Mom was right. Recent research shows it's important to eat lots of vegetables, if you want to stay healthy.

One of the healthiest ways to prepare those vegetables is with a microwave oven. Microwave cooking preserves vitamins and minerals that might be lost in stovetop cooking. Being able to cook them faster also makes it more likely you'll eat them more often.

There are a wide range of microwave sizes and features to choose from. For solitary or duo dining, Samsung Electronics offers compact models ranging from the simplest to most versatile models with ten power levels, programmable cooking, and multiple cook pads. Families can take advantage of Samsung's mid-size or family size models which offer up to eight instant cook pads, rotating turntables and auto weight defrost. Full-size models have as many as ten power levels and nine cook pads for quick and easy cooking.

One microwave recipe that would please mom is this vitamin-rich delicious ratatouille.

RATATOUILLE

Combine oil, garlic and onion in 2 to 3 quart casserole. Cover and microwave on High power for 3 to 5 minutes or until the onion is cooked. Add the eggplant and peppers. Cover and microwave on High power for 5 to 7 minutes, or until vegetables are "al dente".

Add remaining ingredients. Cover and microwave on High power 4 to 7 minutes or until zucchini is tender crisp, stirring after 2 minutes. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.

May be served hot or cold, is probably best next day as flavors have mingled.

For more information on this product and the location of the nearest dealer, call 1-800-SO-SIMPLE, (767-4675) ext. 404.(NAPSI)

Judy Murray is the test kitchen supervisor with Samsung Electronics America, Inc.