Grilled Eggplant "Parm" Sandwiches

Love eggplant parm, but not all the prep and heaviness? Try this light and tasty summer alternative.

Ingredients:

-1 medium eggplant

-sliced fresh tomatoes

-sliced mozzarella cheese (or vegan alternative)

-steak grilling seasoning

-oregano

-Trader Joe's red pepper spread

-rolls of choice

1. Spray grill with non-stick olive oil spray and preheat.

2. Slice eggplant as you would for eggplant Parmesan.

3. Spread on cookie sheet and brush both sides with olive oil then season with oregano and steak seasoning. 

4. When almost ready, add cheese and melt.

5. Assemble sandwiches and devour. Nom nom!

SUPER EASY Tomato "Pizza" Bites

There is really no need for me to give any specific measurements or even ingredients here since you can make these up as you go along. The suggestion to enjoy some just-picked  fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes is enough. The rest is up to you.

Tomato Pizza Bites

Ingredients:

-Fresh picked (if you have the option) organic tomatoes

-Fresh basil leaves

-Shredded mozzarella (or vegan alternative)

-salt, pepper & garlic powder to taste

-1 dollop of pesto spread per tomato bite

1. Wash and slice each tomato widthwise. Don't cut the slices too thin. You want them to be sturdy.

2. Sprinkle garlic powder, salt and pepper on the tomatoes.

3. Place a dollop of pesto on each, followed by a sprinkle of cheese, a whole basil leaf and topped with more cheese.

4. Broil on low for approximately 5 minutes, until cheese begins to brown. 

EAT UP!

These tomato bites make delicious and visually appealing appetizers. They are also great as a sandwich. Just spread some pesto on a bun and enjoy.

Quick Kale Fix

Today I found myself realizing at 3:30pm that I still had not eaten lunch. I'm not one of those "Oops, I forgot to eat" people, trust me. Forgetting to eat is a foreign concept to my brain (and stomach). I might miss a breakfast or lunch here and there, due to timing but I always more than make up for it, not always in the healthiest of ways, unfortunately.
Wanting to silence the rumbling in my belly without spoiling tonight's dinner with a heavy afternoon meal, I turned to my good friend Mr. Kale. This also makes a yummy side dish.

Quick Kale Fix

Ingredients:

A small bunch of fresh kale (I didn't measure, but I'd guess about 4-5 cups)

1 small red onion, sliced

4 cloves of garlic, chopped (or to taste, I happen to love it)

A splash (let's say 1/4 cup) of Marsala wine (because, well...why not?)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

1. Wash, drain and chop kale (set aside).

2.  Add garlic and onion to heated oil and sauté for about 3 minutes.

3. Add kale, wine and salt. Stir and cover.

4. Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes or until kale is at desired tenderness.