I got Matt to thank for this awesome meal!!!
We biked to the gym around 3:30 today, just missing a few rain showers. I did a quick 30 minutes on the Squirrelliptical and we raced back home. Quick and fun with lots of bike-to-bike shouting conversation.
I didn’t get hungry for a snack until about 5:30 when I had a kiwi and broke into a box of Quaker Oatmeal Squares leftover from my Quaker Heart Healthy Weekend trip in November! Q Squares are one of my very favorite cereals. Something about the texture of biting into one.
I also had a big kiwi after rekindling my love for them at BlogHer.
I ate it just like an apple – fur and all. It was awesome!
I did spoil my appetite a bit with the late snack. But it tasted so good! Matt was ready to start cooking at 6:15 and I kind of told him “If you want to make it, go ahead.” So he did! I had planned a Tofu Eggplant Parmesan with Nanny’s Cucina sauce and when he asked me how he should make it I said “However you want.”
I was super impressed with the final result!
First he grilled the eggplant and tofu outside, then he came in and stacked them with sauce and some chipotle cheese and broiled them on low for about 10 minutes.
A similar recipe: Eggplant Parmesan.
Even with a garnish!
Thanks Kanz!
After dinner he opened a Charleston Chew we got at our May wedding and he gave me a bite. I’d never had one before! Interesting!! I liked the marshmallow and chewiness…but it wasn’t exactly real food…
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Newest Gather Post: Blog, Blog and Away!
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I got a good chunk of to-do list done today! Sweet!
See y’all in the AM.
Andee (Runtolive) says
Yum! I made something similar to that on my blog. I coated both sides of the tofu with Panko breadcrumbs and baked it. Served it on a bed of wilted spinach, marinara sauce and Parm. So delicious!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i started eating kiwi with skin on too – so much easier and i think i like it too! i wonder what the nutritional benefits are?
Amelia says
Wow! That dinner looks phenomenal! I definitely need a personal chef like that at my house – stat!
Lauren says
Hey Kath!
Matt is such an adorable cook! 🙂 I love it when my hubby cooks for me, there is nothing more romantic or sweet.
Okay, I have a very very random question for you. I noticed that you have purchased and eaten the TJ Salmon Patties a few times. I just picked some up this weekend and I am planning to make them for dinner tomorrow. I want to grill them and on the package it says cook from frozen state but I just wanted to get your opinion. It seems that putting the frozen patty on the grill wouldn’t do so well, but I’m afraid if I thaw them they will fall apart.
So I guess what I am asking is if you cook these things frozen or does it matter if they are thawed?
Thanks so much for your help!
Heather says
That eggplant/tofu parm looks amazing – I need to try that! Two thumbs up for Matt with his presentation skills!
Mara @ What's for Dinner? says
Go Matt!!! All I got when the fiance cooked dinner was gnocchi w/jarred sauce!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) says
When I lived in Italy I kept telling my host parents over and over again that I loved ALL vegetables. I was trying to encourage them to cook me more veggies and less meat. I think it worked! My host mom taught me how to make roasted leeks and eggplant parm.
JB says
oh my god that meal really does look awesome! eggplant is one of my favorites! even though i’m vegan, and this has cheese…it still looks amazing! he’s so sweet for cooking that! i’m going to add your blog to my google reader. i’m JB. 🙂
Jenn (www. j3nn.net ) says
Oh wow, that eggplant looks incredible!
Kiwi with fuzzy skin? 😯 WEIRD! lol
Jenn
melissa (fitnessnyc) says
wow that is AMAZING! here’s to husbands with serious kitchen skill… i just need to find one. ps can’t wait to meet you in bean town
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
I had eggplant for dinner tonight too!! Matt’s creation looks better than mine, garnish ‘n’ all!
Kristen says
Wow, never thought of eating kiwi skin, but I guess I’d do it as long as it’s washed!!
Great job by your personal chef, it looks delish!
Mandy A says
Good job husband!!! That looks so yummy 🙂
Karissa says
Dinner looks great Kath!
I have a question about protein. How much do I need daily? I’ve found a wide range of numbers from 35g – 100g… what would you recommend?
Along with that, what do you recommend in terms of balancing carbs, proteins, and fats. Again sources seem to give different recommendations (ie. 50% carb – 30% protein – 20% fat)
Love to hear your thoughts!
Spotty Prep says
The dinner looks absolutely fabulous! What a wonderful presentation!
I giggled about Charleston Chews not being real food 🙂
Kathy (Moving Beyond Perfection) says
I loved your article, Kath!
Also- I’m in awe at how beautiful dinner turned out. What an amazing husband you have! 🙂
Angie says
Beautiful meal!! Good job to Matt!
Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn says
That 1st photo belongs on the cover of a recipe book. Please send me leftovers? Overnight to Brooklyn? 😉
Stacey says
That’s my fav cereal! Haven’t been able to afford it lately though 🙁 How sweet of him to make you dinner! Looks yummy 🙂
Emily says
I’ve had your original eggplant parm recipe many, many times. My mom has even made a few times for me when I come over. It is so delish! This looks even better though!! I will have to try it!
This made me think… do you think I could grill plain ol tofu? Do you think that would work?
leslie says
i made little eggplant pizzas like those a couple weeks ago! so delicious. matt did a beautiful job plating!
K says
Oh wow! Well done, Matt! I love the addition of tofu and lovely plating job 🙂
Jocelyn says
mmm that acually looks soo good!! I;v never even had eggplant before! I better get on that.
Jessica @ JJ'sVinBlanc says
Matt did a phenominal job on dinner – It’s making me crave warm pasta and cheese right now!
Quaker Squares are my sisters favorite cereal – I love them too, but my favorite is Cracklin Oats.
Whitney says
Look at Matt go! woot woot!
Dee says
Good Lord, that there is a talented man! He’s definately a keeper, eh??
Heather @ Health, Happiness, and Hope says
That eggplant looks fabulous! Kudos to Matt on creating such a lovely dinner presentation. And look at that proud chef… too cute! 🙂
Nina says
holy yum. that looks amazing. what a great combo of tofu and eggplant!
Help Meghan Run says
Lucky you to have such a talented husband! I *love* eggplant and tomato sauce, that looks awesome! 🙂
Holly (The Healthy Everythingtarian) says
too friggin’ cute – that matt is def a catch 🙂 a boy that will make your tofu eggplant parmesan is a total keeper!
Jessica says
Oh yum 100% husband indeed! That looks absolutely amazing!
I never fathomed eating the kiwi with the fur on… it didn’t taste weird or anything?
-muffy
Lele says
Eggplant is the most perfect thing in the world! I basically lived on it in Greece (and thus want to live in Greece now). And grilled eggplant is the best kind!
Cait (Cait's Plate) says
First Mal brings Tina beautiful flowers, now Matt makes you a delicious dinner! What great husbands!! 🙂
Abby says
It’s kind of embarassing to admit, but when I clicked over and saw that first picture…my heart raced a little bit. How good does that look? It combines my favorite things–eggplant, tofu, veggies, cheese and not having to make it myself 🙂
He’s a keeper.
Mary says
wow…it looks like Matt did not disappoint! That dinner looks scrumptious…I’ll have to try something similar sometime!
I’m not too sure I could eat the skin of a kiwi….!
Foodie (Fab and Delicious Food) says
Wow, what a great dinner!
Katey says
gosh, that dinner looks really good. I am going to start trying a lot of your food- you guys have such brilliant ideas 🙂
Michelle says
Cute little app dinner. Looks easy too!
Daria (Summer of the CSAs) says
Pretty dinner! I know you can eat the brown part of a kiwi, but I just can’t bring myself to do it. Maybe one of these days I’ll work up the nerve. 😉
Allyson says
I eat all that kiwi fur, too! The furrier the better 🙂
Erin says
I’m intrigued by this chipotle cheese of which you speak. Where does one find this?
Runeatrepeat says
I love eggplant, but Ben can take it or leave it – I should make some while he’s gone 🙂 Thanks.
Tracy says
wow! looks yummy….OMG i LOVE quaker oat squares- have you tried the cinnamon? i hope it’s as good as teh original! oh i have a new blog now!
Eileen says
Amazing dinner! I have one tiny eggplant in my fridge right now, and I’m the only one in this house who eats it, so I might have to try that tomorrow.
And … maybe you’ve gone over this, but my favorite way to eat a kiwi is to cut it in half and spoon the fruit out of the fuzzy part. I don’t slice or peel, just scoop.
Angharad says
NICE! Love it when boys get their cook on! That eggplant dish looks rockin’. Bike rides are also the most fun summer activity in my book…so sounds like you had a brilliant day!
Katharina says
WOWWWWWW!!!!! I am for real drooling and wishing I had a guy to cook me food like that. I’m going to start my search tomorrow!! Maybe I’ll make a shirt that says “Can you make me tofu eggplant parmesan?”
Deva says
Your eggplant dinner is making my mouth water – it looks so hearty and delicious.
Sophie says
Yum! I make a similar eggplant “stack” with a slice of eggplant and tomato with a little bit of breadcrumbs and mozzerella on top. Soooo good especially right now with great backyard tomatoes! It tastes even more amazing with the Great Harvest spinach and feta bread. You should try it sometime. 😉
Shannon says
Kath: You mention the squirrelliptical often and I am wondering if you think it is a better workout than the regular elliptical? We have both at my Y (Raleigh) but I’ve only tried the squirrelliptical one time and it seemed really awkward so I didn’t give it my best shot. What are your thoughts on the two? Thanks!
Mrs. Myers @ Eat Move Write says
Wow! I’m impressed by Matt’s skills! He can throw down, for sure. I’m also interested to hear what you have to say about the “squirrelliptical” as you call it. lol.
Ashley says
The tofu eggplant parmesan pizza looks amazing! I never would have thought of that!
Christina says
Mmm Charleston Chews are the best. I used to eat them frozen all the time when I was young!
Caroline says
Whoa, major kudos to the chef–that’s one beautiful dinner!
Haha, glad to know I’m not the only one who eats kiwi with the fur:)
Penny says
Okay, I am definitely going to try kiwi that way. You have convinced me. Besides, it would be nice not to have to peel the little buggers. 😉
Sarah (LovIN My Tummy) says
What a guy! You guys are adorable. I’m coming over for dinner.
Whole Body Love says
I had no idea that it was “okay” to eat the peel of a kiwi. .. so much easier than peeling!
Madelin @ What is for breakfast? says
Think I’m gonna make that one! Delish!
Gab* says
You hubby did a great job with dinner! I used to work with someone who ate whole kiwis and apples, cores and all!
Christie @ Quit Your Diet says
That dinner looks awesome!!
Jane says
Hey Kath, I am from Singapore and came across your blog while googling “oats”.. haha..
I just to say that your blog is awesome! I love the receipes!
Keep it going! Will come by often!
Healthy eating way to go!
Jane
Eve says
That looks fabulous!! So nice of Matt to make it. We also had eggplant parmesan for dinner! I received 2 eggplants from our CSA delivery on Friday. The only difference was that I salted them (to remove the water), then coated with egg whites & whole wheat bread crumbs and broiled. Finished them with homemade sauce and fresh mozz. Divine!
Sammie says
I haven’t tried kiwi with the fuzz still on. I’ll have to give it a shot. Great Gather Post. I really enjoyed it.
Betsy says
I’ve got an eggplant in my fridge that needs usin’… thanks for the inspiration!
Susan says
Yum! I’ve made something similar to that before so I know exactly how interesting and tasty it is. Now I kind of want to make it again!
Belinda says
Looks yummy! I’ve never grilled tofu but I think I will try to now.
Meredith says
You’re right about the oatmeal squares — there’s something about the texture that makes me keep buying them and eating them like candy! Weird….
Kath says
Lauren ,
We cook them right from frozen! They will thaw and cook all in one. The hardest part is separating them, and DO NOT USE A KNIFE!!! I sent one through my finger on those patties.
Karissa ,
Remember I am not an RD (yet), but the recommendation is 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight. So divide your weight by 2.2 and you have your grams. For me, it’s somewhere around 45-50 grams, which isn’t very much. Some choose to have more simply for the satiety protein gives over carbohydrates. A little more won’t hurt, but a lot will. I wouldn’t go over 1.2 grams per kg of you could put a strain on your kidneys from all the nitrogen waste. I probably eat about 15% PRO, 35% fat (mostly monounsat) and 60% CHO. Your ranges should suit how you feel satisfied. Some like more protein and less carbs, others have more carbs. I wouldn’t recommend less than 15% protein, 50% cho or 25% fat – you need ALL of the macronutrients in sufficient amounts to thrive.
Emily ,
yes, Matt just grilled the plain ol tofu. Just be sure to coat it in cooking spray or olive oil first.
Erin ,
Somewhere you don’t like 🙁 Costco.
Shannon ,
I don’t prefer the Squirrelliptical, as I do think it’s a bit awkward too. I usually only do it when the upright ETs are full. But it is a pretty good workout for me.
Jane ,
Thanks and welcome!
Kath
britt says
how sweet of matt to cook for you! those eggplant pizzas look delicious. i would most definitely try them but omit the tofu, not a big fan. i always love new veggie dish ideas because the same ol’ roasted veggies get a little boring day in and day out.
Bhealthier says
oooh impressive dish by the husband indeed! I just made an eggplant casserole and forgot the tofu! what a great idea.
shelley says
o.m.g. mouth watering like whoa.
emmy says
another muss-free way to kiwi is the ‘scoop bowl’ method – http://eatventures.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/thunder-turkey-too-much/