Eggplant and I don’t have an easy relationship. I think I’ve previously mentioned this before, but I’m going to tell this story again. I had an unfortunate baba ganoush experience. And it has stayed with me and cast the eggplant in an unfavorable light. I am slowly but surely working to improve my opinion of eggplant, but I will admit it’s touch and go from time to time. My love for eggplant is very context-dependent. Sometimes I have an eggplant dish that doesn’t work for me for whatever reason and that severely sets back my progress. But I’m happy to say that more often than not a quality eggplant dish furthers my cause. This Roasted Eggplant with Nduja Lentils and Whipped Ricotta is one such dish.

I seem to enjoy pairing pork with cocktails. And no, I don’t mean pouring myself a drink before tucking into a pork entree. I mean, marinating, braising, and/or topping pork with a beloved cocktail. I will admit it’s a strange hobby. This is not something I knew about myself, but this Cuba Libre Pulled Pork and the Mojito Pork Tostadas from last month suggest this is becoming a favorite pastime of mine. Who knew? I realize that two recipes do not a pattern make, but you have to admit, it’s a little peculiar. I can’t wait to see what my brain hurls at me next. Paloma Pork Burgers? Actually, not a terrible idea.