Fashion Police
Hey guys! We just finished dinner and are settled into the couch, watching The Fashion Police review of the Oscars on E! Could things be any better? Love it.
Our dinner was also pretty darn good. My mom was running errands and playing tennis this afternoon (and cooking for my sister’s new family!), so Ryan and I volunteered to make dinner for tonight. The recipes were all new, and they were all a hit!
Maple Eggplant
Ingredients
3 Japanese eggplants, cut into slices
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/4 tsp. red pepper
salt and pepper
Directions
Toss eggplant with other ingredients and bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, until eggplant is soft.
Couldn’t be easier…or more delicious! The eggplant soaked up all of the maple syrup, but the red pepper gave it a little kick. Yum!
We also had…
Coconut Rice
Ingredients
1 cup water
3/4 cup light coconut milk
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup jasmine rice
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
chopped scallions, to garnish
Directions
In a saucepan, bring water, coconut milk, salt, and unsweetened coconut to a boil. Add jasmine rice and bring back up to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until rice is fully cooked.
As the rice cooks, toast sweetened coconut in the oven for 2-3 minutes, until brown and toasted. Top cooked rice with toasted coconut and scallions, and serve.
And finally…
Indian Chickpeas and Sweet Peas
Ingredients
1 onion, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp. coriander
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
1/2 tsp. caraway seeds
1 tbsp. curry powder
1/2 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. turmeric
1/8 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. cloves
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can sweet peas, drained
1 can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp. tomato paste
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook for 10-15 minutes, until it begins to soften. Add spices (cumin through cloves), and cook for another 10 minutes. Add chickpeas and sweet peas and cook for another 5 minutes to incorporate the spices. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cook for at least 30 minutes.
Altogether now…
Such a good meal! We were “mmmmm’ing our way through this one! 
Oh! And…after all of your WONDERFUL cookie suggestions…I totally wimped out and went with this:
Sorry guys!!! It was just so quick and easy! I don’t think Katherine and Kevin minded. 
It was a good day for Taste the Rainbow:
![Rainbows3-10[1]](http://newlywednewlyveg.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/rainbows3101.jpg "Rainbows3-10[1]")
Have a great night, everyone! I can’t believe tomorrow is Thursday already…our trip is winding down. 
Soon, we’ll have to leave that sweet Sophie and go back up to Pennsylvania…boo!
Night!
Oh yum…. chocolate chip cookies are amazing. Some things are just worth it in life…
oh goodness!!! Those eggplants look SO good with the coconut toasted rice…AAH! I must try them, esp since I got a bunch of eggplants for sale! Woo hooooo!
Geez girl….I was already trippin’ over the eggplant and then you throw the coconut rice at me…and then finish me off with the chickpeas
What a fabulous pairing of flavahs.
so much deliciousness! i am seriously wanting some of that coconut rice.
jesus christ when are you opening up the indian restaurant??!! omg this all looks amazing!!!!!!!!
oh and those coconut flakes, i betcha you could make heab’s new method of coconut butter with those bad boys, they look fine and perfect for whippin! And the eggplant..i have ruined dozens of e’plants in my day b/c i either over or under cook them and they are nasty. Your method = pefect and love the marinade, no garlic or onions! which for me is a huge bonus!
I know, I just saw that yesterday!!! I am totally going to try to make coconut butter!
OOOOHH that chickpea thing sounds so good! And the aubergine..I hope these recipes are going on your recipe page!? I want to re-create at least one at the weekend!
Yep, they’re on there!
Your dinner looks so good! Nothing beats coconut rice and Indian food!
That whole dinner looks good, but you definitely won me over with the maple eggplant. YUM!
Oooh that coconut rice looks divine!!
Good choice!
Oh my gosh, that rice looks delicious! I am on a total coconut milk kick. I must make this dish. Thanks, girl!
That sounds like such an amazing dinner combination! The maple eggplant looks especially good, I always hated eggplant but now I’m starting to love it. Awesome meal!
I love Japanese eggplant and am going to have to try that recipe. The Chickpea and Sweet Pea dish sounds fantastic too. YAY for new recipes!
Good lord…I can never ever show your blog to my husband because he will see just how lame I am when it comes to our dinners. You amaze me!
Enjoy the rest of your time with your cutie pie niece!
That meal looks amazing! Fresh and flavorful! I love the eggplant! Enjoy your last few days with your new niece!
Ahhhh your dinner looks fabulous!! I totally want to make ALL or those dishes. In fact, I’m bookmarking right now! Have a great Thursday!!!
i’ve never heard of coconut rice… but i LOVE coconut! sounds wonderful! your meals are always so creative.
Love your delicious looking meal! You are very talented in the kitchen!
Basically, I want that meal! esp the eggplant…yum
Oh yum! I can actually smell it through the computer.. lol
That coconut rice looks really good!
Great eats with beautiful pics as usual!
Seems a lot of people were in coconut moods last night, including myself! The coconut rice looks great, I’m planning to make the raw jicama version this week with coconut vinegar – you inspired me!
Your eggplant looks fab! I definitely want to try that recipe soon
You are doing so well with the taste the rainbow challenge, way to be!
that looks like an incredible meal! i LOVE sweet and spicy stuff…yum!
Your dinner looks like it was fantastic! And this is kind of late but Sophie is adorable.