Balsamic Grilled Pears and Figs

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I don't know if I should call this breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert. It's warm enough and delicious enough for a cold Fall breakfast. It's the perfect side for a lunch or dinner side. And, man, this is easily sweet enough on its own to suffice for a sugary dessert.

Balsamic Grilled Pears and Figs
Ingredients:

• 1/2 pear, sliced into 1/2 inch thick pieces
• 4 figs, cut in halves
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. On an oil-sprayed grill pan, grill figs for 3-5 minutes, turning regularly.
2. Once the figs begin to brown, add pears. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and grill for 2 minutes, then turn and grill on the other side for 2 minutes. 
3. Transfer figs and pear slices to a bowl, layering figs on the bottom and pears on top. Drizzle again with balsamic vinegar and eat!

Mozzarella Naan with Basil and Balsamic Glaze (And My Hump Day Resolution)

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Before I share the recipe, I've got to share these First World Problems I've Had Today:

• Instagram Filters... Don't you hate it when you just can't decide which Instagram filter looks best? Should I go with Walden or Valencia? Or Amaro? I need a second opinion! What a dork... Does this happen to other people?
• Silly Pinky... My work computer is a PC. My personal computer is a Mac. My fingers are all confused. The short keys for copying and pasting are different and require my left pinky to hit Ctrl on the PC but Command on the Mac and THEY ARE IN DIFFERENT PLACES! This leads me to endless frustration as I go from one to the other. Why isn't my stuff pasting? Is my computer broken? No, silly, your brain just can't figure out how to make the change from PC to Mac to PC to Mac... 
• Clumpy Caffeine... I just stirred a Starbucks Refresher powder pack into my water. It's clumpy. No me gusta.
• Dark Photos... The photos for this recipe were shot at night in my mom's kitchen. That means they are D-A-R-K, D-A-R-K, DARK DARK DARK! Darker than the ocean, darker than the sea... Dark. Which makes me sad. Because dark photos are sad. Right?

We all have these silly issues that drive us nuts, right? Well, here's my Hump Day Resolution. I will laugh at myself. Laugh at my indecision over Instagram filters, my poor little pinky that is permanently confused, and the odd powder clumps in my drink. Because you know what? It's a wonderful day, I had a great workout, and, gosh darnit, I'm writing a book that kicks ass. Oh, and I've got something delicious to share. That pretty much takes the cake naan.

This is my new favorite thing. Yuhhhm. It's pretty much a fancier, yet easier version of homemade pizza. Credit to my lovely mother, who came home one fine day with a few pieces of Naan from Costco and a hunk of delicious Mozzarella. Add to that some fresh Basil from the yard and some delicious Balsamic Glaze and VOILA! You've got Heaven on Naan. Sounds like a movie title.

Mozzarella Naan with Basil and Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients:

• 1 piece prepared Naan
• Fresh cubed Mozzerella
• 3 leaves Basil, ripped into smaller pieces
• Balsamic Glaze (or Balsamic Vinegar), for drizzling

Directions:

1. Set a toaster oven to 350 (or regular oven).
2. Sprinkle Basil on the Naan bread.
3. Cut up Mozzarella into 1/4x1/4inch squares and spread on Naan, about 1/2 inch apart, on top of the Basil.
4. Bake/toast for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just begins to brown.
5. Remove from heat and drizzle Balsamic Glaze or Balsamic Vinegar on top.
6. Devour :)

Balsamic-Glazed Prunes and Blackberries with Basil and Feta

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I have some odd childhood memories of both prunes and blackberries.

You see, when I was little, my lovely mother tried to get me to eat prunes. I remember thinking they tasted like old lady food. We also used to have a blackberry tree in our back yard when I was very little. I remember watching my dog run around my back yard and picking blackberries with my dad.

Old lady food and berries picked with dad. Sounds wholesome, right?

This dish was created out of the need for a small-yet-delicious afternoon snack. Justin and I had just returned from a Birthday weekend visit with his family in Holland, Michigan (where I tried to surprise him with a birthday dinner… and failed miserably… more on that another day!). Without the energy to cook a whole meal… and without wanting to stuff our faces before heading to the gym (yeah, we actually made it to the gym after the drive back!), we were looking for something small and light. I stuck my head in the fridge, saw the prunes I had recently bought on a whim, and got to work. Fruit and balsamic vinegar have an eternal love affair, so I decided to capitalize on that. Soon came the blackberries and basil.

It is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. The balsamic vinegar reduces to a thicker sauce, which adds a semi tart outer layer to the fruit, particularly the prunes, which become even sweeter and softer. The berry flavor is really brought out by the vinegar and the basil… oh, the basil. Why is basil so amazing? It is perfect in salads, with cheese and tomato, and with fruit?! Geez. Talk about super-spice.

Oh, dear… and let’s not forget the Feta. It adds something slightly savory to the dish without taking it out of dessert-land.

Oh, and did I mention that PRUNES ARE FILLED WITH FIBER?!

Balsamic-Glazed Prunes and Blackberries with Basil and Feta

Cook Time: 7 Minutes
Servings: 2
Calories Per Serving: 193

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 3/4 cup Dried Prunes
• 1/2 cup Blackberries
• 1/4 cup Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 teaspoons chopped Basil Leaves (or dried basil)
• 1/2 tablespoon Reduced Fat Feta Cheese (or Fat Free)

Directions:

1. Combine prunes, blackberries, and balsamic vinegar in a pan over medium heat.
2. Continue to stir to prevent burning and heat for 5 minutes or until balsamic begins to reduce (thicken).
3. Add basil and feta, then heat for additional 2 minutes.
4. Serve!