Olive, Artichoke, Eggplant Linguine

Two of my favorite ingredients are olives (of any kind) and artichokes (prepared any way). I saw this recipe and knew that I had to try it! Its a very light pasta dish. My husband said that it had a little bit of a fruity hint to it. Perfect for Spring!

Olive, Artichoke, Eggplant Linguine

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 chopped red onion

2 crushed garlic cloves

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

4 baby eggplants (quartered)

2 1/2 cups canned peeled tomatoes with juice

2 teaspoons sugar

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 14 oz. can artichoke drained and halved

1 cup of pitted black olives

12 oz. linguini (I used angel hair pasta)

salt and pepper to taste

fresh basil leaves (optional)

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in large saucepan over medium heat.  
• Add onion, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and eggplant. Cook for 5 minutes or until eggplant is lightly brown. 
• Combine tomatoes with juice, sugar, and tomato paste and pour over the eggplant. Cover pan, reduce heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes. (I started to cook my pasta a couple of minutes before the next step) 
• Add artichokes and black olives to pan and continue to simmer for 5 minutes. 
• Drain and rinse pasta. Toss pasta with remaining olive oil.
• Toss the eggplant mixture with the pasta. Add salt and pepper to your taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. (I did not add the basil leaves but I sprinkled parmesan cheese on top once served)

                                                                           Enjoy!!

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/nutrition/recipes/MainCourse/Linguine.aspx

Braised Balsamic Chicken

I made and served this dish within 25 minutes. We needed a quick meal tonight. Fortunately this recipe did not taste like I threw it together. Would definitely recommend to any family on the go!

Braised Balsamic Chicken

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 thinly sliced onion

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes

1 teaspoon basil

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon rosemary

1 teaspoon thyme

Heat olive oil in pan. Season chicken with pepper and garlic powder. Brown chicken with onions. Pour tomatoes and vinegar over chicken and season with basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.

I cut this recipe in half. I used the other half of the tomatoes to cooked green beans. It went perfect with the chicken! Enjoy!

 

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Braised-Balsamic-Chicken/Detail.aspx

Black Bean Burger

A couple of weeks ago I met one of my friend's girlfriend. I found that she has a love for food and children! If you don't know me well, those are two of my biggest passions! When I am not working with children I am usually in my kitchen cooking! :)

Well this new friend of mine introduced me to a couple of recipes. I tried her black bean burger recipe tonight. It is super simple and has a kick to it. I served mine with salsa on top and the flavors went great together!

Black Bean Burger
1 (14 oz) can black beans
1 small onion
2 gloves garlic crushed (or 1/4 teaspoon minced or powdered garlic)
2 teaspoons cajan seasoning
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup egg substitute (or 1 egg)

Place onion and garlic into a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. Add drained black beans to processor. Transfer the black bean mixture to a mixing bowl and add cajan seasoning, bread crumbs, and egg substitute. Mix together and shape into 4 patties.

You can grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side or boil 10-12 minutes on each side. If you choose to broil the burgers, line a baking sheet with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.

I hope that you enjoy! Easy, yummy, and fast clean up!!