Fire-Roasted Eggplant Pasta Bake

I was so lucky to have some pre-made, fire-roasted, peeled long eggplant.  It was literally fire-roasted on hot coals.  My grandma had it in her freezer the last time I visited her and she gave it to me.  The intent was to make a filipino dish called tortang talong, which is this type of prepared eggplant, dipped in scrambled eggs and fried.  Obviously, these eggplant never made it to be tortang talong.  I got busy with life and it stayed in the freezer.  Instead, I made this.

Ingredients:

• Sprinkle of salt for boiling water
• 1 box pasta
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 3 long eggplant, roasted, peeled, and chopped (about 3 cups)
• 1 bottle marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 Tablespoons dried parsley
• 2 cups shredded cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to directions on box. Drain.
2. Prepare ingredients as listed above (chop).
3. Put oil in heated pan.
4. Add garlic and onions.  Stir fry until fragrant and onions are translucent. 
5. Add eggplant, marinara sauce, parsley, and parmesan cheese.  Stir well.
6. Spread pasta into 9x13 pan. Add sauce and mix with pasta.
7. Top pasta mix with shredded cheese.
8. Bake at 350 degrees (uncovered) for 30 minutes.
9. Enjoy! 

IG: @abundanceofvegetables
IG post of this video: Fire-Roasted Eggplant Pasta Bake (short clip, sped up for IG)
YouTube post of this video: Fire-Roasted Eggplant Pasta Bake (full video with captions)

Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake

I had a bit of broccoli left from the bulk bag I bought and didn't know what to make with it, but didn't want it to go to waste.  I checked my freezer and found bacon and shredded cheese in the freezer.  So this was a perfect clean-up-the-fridge recipe.

If you watch my video(s), you'll see that it's obvious I had just taken the bacon and cheese out of the freezer.  I like to get certain things in bulk and freeze the rest.  It's cheaper in the long run if you use those items frequently.  Toilet paper, dish liquid, coffee and laundry detergent are some great examples.

But I have this problem with buying so much cheese.  I always think I'm going to just find a lot of recipes with cheese or eat a little cheese everyday.  Unfortunately, it doesn't work that way for me and I end up giving away my cheese because I have too much. I've bought cheese in bulk and gave away half at least five times already.  Lmao!

*Please note that I used a small toaster oven for this and you may need to adjust your cooking times and settings accordingly.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 cups broccoli
• 1/4 c olive oil
• 1 cup shredded cheese (I used mozarella and cheddar)
• 1/2 package bacon

Instructions:

1. Chop bacon and stir fry until crispy.
2. Drain bacon on paper towel to absorb excess fat.
3. Place broccoli on baking sheet and drizzle oil all over.
4. Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees (toast temp setting).
5. Remove broccoli from oven.
6. Sprinkle with cheese and bacon.
7. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees (toast temp setting).
8. Serve.

IG: @abundanceofvegetables
IG post of this video: Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake (sped up to fit IG time limit)
YouTube post of this video: Cheesy Broccoli Bacon Bake (regular speed)