In this weeks post, I will give you the inside scoop on what’s going on, Olive’s first birthday, a few cinco de mayo recipes, my current favorite low caffeine coffee, and sharing an air fryer eggplant parmesan recipe that you will love! I am so happy you’re here!
xx Jazzy
What’s going on..
OLIVE TURNS 1 TODAY. I’m freaking out! How do I already have a 1 year old baby? Here’s a side by side of Olive at 1 week old & 1 week before her first birthday.
We are having a small birthday for her next weekend. And guess what? I am making it an OLIVE THEME 🫒
I ordered a smash cake that is shaped & looks like an olive. But don’t worry, it shouldn’t taste like that an olive.
The entire menu is based around olives! We have an olive hummus, whipped feta with olives, pasta with olives, kale olive salad, and quinoa salad with olives. So im hoping everyone that is coming likes olives 🤷🏻♀️
We even ordered napkins that say “olive you.”
I heard the first birthday is really for the parents. Like a “we did it” celebration & I am playing into that. Next week I will share birthday party photos with you. Can’t wait!
If you have thrown a first birthday, what was your theme? Share it in the comments below!
My baby registry must haves!
For my mom’s to be! I gotta be honest with you, there were a lot of things on my registry that were a waste of money and ended up being used only once or twice.
This list will be applicable for a combo feeding mom, which means that you are both breast-feeding, pumping, and also formula feeding! Hope it’s helpful for you!
Cinco de mayo recipes!
I grew up in Southern California so cinco de mayo is a fun holiday for us. We always celebrated by supporting local Mexican restaurants & cracking confetti on each others heads! Here are a few recipes you could whip up this weekend to celebrate!
Cilantro lime shrimp tacos - Try my easy 20 minute meal with a flavorful creamy cilantro lime shrimp sauce. Great for if you love tacos!
Chicken & black bean enchiladas - it’s easy to prep ahead of time & you can serve either a big family of 6 or meal prep for yourself. Super flavorful too!
Crunchwrap - for my fellow Taco Bell lovers, this copycat recipe will bring you back to nostalgia!
What I’m obsessed with..
Everyday Dose Coffee
I haven’t drank coffee in over 12 years. I usually always get the jitters, my heart beats so quickly and I literally can’t sleep at night. But I LOVE the taste. From time to time, I want to switch up my matcha for something else so I found this brand Everyday Dose. Their coffee is 80% less caffeine than the traditional cup of coffee, and is low acid! They also infuse with functional mushrooms and collagen so it supports focus, energy, immunity and gut health.
Ok, let’s get to the new recipe!👇🏼
Air Fryer Eggplant Parmesan
My version is a healthier alternative because it requires way less oil compared to traditionally deep frying!
It’s quick and convenient! Traditional eggplant parmesan requires breading, frying or baking, then baking again. This one takes out the step of cutting, breading individually and baking or frying again. It basically cuts the time in half!
It’s portioned out, vegetarian and so delicious! You will love it!
Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 23 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
INGREDIENTS
1 eggplant, halved lengthwise
1/2 teaspoon salt + pinch for drying eggplant
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped basil
Directions:
Start by washing the eggplant and cutting off the stem end. Then, halve the eggplant lengthwise to create two equal halves.
Score the eggplant through the flesh, careful not to cut through the skin. Score the eggplant again the other way, creating small squares. Gently turn the eggplant inside out to open up the eggplant.
Sprinkle salt on the eggplant and let it set aside for 10 minutes to remove the liquid. Dab with a paper towel to remove the excess liquid.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Once dry, brush the cut side of each eggplant half with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Place the eggplant halves, cut side up, in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the eggplant is tender.
Remove the basket from the air fryer and spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce over the cut side of each eggplant half. Then sprinkle with the Italian seasoning for flavor.
Sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon parmesan cheese over each eggplant half.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the eggplant halves from the air fryer and garnish with chopped fresh basil. Let the eggplant cool slightly before serving.
Thank you for being here & for reading this newsletter. It means more than you know!
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Until next time fam! xo Jazzy
Thank you. Happy birthday Olive joon! xoxo