Grilled Eggplant Pasta Salad

This was the first time that I tried grilling eggplant, and was amazed at the results.  Break out a ruler when cutting the eggplant so that you get slices of equal size.  This will ensure that they cook evenly.

Serves 2-4

1 eggplant, cut into 1/2" rounds
1/2 lb. cooked elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
1 lemon, zested
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil, plus additional for brushing eggplant
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
10-15 basil leaves, chopped
2 oz. mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2" cubes

1. Brush both sides of the eggplant with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper (and if you happen to have it, some Penzey's Northwoods seasoning.)  Grill the eggplant over medium-high heat for 7 minutes on each side.  Let cool slightly, then chop into 1" pieces.  
2. While eggplant cooks, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.  Stream in the olive oil and mix until well combined.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  
3. Add the cooked pasta, eggplant, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella to the dressing mixture.  Stir to combine and enjoy!

Grilled Pizza - My New Best Friend

I've never been much of a griller...it's always been Cronk's job.  This year I decided to jump into the wide world of barbecuing. I've become a huge fan of grilled pizzas.  I occasionally make my own dough, but it's really easy to just swing by the supermarket and pick up some pre-made dough from their bakery.  Then I just roll it out, add some salt, pepper, and olive oil, then throw it on the grill.  Just 2 minutes makes it nice and crispy with great grill marks.  Then I flip it over, add the toppings, go for another 2 minutes and enjoy.  So far the toppings I've used have been:

• Arugula and mozzarella 
• Caramelized onion, fontina, and thyme
• Ricotta, parmesan, asparagus and lemon zest
• Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil

They've all come out great! They're definitely a 

different flavor and texture when you cook the pizza on the grill compared to a pizza stone (although I do love my Pampered Chef pizza stone!) I think I'll go south of the border for the next one and do something with chicken and chipotles in adobo sauce.

Last night, I went into my 2nd bedroom and saw Abby snoozing....I had to take a few pictures to get a good shot, but I love this one.  Cronk's been taking her on long walks in the morning, and it helps tire her out by the time 9 PM comes along.  A tired dog is a happy dog.