It’s been quite a Monday. I left the house at 5:30 this morning to teach BodyPump, made a quick trip home at lunch to eat and pack clothes and then taught yoga and had another commitment after work. I didn’t get home until 9 p.m.
Call me crazy but the only thing that I wanted to do when I got home was cook dinner. The kitchen is the place where I can relax and unwind. Brandon had a dinner with his family tonight so I was on my own. I poured myself a glass of wine and took inventory of the fridge and pantry. Here’s what happened…
I had an eggplant in the fridge and pasta in the pantry so I decided to make “naked” eggplant parmesan. Here’s what I did…I sliced the eggplant and salted it with kosher salt. I let it sit for about 5 minutes to release a bit of water while I preheated the broiler. I wiped the salt off and brushed the eggplant with olive oil. Broiled for about 4-5 minutes per side (until soft and lightly browned) and then topped it with basil and a slice of jack cheese. Back under the broiler it went so that the cheese could melt and brown. I served the pasta over a handful of spinach and topped it all with marinara and parmesan. YUM! I savored every bite. It was simple and delicious!
Is cooking therapeutic/relaxing for you or a chore? Do you like cooking for yourself?
Backing up…
I wasn’t in the mood for oatmeal or overnight oats this morning. Who am I? I was craving the same breakfast that I had Saturday and Sunday – a cinnamon raisin English muffin with peanut butter, honey and banana. I added a yogurt on the side. This breakfast totally kept me satisfied until lunch.
Lunch was another salad featuring my roasted beets. Spinach and mixed greens with carrots, heirloom tomatoes, apples, dried cranberries, almonds and cheese.
And finally…this is totally unrelated to anything else in this post but I’m watching No Reservations (in Naples…sigh…) and it reminded me that Anthony Bourdain is coming to Charlotte!
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And not only is Anthony coming…he’ll be with Eric Ripert! I am SO excited! It’s at the Belk Theater. We will definitely be in attendance! Charlotte friends…we should make a foodie evening out of this!
That’s all I’ve got for you! Heading to bed. Early yoga practice in the morning. I have been teaching so much and I am dying to actually practice!
I love, LOVE Anthony Bourdain! He came to Boston but I had to work. 🙁
I love when simple dishes come together to make something so tasty!
I went grocery shopping today and picked up an eggplant but didn’t get it because I always equate eggplants with complicated recipes. This looks so simple and good. I really love your approach to food. Thanks for sharing!
eggplant is so not complicated! my failproof method for cooking it is either roasting or grilling. yum!
I saw Anthony Bourdain when he came to Sacramento. He was very entertaining!
Sometimes the kitchen is the perfect place to decompress…and dinner looks delicious!
I can’t wait to read about your time at the Belk Theater with Anthony Bourdain and Eric Ripert. I am a huge fan of both. Have fun!
As long as I’m not stressed for time, I love cooking and find it relaxing and therapeutic… even more so with a glass of wine! Soon enough…
Love your quick eggplant parm- I never know what to do with an eggplant, but this sounds so quick ‘n easy 🙂
I heart Anthony Bourdain and loved last night’s episode. So jealous he will be in Charlotte. He is one guy I totally want to meet.
he is awesome!!! and cute! 😉
I saw Bourdain and Ripert when they came to Santa Barbara a few months ago! They were super cute together. I highly recommend going to see them!
awesome – glad to hear that it’s a good show!
Yum-o! That dinner looks super delicious… I absolutely love eggplant! It’s look so simple too… I need to add this to my ever growing list of recipes to try out. I saw that Anthony Bourdain was coming to Charlotte. I am definitely going.. it’s going to be awesome. T-3 days until tickets go on sale!
fun! we’ll definitely have to meet up!
oh i’d come to charlotte just to see him! take lots of pictures!
Love the breakfast!! Peanut butter + bananas = amazing! The only thing that makes it better is a little chocolate : )
agreed – best combo ever. i also LOVE pb + chocolate! 🙂
Thanks for the eggplant recipe! I made it tonight with kale and it turned out amazing! I love simple recipes like this since I’m new to cooking so any others you have are greatly appreciated 🙂
nicole – YAY! i am so happy to hear that the eggplant recipe turned out well for you! i love simple meals like that too. perfect for weeknights.
i’m actually going to be focusing on posting a lot more recipes on my food blog soon so stay tuned! 😉