Babagnoush

you might have heard of it from the movie wedding crashers, but now i give you an authentic recipe to actually make it yourself.  this appetizer is great for any cocktail party, so try this lebanese family favorite. 

Baba Ganoush
1 eggplant
1 ½ tbs garlic
½ tsp salt
3 tbs tahini
5 tbs lemon juice

remove  eggplant skin and prick with fork.  microwave the eggplant till cooked about 5 minutes then mash in a bowl.  then add garlic, salt, tahini and lemon juice, and mix together.  (if too thick add water)

tips

• baba ganoush should be the same consistency as hummous.
• tahini can be found in the international foods aisle or a specialty store.
• serve with a crudite, pita chips or pita bread.

How to Roast a Vegetable

roasting is one of the simplest cooking techniques.  you put it in the oven and forget about it.  and one of my favorite things to roast is vegetables.  it intensifies the natural flavors and caramelizes the veggies due to their natural sweetness.  here’s the non recipe recipe.  cut the vegetables into bit sized pieces (if it’s asparagus leave it whole), toss with oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  roast between 350 and 400 degrees until vegetables are tender (20-45 minutes depending on the veggie).  it’s that simple.  try it with:

• potatoes
• asparagus
• butternut squash
• zucchini
• cauliflower
• broccoli
• eggplant
• onions
• bell peppers
• tomatoes
• beets
• carrots

you can also switch it up by adding some garlic, herbs, other spices like cayenne or balsamic vinegar.

Eating in Season: Fall

everyone always say eat in season fruit and vegetables…why?  in season produce not only tastes the best, it’s also the cheapest.  and now that fall is here, let’s talk a little about what’s in season.

Apples
everyone knows you can make an apple pie or crisp.    but have you ever made your own apple sauce, put them in salads, or make muffins?  get outside of comfort zone..and go for the gold(en delicious)!

Pears
when pears are in season they are juicy and flavorful. and nothing is more classic than pears and blue cheese.  here’s some other ideas: pears poached in wine, throw some together with apples and make a pie, and pear juice goes great in cocktails.

Squash
roasting butternut squash with a little butter and brown sugar, is my favorite.  but i also love grating it into spaghetti sauce.  and i can’t wait to make some pumpkin bread.  you can also try butternut squash soup, zucchini bread, or as a filling for ravioli.

Eggplant
when i think eggplant my mind immediately goes to a lebanese dish called sheik el meishe, it’s eggplant that is stewed with ground meat and tomatoes and served over rice (and at some point i’ll share this one with you).  you could also make eggplant parmesan, caponata, or grill it simply with olive oil.

Brussel Sprouts

need i say more…

so get out there, and make some seasonal dishes while the season lasts.