Eggplant Lasagna

I’ve had a bumper crop of eggplant this fall! I can’t explain why because I have truly neglected my little garden for the past few months.

But no matter–because my 3 little eggplant plants have continued to bloom and yield beautiful, tender fruits all season long.

I wish everything were so easy to grow! Literally, just add water and watch bloom. :D

‘Tis the Season: Tomato Pie

Even though I have not shared any photographic evidence recently, my garden has been flourishing. My tomato plants, though a tad overcrowded, are producing like gangbusters :D and we’ve been enjoying their fresh, sweet, delicious fruits for the past 3 weeks or so.

If you can imagine, C. even agreed that all the time, sweat, and effort in the garden have been worth it because the fresh ingredients at our fingertips are no comparison to the bland veggies we get from the grocery store. Healthier (I’ve used NO chemicals), Tastier, and Convenient-er ;)

Cucumber Salad

C. found this recipe in the June edition of “Cooking Light.” The picture was so pretty, that even he couldn’t resist this salad. LOL

Since I’ve been harvesting cucumbers from my little garden for about a month now it was obvious that I HAD to make this. And as though to drive the point home, our farmer’s market had the most interesting type of cukes that I’ve ever seen.

Have you ever heard of lemon cucumbers? I never had and was curious to try them out. So I bought a few and into this salad they went! ;)

Oven Roasted Eggplant Stacks

Well, here I am. I survived my 7 day diet of last week. Phew! There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it. LOL I was hungry and dreaming of things that were not allowed, like mac n cheese, or cake and ice cream, or pizza!

But instead of giving in to temptation, I decided to focus on creating delicious dishes that didn’t rely on all the typical calorie and fat-laden ingredients that I usually use.

I’ve been spending more time in the produce section, picking out seasonal veggies and imagining new ways of making them delectable.

Vegetable Stirfry

Hellloooo, my dearies! :) It’s only Tuesday and it feels like this week will never end already!

What is it? Maybe the heat (it’s 90+ degrees again here)? Or the endless work that surrounds me? Or perhaps it’s the fact that I’m on a cleanse diet. :/ Yep, I’m pretty sure that’s it. LOL

All this food cooking, and food eating, and food blogging has caused my pants to fit a bit tighter–and it’s not the drier shrinking them or tiny elves working away during the night to alter my wardrobe into smaller sizes!

Broccoli, Rice & Chicken Casserole

At February 13, 2012
By Spiceblogger
In Chicken, MexiCajun Recipes, One Dish Meals, Recipes, Veggies
3

This is one of those dishes that makes me think of growing up in a small, rural Baptist church. Dinner on the grounds, small community where everyone knows everyone and their business (lol), familiar hymns, Sunday afternoon naps, and skinned knees from biking mishaps on our gravel road.

Someone was always sure to bring this casserole to any church event that called for food: 5th Sunday singing, baby showers, wedding showers, funerals, any occasion. And, of course, it was always warm, familiar deliciousness made by some of the best cooks I will ever know. Every time I try my hand at this recipe I remember faces, embraces and a feeling of home. You know that feeling? Back when you were a child: security, invincibility, blissful ignorance of the heartaches life can deal out as you get older. Certain smells trigger these feelings in me. Or sometimes a song. And most definitely some foods.

Potato Gratin with Rosemary Crust

Ahhh, the holidays. I love everything about them! The decorations, the hustle and bustle around town, the smell of lit fireplaces mingling with crisp, fresh air… and the food. Mostly, I love the food! :) I love cooking holiday food. I love serving holiday food. And, of course, I love eating holiday food. Rich, comforting and nostalgic- the standard Thanksgiving and Christmas dishes conjure up childhood memories of family gatherings and good times. If for no other reason, this time of year gives us the opportunity to gather together to indulge in good company and good eating.

MexiCajun Sweet Potato Fries

Now that tailgating season is upon us, I’m always looking for easy finger foods to cook and serve. My go-to recipes for these casual food fests always tend to be fat-laden cheesy dips, mini hotdogs, pizza bites or some other type of one-bite diet buster. Ugh…

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t better choices to be made and healthy alternatives to be found! Even the ever-present veggie tray gets a bad reputation for the very unhealthy accompaniments we use to try to make the veggies themselves more appealing. For this snack or side dish, no condiments are required. Sweet potatoes are sweet and delicious enough on their own, so they don’t need much to make them delectable. For these fries, I’d put away the chips and dip any day!

Simple, Healthy, Delicious: Mies’ Salad

When I was in grad school and living in The Netherlands, my friend Mies would always make this salad for big get-togethers. The Dutch seemed to be much more health-conscious than my own homeland–Louisiana, which is known for making pork fat one of the major food groups. (cracklins, anyone?)

This recipe is bursting with fresh goodness, combining greens, nuts and fruits. Yogurt replaces high calorie and fat-loaded dressings, which make this salad even healthier.

Foodbuzz 24×24: Wine Tasting Party

At May 29, 2011
By Spiceblogger
In Appetizers, Chicken, Desserts, Entertaining, Recipes, Veggies
0

I am so excited to be participating for the first time in Foodbuzz’s 24×24 project! Inspiration for this party came from my love of entertaining and of drinking wine. The setting for this late spring feast is my garden, under a brand new custom pergola.☺ It was the perfect evening for dinner outside, so we made the most of it.
A full table setting; lots of food; several wines; and a soft breeze set the scene for this feast of indulgence.