"E" is for "Eggplant" (honey garlic grilled!)

One of the many veggies I have planted in my garden is eggplant. I've made eggplant parmigiana, fried it, grilled it just tossed with some seasonings, even put it in my homemade spaghetti sauce but I wanted to kick it up a notch. And let me tell ya, I have found my favorite way to make eggplant, hands down! In fact, I only made one and the kids scarfed it up so fast I wish I had made more that night for dinner. Next year I am planting more eggplant all because of this recipe. 

Honey Garlic Grilled Egglant

1 eggplant (2 if using small italian ones)

1 Tbsp of honey

2 Tbsp of olive oil

2 minced garlic cloves
1 tsp aleppo chili *(optional)
2 tsp balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper
*aleppo chili is a middle eastern seasoning that isn't spicy but sweet & musky. You can substitute this with smoky paprika or regular or just omit it altogether. I only had regular paprika on hand that I used. But I'd like to try the smoky kind as I think it would go well.

Slice eggplant in 1/2" slices. I left the skin on as it contains a powerful antioxidant nasunin that is good for you. Because of the way it's cooked, I didn't find it to be tough or chewy at all. Lay out paper towels and place your eggplant slices on it and generously sprinkle both sides with salt. This will help the eggplant release a lot of it's moisture so it's not soggy after being cooked as well as removing any bitterness if there is any.

In the meantime, mix all the ingredients above in a bowl. After letting the eggplant sit about 15 min, dry it off. Then dip the eggplant fully in the marinade (or brush both sides with it).

On a preheated grill, take a piece of paper towel with some oil on it and using your tongs brush the grill grates with the oiled paper towel to prevent the eggplant from sticking. (never ever use a spray can of Pam to do this, highly combustible, just saying in case you wondered why I say to use an oiled paper towel.)

Grill over medium heat about 6 minutes or until browned a bit then flip. If you have any leftover marinade, use this to baste the slices. Grill until the other side is browned, watching your heat so you don't burn it.

Printable Recipe HERE!

"When everything seems to be going against you , remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it."

-Henry Ford

My previous #abcblogging posts:
"A" is for "About Me"
"B" is for "Being a Mom"
"C" is for "Creating Awareness"
"D" is for "Disney"

Eggplant Pizza

I admit, today was an exhausting day. But after hearing how many people wanted all of the recipes from class today, I figured this was a good time to document them!!

I had my cooking class make honey garlic grilled eggplant as well as eggplant pizza (a "recipe" I came up with). Eggplant is in season now. Seriously, check out the farm stands near you. I got HUGE eggplant 2/$1.

For the eggplant pizza, peel the eggplant if you aren't a fan of the skin (though it's good for you). Slice into thin slices then sprinkle both sides with salt, laying the slices on towels to absorb the liquid (keeps eggplant from getting mushy, look at the last pic, you can see beads of water). After 10-15 min, blot the excess liquid. Place the slices on a greased cookies sheet with oven set around 425-450. Roast for 10 minutes or so then flip for another 5-10 minutes. Then place sauce, cheese and seasonings on the eggplant. Bake or broil till done till your liking.