Baba Ganouj/Ganoush - Eggplant Hummus

Yesterday I showed you the new grill my hubby purchased that we are loving. One of appetizers he likes to make using his grill is Baba Ganouj. I really do love that my man can cook!! Typically, I don't like eggplant, but when my hubby makes this I can eat the entire bowl.

Baba Ganouj/Ganoush

2 medium eggplants (1lb.)

4 garlic cloves unpeeled

1/4 cup lemon juice

2Tbs. Tahini

1 1/4 tsp. salt

Preheat grill to high. Prick eggplants with fork thread garlic on skewer. Grill eggplants and garlic till charred(see yesterday's grilling picture). When done cooking transfer eggplant and garlic to a cutting board and let cool. Peel both eggplants when cool. Transfer insides of eggplant to food processor or blender, add lemon juice, tahini, garlic and salt. Blend until smooth. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika. Serve with Pita bread and Enjoy!

Jen

Linking to: Tasty Tuesday

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A Few of my Favorite Things!

One of my favorite foods is cheese! I like it on my hamburgers, in salads or just a big old hunk of it.

This Strawberry Chardonnay cheese has become my new Summer favorite.

  It has such a light and fresh taste. I buy it at our Wegman's grocery store but you can find it here.

My second favorite cheese is Manchego.

It is a Spanish cheese that comes from sheep's milk and has a nice rich but soft flavor. We were introduced to this years ago and I have been a fan ever since.

Our curved shower bar.

 Our friends in Pittsburgh had this rod in their bathroom and my husband and I fell in love with it. The rod curves outward instead of straight across and gives you so much more space when you are showering. You can find them at Walmart, Kohls, Home Depot etc. We have it in the brushed nickel finish.

Essie Nail polish.

I have worn ballet slippers and like linen for about 10 years now. This nail polish wears well and never disappoints me. I especially like a coat of one of these colors over a french manicure. It gives it a softer look. Thanks to my friend Tricia for introducing this line to me. What are girlfriend's for?

Trish McEvoy Makeup

I have been wearing Trish makeup forever!!!! I love, love, love this line of makeup. She could not make it any easier by having everything available in one makeup bag.You can carry all the makeup you need for touch-ups during the day. The makeup pages are magnetic so your colors will not fall out or move around. She is a genius!

What I especially love is her eye definer (deep aubergine is my go to color).

It is one version of eye liner she carries and my absolute favorite. Don't be afraid. It is very easy to use.

You wet the eye definer 11 brush in water, dab it on a tissue and then dip it in the powder. You then wiggle it in your lash line and it gives you a great look that won't come off unless you want it off.

I never tire of this magazine! 

I have had a subscription for years and I even love looking through the back issues. 

Jen

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Caramel and Peanut Topping!

After having this delicious Appetizer/Dessert recently I have been completely obsessed! If you are looking for something that is easy to make but tastes decadent this is for you.

Here are the ingredients you will need:

Caramel Topping

Peanuts, walnuts or pecans

Craisins or sweetened cherries(this is what I had on hand)

Mascarpone Cheese

Sweet Crackers

Mix caramel, crushed peanuts (I put the peanuts in a sandwich bag and then roll over it with a rolling pin, the kids love doing this) and Craisins together.

There are no exact measurements here just do it to your liking.

These are the sweet crackers my friend introduced me too.

Put a few scoops of  Mascarpone cheese in a small bowl and top with caramel and peanut sauce!

 I just love is how all these flavors come together.

Enjoy!

Jen

Linked to:Tasty Tuesdays 

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Colorful Food for Independence Day!

Every 3rd of July on our lake we celebrate Independence Day with a ring of  fire party. Here is a sneak peek into some of the recipes we will be having.

Homemade Salsa

3 Peppers (green,red,yellow or orange) finely diced

2 cans of black beans (15.5 oz.), drained and rinsed

1/3 bunch cilantro (this is what makes this appetizer), remove leaves and chop finely

2/3 C. cider vinegar

1/3 C. vegetable oil

3 Tbsp. sugar

1 finely diced small onion

2 cloves of garlic (pressed)

1/4 C. sliced jalapeno's (from aldi's in a jar or I have used fresh with the seeds and white removed)

1-2 Tbsp. parsley (sprinkled over top)

1. Combine peppers,  black beans, cilantro, onion, garlic and jalapeno's. 2. Combine cider vinegar and sugar for the dressing. When mixed pour over salsa and refrigerate overnight. Before serving sprinkle parsley, add chips and enjoy.

My Favorite Guacamole

4 Avocados

1/2 of a large red onion

1/4 C. cilantro, finely chopped (remove leaves from stem)

2 limes juiced

1 1/2 tsp.  kosher salt

1 jalapeno, finely chopped

1. Split the avocado in half and remove the pit. Slice or dice the avocado in it's skin with a paring knife and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. 2. In a bowl smash the avocados until smooth (I use my immersion blender to make it smooth). 3. Add next 5 ingredients until blended. 4. If you add one of the pits to the guacamole it will keep it from turning brown. Cover and chill.

Oatmeal Raspberry Bars

10 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for pan

1C. flour

1/2 C. sugar

1/4 tsp. kosher salt

3/4 C. rolled oats

1/2 C. seedless raspberry jam

1 C. fresh raspberries

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 9x9 square baking pan. In a food processor, pulse the flour,sugar, and salt to combine. Add the butter and pulse just until the dough comes together. Transfer to a bowl and gently knead in the oats. 2. Press all but 1/2 cup of the dough into the prepared pan. Spread jam evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/4 inch border around the edges. Scatter the raspberries over the jam and sprinkle with the remaining dough. 3. Bake until the edges are golden, 25 t0 28 minutes. Let cool at least 10 minutes before slicing.

The first time I made these for my son he begged me make more!! Must be the 10 Tablespoons of butter!

Fruit Kabobs

I saw these on Pinterest with white marshmallows. My boys chose to use the "fun" marshmallows that are orange, strawberry or lemon,lime flavored. They go quickly with the little ones.

I can't wait to make these cake pops this year! Check out Bakerella for the "how to".

Hope you have a happy and safe holiday weekend!!

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