We recently went hiking in a local park. I can't wait to return over the next couple of weeks to see the leaves change colors.
I've heard that this park is also really beautiful during the winter, with icicles and huge unbroken patches of snow.
We also visited the farmer's market and came away with a really great haul - tomatoes, golden delicious apples, cucumbers, zucchinis, eggplant, watermelon, and another cantaloupe. I'm so lucky to live in a neigborhood that has weekly farmer's markets; it's wonderful to have regular access to fresh, local produce.
MORE CANTALOUPE. Cantaloupe wrapped in tofurky may be one of my new favorite summer snacks.
We made baingan bartha with all of our eggplant, which is essentially a tomato-based Indian curry that it stuffed with soft eggplant. We like to make ours in a slow cooker with a touch of brown sugar and every spice that we own.
Served with chickpea pancakes on the side. It was warm and homey and delicious.
Do you have any favorite slow cooker recipes?
Canteloupe w/ turkey . . . very interesting! I'm intrigued by the combo.
ReplyDeleteFavorite slow cooker recipe . . . pork tenderloin with sliced apples. Runner up would be any sort of mexican chicken recipe (usually involving taco seasoning, chicken, onions, peppers, salsa, etc.)
I could definitely try some sort of veggie stew with sliced apples stirred in. That would give a great sweetness and some more moisture. mhm! Thanks for the idea :)
DeleteMy fave slow cooker recipe has got to be pulled pork! The low and slow cooking really tenderizes the meat and makes it juicy and succulent. I know you're vegetarian but I haven't experimented any recipes with the slow cooker..any recommendations?
ReplyDeleteAh! Before I went vegetarian, pulled pork was definitely one of my favorites.
DeleteI really like a basic vegetarian stew, mixed with a little tempeh (kinda like a firm tofu). Super homey and great to come home to :)
I love making big pots of chili in the crockpot. But I have a plethora of eggplant, so I think it's time to break out the spices ;) Love all your fresh melon--and I really want tofurkey+cantaloupe now.
ReplyDeleteEggplant is one of my favorite parts of summer...but it's too hot for oven roasting! Indian curries are an easy sub.
DeleteHow do you like them apples? (Sorry, just watched Good Will Hunting, couldn't resist.) I just bought golden delicious apples too :D. I should really buy cantaloupe though, it was my favorite for a long time and I haven't had it in forever!
ReplyDeleteOh and that chickpea pancake intrigues me.. haha looks yummy!
I like that the chickpea pancake has both carbs and protein. It's also really, embarassingly easy. I'll post the "recipe" (if you could even call it that).
DeleteI wish I had a slow cooker! I would use it all the time, it is so easy and convenient!
ReplyDeleteAh! You must! Especially for the winter. After a cold walk home from the bus stop, it's the best to open the door and be greeted by delicious smells and a hot meal :)
DeleteLooks awesome! I'm embarrassed to say I haven't been to ONE farmers market this year!
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many delicious goodies! I think there's one in downtown on Fridays?
DeleteI used to love going hiking, as I improve my health I'd love to get out for more walks again!
ReplyDeleteYour produce looks great, farmers' markets are fantastic, I love walking round them checking everything that is on offer out. Your curry with chickpea pancakes looks absolutely delicious :)
Thank you! That curry is one of my favorite ways to use summer's eggplants.
DeleteIf you go hiking, please post photos! I'd love to see hiking in England :)
I love hiking! I need to go more often! Love my crockpot too :) Your eggplant curry looks really good!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how so many don't have crockpots! I love mine, too :)
DeleteYour farmers market haul looks fantastic! I need to get to one ASAP.
ReplyDeletePS- Love the new blog header!
Thanks, Angela! We go to the one in Bloomfield on Thursday evenings. I think there's also one in Oakland on Wednesdays?
DeleteChick pea pancakes?! Those sound awesome! How do you make them??
ReplyDeleteIt's so silly! It's really just a mixture of chickpea flour and water, with a little egg if we're feeling fancy. They're an awesome combo of carbs and protein.
DeleteI second that question about chickpea pancakes!! Sounds awesome!!! I like to slow cook anything with meat. I hate handling raw meat so that helps.
ReplyDeleteWe've been eating them a lot since they have a good bit of protein :) It's just a simple mixture of chickpea flour, water, and maybe a little egg. I'll post a "recipe" soon.
DeleteI don't have a slow cooker but I really wish I did! The hike looks beautiful. Exercising in beautiful areas is so fun.
ReplyDeleteI love my slow cooker! It gets tons of mileage, especially during the winter when I'm more in the mood for soups and stews :)
DeleteWhat a nice looking hike!
ReplyDeleteI love my crockpot. I use it all winter long. I have two favorite recipes:
London Broil: http://www.110pounds.com/?p=12225
Mexican Crockpot Chicken: http://www.110pounds.com/?p=8720
That Mexican crockpot recipe sounds wonderful! With all of those beans, I think that I could omit the chicken and still have a delicious, healthy dish. Thank you for sharing!
DeleteYou get to hike and see actual colors changing?!? My Florida blood is tres jealous!
ReplyDeleteAh! In a few months, my midwestern blood will be jealous when we're covered in snow :P
DeleteI <3 farmers' markets!! I don't own a slow cooker, but when I get my own house I'm totally going to get one because there's nothing like coming home after a long day and having dinner waiting for you! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's true! It feels like such a treat to just come home and dig in :)
DeleteHave you posted your baingan bartha recipe before?! That's my absolute favorite Indian dish from this great restaurant in our city. I've been trying to find a less intense-doesn't require 6 hours of prep- version to make it at home! Slow cooker = genius!
ReplyDeleteHi! I have not posted it, but I certainly will! It's very easy and very non-traditional, but still delicious :)
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