Summer is the perfect time to embrace light, refreshing meals that showcase the bounty of the season. One of my favorite summer dishes is my homemade eggplant burger patties. They are a delightful vegetarian option that’s both hearty and satisfying. Today, I’ll share not only the recipe for these delicious patties but also some ideas for creating a complete summer meal around them.
The Star of the Show: Eggplant Burger Patties
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant, peeled and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
Prepare the Eggplant:
Begin by peeling and dicing the eggplant into small cubes.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced eggplant and cook until it becomes soft and golden brown, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked eggplant, chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan (if using), beaten egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Form the Patties:
Using your hands, form the mixture into burger-sized patties.
If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs until you reach the desired consistency.
Cook the Patties:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and firm.
Serve:
Serve the patties on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments. I love adding fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and a dollop of tzatziki or homemade secret sauce.
Building the Perfect Summer Meal
Now that you have your delicious eggplant burger patties, let’s build a complete summer meal around them.
1. Fresh Summer Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad pairs perfectly with these savory patties. Try a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese, drizzled with a simple lemon vinaigrette.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Take advantage of summer’s vegetable bounty by grilling some bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob. A light brush of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance their natural flavors.
This eggplant burger patties recipe is a versatile and delightful addition to any summer menu. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of the season while keeping your meal light and nutritious. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner on the patio, these patties will be a hit. Enjoy the taste of summer with every bite!
Simple Thank You Gift for Bus Drivers and Bus Aides: M&M’s and a Cute Printable Tag
As the school year progresses, it’s easy to forget the unsung heroes who make a significant impact on our children’s daily lives: bus drivers and bus aides. These dedicated individuals ensure our kids get to and from school safely, often forming a bond with the students and helping to start and end their days on a positive note. Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be grand or expensive; sometimes, a small gesture speaks volumes. Pairing a box of M&M’s with a cute, free printable tag is a simple way to say thank you gift for bus drivers and bus aides.
Why a Small Thank You Gift?
Bus drivers and aides often go above and beyond their job descriptions. They manage schedules, handle unexpected situations, and ensure every child is safe and accounted for. A small thank you gift can:
Show appreciation and acknowledge their hard work.
Boost their morale, making them feel valued and respected.
Create a positive relationship between parents and the transportation staff.
The Perfect Pairing: M&M’s and a Cute Tag
M&M’s are a universally loved treat. They’re colorful, cheerful, and easy to share. Pairing a box of M&M’s with a cute, heartfelt tag can brighten anyone’s day. Here’s how to put together this simple yet meaningful gift.
What You’ll Need:
A box (or small bag) of M&M’s.
Printable tags (link to the free printable tag).
Ribbon or string.
A hole punch (optional).
Steps to Assemble:
Print the Tags: Start by downloading and printing the free printable tags. Choose a high-quality setting on your printer to ensure the colors are vibrant and the text is clear.
Cut Out the Tags: Carefully cut out each tag. If you have a paper cutter, this can help ensure straight edges, but scissors work just as well.
Attach the Tag: Punch a hole in the corner of each tag. Thread a piece of ribbon or string through the hole and tie it around the box or bag of M&M’s. If you prefer, you can also tape the tag directly onto the packaging.
Add a Personal Touch: If you have time, write a short note on the back of the tag. A simple “Thank you for all you do!” or “We appreciate you!” can make the gift even more special.
Free Printable Tag
To make your gift even easier, we’ve created a free printable tag that you can download. The tag features a cute design and a heartfelt message, perfect for showing your appreciation. Download the free printable tag here.
Additional Tips
Timing: While any day is a good day to show appreciation, consider giving these gifts on special occasions like the end of the school year, before holidays, or during National School Bus Safety Week.
Involve the Kids: If possible, involve your child in the process. They can help assemble the gifts and even sign the tags themselves. It’s a great way for them to learn about gratitude and appreciation.
Combine with a Gift Card: If you want, consider pairing the M&M’s and tag with a gift card.
Bus drivers and aides play a crucial role in our children’s education and safety. A small thank you gift like a box of M&M’s paired with a cute printable tag is an easy yet meaningful way to show your appreciation. It’s a simple gesture that can make a big difference in someone’s day, spreading kindness and gratitude within your community. So, download the tag, grab some M&M’s, and let your bus drivers and aides know just how much they mean to you and your family!
DIY Father’s Day T-Shirt: Road Map Design for Fun and Relaxation
This post contains affiliate links.
Father’s Day is the perfect time to show your dad just how much he means to you. And what better way to combine fun, creativity, and a bit of relaxation than with a custom-made t-shirt that doubles as a playful road map and a massage tool? This DIY project is a hit for kids and dads alike, providing hours of entertainment and a gentle massage for dad while his kids play with their toy cars on his back. Plus, with the included free SVG file, you can easily create this unique t-shirt using your Cricut or Silhouette cutting machine.
Materials Needed:
Plain t-shirt (preferably in a light color)
Iron-on vinyl (various colors for the road map design)
Cutting machine (Cricut or Silhouette)
Weeding tools
Heat press or iron
Free SVG road map file (download link provided below)
Step-by-Step Guide:
Download the SVG File
Download the free SVG file here. This file contains a detailed road map design that you can easily cut out with your cutting machine.
Prepare Your Design
Open the SVG file in your cutting machine’s design software. Resize the design to fit the back of your t-shirt. Most t-shirts will accommodate a design that’s around 10-12 inches wide.
Adjust the colors and layers if needed, depending on how many different colors of vinyl you want to use.
Cut the Vinyl
Load your iron-on vinyl into the cutting machine, ensuring the shiny side is down. Follow the machine’s instructions to cut out the design. If your design uses multiple colors, cut each color separately.
Use weeding tools to remove the excess vinyl from your cut pieces, leaving only the road map design.
Prepare the T-Shirt
Lay your t-shirt on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Preheat your heat press or iron to the appropriate temperature for the vinyl you’re using.
Transfer the Design
Position the weeded vinyl design onto the back of the t-shirt, making sure it’s centered.
Using your heat press or iron, apply even pressure to adhere the vinyl to the t-shirt. Follow the vinyl manufacturer’s instructions for time and temperature settings.
Once the vinyl is securely attached, let it cool for a few minutes before carefully peeling off the carrier sheet.
Finishing Touches
Inspect the design to ensure all parts are firmly attached. If necessary, apply additional heat to any areas that need more adhesion.
Gift and Enjoy
Present the finished t-shirt to your dad on Father’s Day! Encourage him to lie down on his stomach while the kids use their toy cars to drive along the road map on his back. This not only entertains the kids but also provides a gentle massage for dad.
Tips for Success:
Use Quality Vinyl: Invest in high-quality iron-on vinyl to ensure the design lasts through multiple washes and play sessions.
Test the Placement: Before adhering the vinyl, try the t-shirt on dad to make sure the design sits in a comfortable spot for both playing and relaxing.
Get Creative: Feel free to customize the road map design with additional elements like buildings, trees, or signs to make the play experience even more engaging.
Creating this fun and functional Father’s Day t-shirt is a great way to celebrate dad while giving him a unique and interactive gift. The combination of play and relaxation makes this t-shirt a hit with both kids and dads, ensuring a memorable Father’s Day for everyone involved.
Mom Hack: Using a Shoe Organizer to Pack Clothes for Traveling with Kids
Traveling with kids can be a whirlwind of chaos and excitement, especially when you’re hitting the road for a long drive. As a mom of an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old, I’ve found that the key to a successful trip is all in the preparation. One game-changing hack I discovered for our recent drive from New York to South Carolina was using a simple shoe organizer to pack my kids’ clothes. Here’s how I did it and why it made our journey so much smoother.
The Shoe Organizer Hack
Step 1: Choose the Right Organizer First, I picked up a sturdy, clear plastic shoe organizer with 24 pockets. The clear pockets make it easy to see what’s inside without rummaging through each one, which is perfect for quick access on the road.
Step 2: Plan and Pack I used the shoe organizer to pack outfits for each day of our trip. For my 8-year-old, I packed an outfit (shirt, shorts/pants, underwear, and socks) in each pocket. For my 3-month-old, I packed onesies, pants, socks, diapers and bibs. This way, everything was compartmentalized and ready to go.
Step 3: Fold It Up Once packed, I simply folded the organizer and placed in the suitcase. One can easily fit on a carryon suitcase but two can fit in a larger one.
Why It’s So Great for Traveling
1. Easy Access and Organization With a shoe organizer, all the clothes are neatly packed and easy to find. No more digging through a suitcase or bag to find that one missing sock. Each pocket holds a complete outfit, so getting dressed is a breeze. This was especially handy for my 8-year-old, who loved the independence of grabbing his own clothes.
2. Reduces Stress Having everything organized and within easy reach made our trip much less stressful. There was no frantic searching for a clean onesie after a spit-up incident or trying to remember where I packed the extra socks. Everything had its place, which made the journey more pleasant for everyone.
3. Keeps Kids Engaged The clear pockets made it fun for my 8-year-old to choose his outfits each day. It also helped him stay engaged and feel like he had a part in the trip, which is a big plus when you’re spending hours in the car.
Traveling from New York to South Carolina with an 8-year-old and a 3-month-old was no small feat, but the shoe organizer hack made it significantly easier.
If you’re gearing up for a road trip with kids, give this hack a try. It’s a simple, inexpensive solution that can make a world of difference in your travel experience. Happy travels!
Quick and Easy Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons
This summer I am bringing you a quick and easy recipe for Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons. Using a Caesar salad kit, this recipe simplifies the process while still delivering delicious, homemade flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or as a fresh summer meal, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and crispy chickpea croutons.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
1 Caesar salad kit (remove the croutons)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups cooked pasta (fusilli, penne, or bow-tie)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
For the Chickpea Croutons:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Making the Chickpea Croutons:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the drained and rinsed chickpeas on a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry.
In a mixing bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until the chickpeas are crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let them cool while you prepare the rest of the salad.
Assembling the Salad:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
In a large salad bowl, combine the contents of the Caesar salad kit (lettuce, parmesan cheese and dressing), cooked pasta, and shredded chicken.
If using, add cherry tomatoes and red onion for extra color and flavor.
Toss everything together until evenly coated with the Caesar dressing.
Serving:
Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Top each serving with a generous handful of crispy chickpea croutons and parmesan cheese.
Tips and Variations:
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or avocado for extra color and nutrition.
Breaded Chicken: For extra flavor, use grilled chicken breast instead of grilled or baked.
Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use a vegan Caesar salad kit.
This Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad with Chickpea Croutons is a delightful and effortless twist on a classic favorite. It’s perfect for those who want a quick yet flavorful meal this summer.
If motherhood has you stressed and you feel like you’ve lost your creativity, I am here to help! Here you will find easy recipes, simple DIY’s, affordable styles, and what to read next. I believe we all have a creative side, some of us just need a little help to find it. I will help inspire you to have creative expression without standards.
