Baba Ganoush

I know what you're thinking, "Baba Ga-what?" Well, baba ganoush is a popular middle eastern appetizer that would best be described as a roasted eggplant dip. I was a little skeptical when I saw the original recipe here, but I gotta say it's amazing!!!! It's typically served with pita bread but I used flatbread crackers.

Baba Ganoush
2 large eggplants
1/4 c. tahini (sesame seed butter)
3-4 large cloves garlic, minced
2 T. olive oil
chopped or dried parsley
salt

To roast eggplants, use a fork to prick the skin all over and place on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Heat under a hot broiler for about 30 minutes, turning often, until tender and the skin is shrivelled and blackened. Cool for a good hour. Remove skins and transfer the soft eggplant pulp to a bowl. Mash with a fork. Add tahini, garlic, oil, and parsley. Mix well. Finally, add salt to taste and serve with bread or crackers. Enjoy!

Hummus

I've never been a big fan of store-bought hummus. I've tried different flavors and brands and they just don't taste right to me. So I made my own a few days ago and I loved it! It's much cheaper and you can make any flavor you like.

Hummus
1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas/garbanzo beans, drained
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. tahini (I used roasted and salted)
garlic powder
1/4 c. water

In a food processor, combine all ingredients and process until smooth. Add more water if needed. Store in the fridge.

Hummus is great as a dip or in place of mayo in things like deviled eggs or on sandwiches. Experiment and enjoy!

Grilled Chicken & Corn Salad

Have leftover corn on the cob? Today, I had a bunch of leftover corn from a barbeque and I decided to make it into a salad.

Corn Salad

3 ears corn, cooked and cut from cob

2 large tomatoes, chopped

1/2 c. chopped onion

2-3 c. torn greens (spinach, romaine, etc.)

extra virgin olive oil

salt & pepper

garlic powder

Combine all vegetables in a large bowl and toss together with olive oil, salt and pepper, and some garlic powder. Set aside while you make your chicken.Grilled Chicken (I didn't actually grill mine, but either way...)

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast
steak seasoning (I like Weber Grill Creations)

In a large skillet, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil on medium heat. Season chicken breasts with steak seasoning on both sides and cook in skillet until done (nicely browned with no pink in the middle.) Serve along with salad. I cut up my chicken and tossed it together with my salad. It was delicious! :) You could always use beef or seafood in place of the chicken. Enjoy!

Philly Cheesesteak

I always love an easy dinner. Sometimes I'm so burnt out by 6:00 that I just need a quick and easy meal that takes little to no effort. This recipe was given to me by my friend (because we're always asking each other what we're making for dinner!) I would've thought that a Philly Cheesesteak would take a lot of time, but this couldn't be simpler. Plus it's delicious!

Philly Cheesesteaks

1-2 T. olive oil (vegetable oil works too)

1/2 onion, sliced

1 bell pepper, sliced

1 lb. deli sliced roast beef, roughly chopped

8 slices provolone cheese

4 whole wheat buns, split

In large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and pepper and cook until tender. Add roast beef and heat until warm and juicy. Keep warm. Meanwhile, arrange 2 slices cheese in each bun. Top with meat mixture so cheese can melt. Serve warm. Enjoy!

I had leftover meat and it kept very well in the fridge. In fact, it tasted pretty darn yummy the next day!

Summer Pasta Salad

I love this recipe! It's one of my favorites because it's not very difficult and doesn't take a lot of time! It's great for summer!

Summer Pasta Salad

8 oz. (or so) dry multicolored pasta, cooked

black olives, chopped

cucumber, chopped

tomatoes, chopped

bell pepper, chopped

pepperoni

onion powder

garlic powder

extra virgin olive oil

balsamic vinegar

salt & pepper

Use as much or as little as you like of each ingredient and toss together. I tend to be sparing with the vinegar because it's very strong! You can also add any ingredients that sound good to you. Be creative!

Sometimes instead of using the olive oil and vinegar, I'll just toss it with some ranch dressing. It's also very delicious. Enjoy!