Aubergine et Vert (Oven Fried Eggplant with Pesto)

I started writing this months ago but this is a great wintertime meal as well.  See the notes for appropriate substitutions. Enjoy!

I’m enjoying the last night before students return out on the terrace. Tomorrow the chaos begins but in this moment the breeze is cool, the wine is cold, and my table is laden with the best my farmer’s market has to offer. Fruit and veg have had all summer to come to their most perfect peak and the payoff is happening right now.  My latest jaunt yielded 2 huuuuge eggplants for $.50 /each and a floral bouquet sized bunch of basil for $1.99.

Eggplant x3 Under the cut…

Appetizer: Grilled Vegetables and Cheeses

I like the idea  of veggie platters but generally scoff at crudités. It seems like the kind of thing that person who’s always on a diet brings to the party just to make everyone else feel bad. If you’ve ever talked about how a carrot stick is a special treat because it has sooo much sugar while I’m eating a burger, I’m probably judging you.  If we’re going to make an effort to be healthy, lets at least make it interesting.

I started writing all of this out but the possibilities are endless, so I’ve made you this handy dandy chart. Huzzah!

Roasted Vegetable Fritatta

I have SO much to post, but wanted to get this in for the weekend. As I’ve mentioned before, Sundays are for brunching. We have even discussed roasted vegetables before, so this is a bit redundant. What started as an excuse to grill outside and use my new springform pan ($3.99 at Ikea, thankyouverymuch) is now in heavy rotation.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the food porn-y pics. I hope you’re inspired to make your own.  The general high protien / low fat-iness of the situation means you have spare calories available to indulge in an extra spicy bloody mary 😉