (Why hadn't I just put on the new Sherlock Holmes movie or something??) Anyway, if you want to know more about the documentary, check out the website: www.forksoverknives.com .

Well.... when the movie ended, my husband Randy made a proclamation that we, as a family, would change the way we eat, and that we should start  the very next day! He has long been a believer in the Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid created by Dr. Andrew Weil. Here it is.

(see below)

This was definitely going to be a big change for us! This meant eating a lot more vegetables than we had been. We also were used to eating lots of chicken, beef, pork, etc. as well as stuff like ice cream and of course, Italian bread. The first few times I went food shopping, my head was SPINNING as I tried to figure out what to get and prepare, that could still be as tasty and appealing as before.

Little by little, I've slowly figured it out, and I am once again excited about food-blogging! We have been doing a great job of sticking closely to the food pyramid, and we still have treats like steak or cheesecake a few times a month. Everything in moderation, right??

The funny thing is, the recipe I am sharing with you today is one I have been making since I was a newlywed. (That is 23 years ago, in case you are wondering) It's yummy, easy and filling. (Not to mention that it would get a "thumbs up" from Dr. Andrew Weil!) It's a perfect meal for a chilly winter evening!

PENNE WITH WHITE BEANS AND TOMATOES
1 pound penne pasta (now I use brown rice pasta, but regular tastes great also)
1 can cannellini beans, drained
8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 bunch fresh sage leaves, stems removed
1 large can plum tomatoes, drained and chopped
salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese (as garnish)

Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over low heat. Add the garlic and sage leaves and saute', stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes. add the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the beans, and cover the pan with the lid slightly ajar and simmer for about ten more minutes.

Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. Drain the pasta and transfer to the saucepan containing the bean and tomato mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta, and then spoon out into individual bowls. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and serve at once.

Enjoy! And have a healthy start to 2012!!!