Baba Ghanoush

Most recipes for this middle eastern dish suggest removing the skins of the eggplant. I happen to think vegetable skins are the best part, so why-o-why would you put them in the compost when you can enjoy the flavor and nutrients?

3 medium eggplant

3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

4-6 tablespoons of sesame tahini

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Juice from one lemon

1 bunch cilantro, chopped

Sea salt, cumin, cayenne pepper or paprika to taste.

Cut eggplant into large chunks and place on a baking try. Generously toss with olive oil and sea salt. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, or until the eggplant is soft and beginning to brown, but not dry. Transfer to a bowl and let cool for about 10 minutes. Use kitchen shears or a knife to cut the skins smaller if desired. Add the rest of the ingredients and combine with a pestle to mash them together. This method allows the flavors to remain bold and the dish will have a heartier texture. Serve warm with pita, toast, naan, or as a sandwich spread.

Chocolate Orange Zucchini Bread

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup good quality non-dutched cocoa powder

1 tsp cardamom

2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp salt

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1 1/2 cups sucanat

3 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup fat free buttermilk

1/2 cup canola oil

3 cups grated zucchini

Zest from 2 or 3 oranges

1-2 cups chocolate chips

1-2 cups chopped walnuts

Method:

Grease two loaf pans. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients. Mix together with a wooden spoon until well-blended. It should be a thick batter, so if it is too dry, add more zucchini. If it is too wet, add more flour. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts, then fill two 4x9 inch loaf pans (about 3/4th's full). Bake about one hour, or until done in the center. The top will crack and a skewer inserted into the center will come out with a few crumbs, and possibly some melted chocolate from the chips. It may take an hour and a half to cook through.