Basil Thai Eggplant

A few days ago I introduced a new food: Thai Eggplant. Now I get to tell you what the heck I did with them! Like I mentioned before, the most common recipe that I found was Basil Thai Eggplant. So I decided to give it a whirl and make my own little version.

I thought it would be simple and quick and still allow me to taste the pure flavour of the eggplant. And it was just as I suspected... it tasted like eggplant... with some basil.

New Food Challenge #3: Thai Eggplant

Recently I wrote about the United Supermarket that opened in London, Ontario. I told you about all the fabulous produce that I saw! The longbeans, fresh horseradish, bittermelon, sugar cane and so on and so on. I made a decision right then and there - I need to buy something new and share it with you!

United Supermarket

In London, Ontario a new grocery store has opened a few months ago called the United Supermarket. Primarily Asian inspired with some South American flare, this store definitely offers something different than the traditional Loblaws and Metros we tend to see at every corner. So a foodie friend of mine and I decided to check this place out one day and let me tell you we were in for a treat.

At first glance, this just looked like any ordinary grocery store - rows of produce, isle of packaged food, people all over the place with carts ramming into your backside. But with further investigation ... a hidden gem was discovered. The produce section was filled with fruits and vegetables completely foreign to me. Some I have only heard about on the Food Network (you know, when they use an ingredient and say you can find it at specialty stores or now most grocery stores carry it - and you think "I have never seen that anywhere near me!" - dam). Now you can. Actually there was a TON of stuff I have never even seen before!

Trails End Market - Correction!!!

Attention everyone! It appears I have made a mistake. When I first discussed a Hidden Gem of London, Ontario, the  Trail's End Farmer's Market, I distinctly said that the market was closed for the winter.

Well guess what, I was WRONG!!! I was informed that the market is open all winter long!

I just assumed that the outdoor market where all the fresh produce stood would be closed because of...well the snow. But apparently the market stands tall all year round. I am not sure if the produce moves inside, or the brave soles stand out in the cold. I have no idea, I didn't go check it out because I thought it was closed!

Well - next year we will have to find out. But for now, summer is upon us and since it is Saturday, I will be heading on over to Trail's End Farmer's Market to experience all that our local farmers have to offer us!

Maybe I will see you there?

Eggplant Pizza Version 2.0

Ready for Eggplant Pizza Version 2.0? If you recall, Eggplant Pizza Version 1.0 was not only easy on the taste buds, easy on the wallet as well as easy on the eyes. Version 2.0 meets all the same qualifications but takes things up a notch. In more traditional pizza format, this pizza is hearty enough for the winter yet fresh and light enough for the summer (contradicting no? Whatever - I eat it all the time and hopefully you will too!)

Kale Chips

Sweet tooth? How about a SALT tooth? Ya that is more like it. Icecream? No thanks. Cookies? Maybe later. Crackers? Oh ya. Popcorn? Oooh baby. Chips? YES!!! Salty foods are a weak spot for me and when I get my hands on something, there is no stopping me. But obviously eating bags and bags of chips is clearly NOT healthy in any way shape or form. And I have stressed this point before because I know there are more like me out there! Don’t worry peeps! I feel your pain!

Maple Apple Cheddar Tart

Final recipe from my crescent roll collection and I must say, this is definitely one you need to keep an open mind about. Apples and cheese may be a classic combination but adding the element of maple syrup? Hmmm... even I needed a bit convincing on this one. It all started when I was trying to find a recipe that combined apples and cheese while using a "tart". I immediately stumbled upon Anna Olson's Maple Apple Cheddar Tart. It looked pretty and intriguing...then I saw it. The ingredient "maple syrup". Huh? Seriously? No way. Okay Anna, what were you thinking here? But since she IS a superstar, I have to give her the benefit of the doubt and plus since I am revamping the recipe to make it my own, I can always just leave it out.