Recipe: Summer Pasta with Sautéed Eggplant & Zucchini

Hello everyone,

It might still be warm out, but that doesn’t stop me from cooking my one true love—pasta! My garden has been producing such nice squash, that I’m a bit tired of sautéing it and eating it “plain.” This week, I decided to use zucchini to make a chunky pasta sauce. Plus, I harvested the most beautiful Japanese eggplants. They are thin, sweet, and have the perfect texture! I combined these magical ingredients and made the best Summer Pasta with Sautéed Eggplant & Zucchini.

This hearty pasta dish comes together in under 30 minutes, but it looks like it would take much longer! It’s quick and easy—warm and inviting. It’s simply the perfect dish for a post-work date night. What’s your favorite date night dish? Let me know!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

PS – Like this recipe? Check out my homemade gnocchi!

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Recipe: Zucchini Cream Cheese Tart

Hello everyone,

I don’t know about you, but for me, it is a summer of squash! I’ve eaten more zucchini and yellow squash the past two months than I had in two years. Contributing to my massive increase in squash consumption is the fact that I planted a plethora of zucchini in my garden, and my parents brought me some beautiful vegetables from a relative’s garden in West Virginia.

I’ve also been eyeing the “just so happens to be vegan” puff pastry from Pepperidge Farms. I put two and two together and decided to put a vegan spin on a classic cream cheese tart. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing with the puff pastry, and it was nothing short of a miracle that this recipe worked out. It was quick, it was easy, and if I could do it, you can, too!

There is something so comforting about a flaky crust smothered in faux cream cheese and  olive oil lightly drizzled over zucchini with herbs. Ahh. This really is a perfect recipe for your next summer get together. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

Cheers & happy eating!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate and referral links. I may earn a commission or bonus if you click through to make a purchase.  All opinions are my own. I only work with companies and brands I personally support.

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Recipe: Vegan Zucchini Roll Ups

Hello everyone,

If you know me, you know that I love pasta, but sometimes I want something a little lighter with drastically less carbs. Spiralized carrot or zucchini is certainly on trend, but for whatever reason I simply want my noodles to taste like noodles. I can’t help it! Not to worry – there are many other healthy pasta alternatives, and my new favorite is a hearty helping of vegan zucchini roll ups.

This recipe includes all the flavor you seek in an Italian dinner, but no heavy pasta. You simply use finely sliced zucchini, sort of like a lasagna strip. The dish also includes my new favorite nut cheese which uses a mixture of pepitas, tofu, and Daiya mozzerella. It’s so, so good, and it’s much better for you than traditional ricotta cheese. Aside from the rich flavor, the best part of this recipe is that it has a quick cook time, and the “rolling” is actually quite fun.

I think this would be the perfect dish to make with your loved ones help! Please give it a try and let me know what you think!

Cheers and happy cooking!

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own!

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Mixed Cabbage Salad w/ Citrus Peanut Vinaigrette

Hello everyone,

My partner loves asian-inspired flavors. He uses sesame oil when it isn’t necessary. He uses soy sauce at odd times. You get the idea. Well, I’ve been looking for new, quick & easy recipes with asian flavors outside the usual stir fry. I recently created a recipe for chilled sesame noodle salad, and now I’ve hit the mark again with a mixed cabbage salad with a citrus peanut dressing.

This has easily become a quick favorite because it’s so practical. You can make a large batch on Sunday and use it for lunches throughout the week. Simply keep the vinaigrette on the side and add the dressing as you go. The base flavors are mild—meaning this recipe is also easily adaptable. You can even make a few different dressings to keep it interesting.

If you stick true to the recipe you’ll end up with a crunchy, sweet and sour salad that tastes great. Plus, it’s so appetizing with all the vibrant colors! Give it a try!

Cheers,

Jocelyn

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Recipe: Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad

Hello friends!

Have you been looking for the perfect salad to bring to your next potluck? My Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad will do the trick.

It’s deceptively simple, and will please even the pickiest of palates. The mix of bright, fresh peppers and green onion goes perfect with the tangy sesame vinaigrette. The powerful dressing is a mix of citrus juice, Sriracha, and ginger powder which pairs well with black or toasted sesame seeds. This is a wonderful dish to bring to a potluck or to make if you’re hosting events. It lasts about one week so you can even use it for last minute lunches.

The best part? This recipe takes under 30 minutes, then you place the salad in the refrigerator for an hour, and voila! You’re appetizer is ready to serve.  It’s almost too good to be true. Go ahead and give it a try!

Cheers & happy eating,

Jocelyn

* Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are my own! Continue reading “Recipe: Chilled Sesame Noodle Salad”