Summer Recipes

Brenton doesn't know it yet, but we're going vegetarian (we'll see how long it takes him to figure it out :).  Tonight's dinner was yummy Grilled Eggplant Provolone - a perfect (and beautiful) summer dish.  So perfect, I thought I'd share.  :)

Recipe Courtesy of RealSimple.com

Grilled Eggplant Provolone

• 1 1/2 T Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 T Olive Oil
• 1/4 t Dried Oregano (I just used various Italian spices)
• 2 Small Eggplants (cut in half length wise)
• 1/2 t Salt
• Ground Black Pepper
• 4 Slices Deli-Sliced Mild Provolone Cheese
• 1 Large Tomato (thickly sliced)

1. Whisk together the vinegar, oil, and oregano and brush on the cut sides of the eggplants. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
2. Preheat a gas grill to high; adjust the heat to medium after 15 minutes. (If cooking over charcoal, allow the coals to burn until they are covered with gray ash.) Grill the eggplants cut-side down until browned, about 5 minutes. Flip the eggplants and top each half with a slice of provolone. Grill 3 minutes more or until the cheese is bubbly. Top with some Grilled Salsa.
3. Rainy-day method: Prepare the eggplants as described above. Heat the broiler and cook the eggplants about 6 inches from the heat, cut-side down, for 5 minutes. Turn and broil cut-side up for about 3 minutes. Add the provolone and broil about 3 minutes more.

* I sliced a large tomato and grilled it and added it to the eggplant and topped it with cheese and served with slices of avocado.  Otherwise it would be a bit bland as your main course.  

Enjoy!!

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Oh my goodness!  So we've been totally obsessed with Mango Black Bean Salsa this summer!  It's been a staple item in our fridge lately.  Try it and let me know what you think!

Mango Black Bean Salsa

• 2 Ripe Mangos (peeled and cut into small cubes)
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 1 Can Black Beans (Rinsed & Drained)
• 1/2 Can Sweet Corn
• 1/4 Cup Coarsely Chopped Cilantro
• 1/4 Cup Finely Chopped Green Onions (use to taste)
• 1 Teaspoon Garlic Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1-2 Limes (depending on how citrusy you like it)

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  I recommend refrigerating for a few hours before eating (the flavors meld and it's simply divine!).  Works great as a salsa with corn chips or a topping to freshly grilled fish or chicken.  Enjoy!

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More to come soon...