The World

The world is amazing. It is scary, dark, beautiful, bizarre and mind-blowing.

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the day-to-day. What's the next fire drill? What's for dinner tonight? Wake up, go to bed, await the dreadful sound of the trash man in the morning.

I watched a documentary tonight called Life in a Day. And it really got to me because there are so many wonderful and crazy things that happen every single day. And here I am. Worried about what's going to happen at work tomorrow when there are thunderstorms, prayers, lives being born, mountains towering over cities.

I want to be a part of that.

I want to witness these things in the world. Take in different cultures and see Earth's natural beauty. I want to stop overanalyzing. Ughh, I hate when I do that!!! I do it constantly and I just want to relax and let be. Why was I born with a Type A personality?!

I want to have a sense of direction. Everything seems so chaotic. Success is important to me and I know I will get there, I am being impatient. Once more. So here I go - taking a deep breath and stopping the rush that I continuously feel. Work is work and it cannot consume me. I am seeking out some of World's best hidden treasures. I know I am just starting but I am determined to make it all over the world. Don't believe me?

Wait and see.

Roasted Eggplant with Parmesan

There's a little Italian in all of us. And while spaghetti and meatballs may be the go-to Italian dish, I decided on something a little more earthy and unique.

I've never tried eggplant before and this recipe took my eggplant virginity.

Oh, what a scandalous recipe this is!

Roasted Eggplant with Parmesan

You'll need a few simple ingredients:
- 1 eggplant
- olive oil
- 1 can tomato sauce (pre-made spaghetti sauce works just fine, I used a tomato basil sauce from Trader Joe's)
- 1 1/2 tbs. minced chives
- 1 1/2 tbs. minced parsley
- 6 oz. heavy cream
- 2 oz. grated parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste

I have to give credit to the Farm House Table blog. They have a slightly larger version of this recipe. But since it's just me and my Rachel Ray cooking ware, I cut it down to a petite version.

Like me!

And Rachel Ray.

How tall is she anyway?

Say hello to my Oster blender in the background.

Slice the eggplant about a quarter inch thick. Eggplant is slightly spongy and tastes a bit like cucumber when it's raw. It'll be pure deliciousness once it's cooked through! Something like mushrooms... I looove 'shrooms. The legal kind that is.

Get the skillet out and turn on the stove to medium-high heat. Add the eggplants a few at a time, season with salt and pepper and cook through with olive oil until slightly browned. Flip and repeat!

Notice this saucepan is part of the Rachel Ray cooking ware I mentioned. Also notice that the white plastic spoon, however, is not. That's just good ol' 50 cent kitchen ware inherited to me. Meanwhile, you'll want to get started with some of that heavy cream, parmesan, chives/parsley mix. This is the good stuff that goes on the eggplant! Stir all ingredients to incorporate over medium heat. Keep stirring, you don't want the cheese to clump up.

Yuck. Clump cheese.

Let the sauce come together and reduce to a simmer on low heat.

Get a dish (I used a round casserole dish) and grease with olive oil. Start by layering a few roasted eggplants at the bottom. Take a couple of spoonfuls of tomato sauce and spread a thin layer on top of the eggplant. Sprinkle some parmesan on top. Repeat until all eggplant slices have been used.

I have a small point-and-click camera. Sometimes the pictures turn out a bit yellow. I'm now accepting donation's to the Fancy Camera Fund. While you ponder over how much money you'll be donating to such a wonderful cause, notice how I poured my cheese sauce over the entire eggplant/tomato sauce/parmesan layers. This is important as this sauce combines the layers into creamy goodness.

Bake in the oven at 375 degrees for 25-30 minutes. Check to make sure it ends up like the picture :). I ate this as a main course and chopped up the leftovers with more spaghetti sauce and mixed it in with some linguine. It's the Italian recipe that keeps on giving. Gracie!

New Year's Resolutions

They kinda suck sometimes, don't they? 2012, you have a lot to live up to. 2011 brought me college graduation, a new job and the reality of starting life after college. But here we are, in a new year. Many of us will take on the treadmills or eat less fast food. Some of us will break old habits. A few of us will try to pick up new hobbies.

As for me.

I will become a better blogger.

November and December went by in a blink of an eye, in unusually balmy weather. My work days slowly became longer and more tedious. Ending the day at 5:30pm seemed like a thing of the past, dragging my tired feet home after 10 to 12 hour work days. Will it get worse before it gets better? Sometimes.

But to keep my blogging spirits lifted, I've decided to reiterate the reasons I am here.

I'm cooking up some tasty, single-gal dishes that you should be a part of.
I am experiencing life after college. Excuse me while I have a moment of silence.

I am going through the up's and down's of being in an entry-level position, proving to my co-workers and boss that I am ready for growth and opportunity. Maybe one day, I'll be able to combine all my interests into one kick ass job.

Until then, we'll have some good eats, a few breakdowns and a brand new apartment in the city to escape to. Bring it on, 2012.