Caviar d'Aubergine

The first time I tried caviar d'aubergine was when I was in Belgium, and I became instantly hooked. I loved it so much that every time I went to the grocery store (once a week), I bought 2 containers! The literal translation of caviar d'aubergine is eggplant caviar. There isn't any fish eggs in this dip, but the seeds of the eggplant resemble caviar, which gives it its name. I think eggplant caviar serves as a great spread on sandwiches; it's a healthy substitute to mayonaise, avocado, ranch etc. I personally like it best on toasted french bread, but I've seen my friends eat it with both tortilla and pita chips.

**There's so many versions of eggplant caviar, so you can really play with what you want to put in it.

Ingredients:

• 1 Medium-large eggplant
• 1 garlic clove
• a handful of cilantro
• 1 lemon
• salt & pepper
• olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven 475 F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Slice the eggplant in half. Drizzle olive oil over the eggplant. Sprinkle eggplant with salt and pepper. Bake for about 18-20 minutes or so.
2. Roughly chop the cilantro. Mince garlic (I do this because the food processor does not do a good job.) 
3. Skin the baked eggplant and add it into the food processor. Add the cilantro, garlic, and the juice of half a lemon into the food processor and mix. Sprinkle a bit of pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of salt. 
4. Chill in fridge. Once cooled, you can determine if the spread needs the juice of the other half of the lemon or not. Served chilled. 

Costs:

• 1 Medium-large eggplant- $2.20
• 1 garlic clove- $0.12
• a handful of cilantro- $0.20
• 1 lemon- $0.20
• salt & pepper
• olive oil

Approximate Cost: $2.72 for a serving of 4 

xoxo,

Amy

Honey Soy-Glazed Baked Salmon

Hi Everyone! I apologize for the lack of posts this semester. After I came back from Europe, I had to put my hobbies on hold for a bit. (If you guys want to check out my adventures abroad, take a look at my Oh Crepe! blog.) Summer is now beginning, which means I have more time to explore a myriad of recipes!

So let's get on to cooking!

My first post this year will be a simple, healthy, and delicious dish, Honey Soy-Glazed Baked Salmon. I'm not a huge fan of cooked salmon, but this dish just melts right into your mouth. YUM. Its affordable ingredients and easy preparation makes this gourmet meal a delight to share with your friends! I made this salmon dish along with some other dishes for a dinner party for some friends.


Ingredients:

• 3oz. salmon fillet 
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1/4 cup of honey
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp. of minced onions
• a few sprigs of cilantro
• splash of olive oil
• pepper & salt 

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375F. Mince onions. Mince garlic. Mince cilantro. Skin salmon fillet.
2. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, olive oil, honey, minced onions, cilantro and garlic. 
3. Marinate the salmon fillet, making sure the salmon is fully coated with the mixture. 
4. Place salmon on aluminum foil on a baking sheet, and pour mixture evenly over the salmon. Sprinkle salt and pepper to flavor.
5. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. 

Costs:

• 3oz. salmon fillet~ $2.50 ( $5 for 6 oz salmon)  
• 1/4 cup of soy sauce (light or regular)
• 1/4 cup of honey~ $0.80
• 1 clove of garlic, minced -$0.12 ( $0.99 for a bulk which consists of 8-10 cloves)
• 2 tbsp. of minced onions 
• a few sprigs of cilanto-- $.05 ($0.29 for an entire bunch)
• splash of olive oil
• pepper & salt 

Approximate Cost: $3.50 for 1 serving




xoxo,
Amy