This is such a fun alternative and healthy way to eat pizza! Make this as an appetizer, side or main course. Enjoy!
Ingredients:1 eggplantabout 1 T salt, for drawing water out of eggplantabout 2 T olive oil, for brushing eggplant before roastingabout 2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning, for shrinking on eggplant before roasting 10 large basil leaves, cut in strips1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan1/3 cup finely grated mozzarella blendhot red pepper flakes for sprinkling on finished pizza (optional)
Sauce Ingredients:2-3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil3 large garlic cloves, very finely chopped1 can petite diced tomatoes with liquid (14.5 oz)1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning blend1/4 tsp. dried oregano
Instructions: Cut off both ends of the eggplant; then cut it into 3/4 inch thick slices (trying to make them the same thickness!) Put the eggplant pieces on a double layer of paper towels and sprinkle both sides generously with salt. Let the eggplant sit with the salt on it for about 30 minutes to draw out the liquid. (After the eggplant sits for 15 minutes, turn on the oven to 375F/190C.) While the eggplant sits, make the sauce. Heat 2-3 tsp. olive oil (depending on your pan) and saute the finely chopped garlic just until it becomes fragrant. (Don't let it brown.) Add the petite diced tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and dried oregano and let the sauce cook at a low simmer until it's thickened, breaking up the tomatoes with a fork as it cooks. (Add water as needed, a few tablespoons at a time as the sauce cooks, keeping it hot by simmering at very low heat until it's needed for the eggplant slices.) After 30 minutes, wipe the eggplant dry with paper towels (this also removes most of the salt.) Spray a roasting sheet with olive oil or non-stick spray, lay eggplant slices on, brush the tops of the eggplant with olive oil, and sprinkle with dried Italian seasoning. Roast the eggplant about 25 minutes (but "not so long that the slices become mushy and lose their shape" as Julia says.) While the eggplant roasts, thinly slice the fresh basil leaves (if using) and combined freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella blend. After 25 minutes or when eggplant pieces are done, remove eggplant from the oven and turn oven setting to broil. Spread a few tablespoons of sauce on the top of each eggplant slice, sprinkle with thin basil slices (if using) and top with a generous amount of cheese. Put pizzas under the broiler until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. (This took 6-7 minutes for me, but I was using a toaster oven and in a more powerful broiler it would probably only take a few minutes.) Serve hot, with red pepper flakes to sprinkle on pizza if desired.
I always thought being active meant as long as you're out of your home doing something physical then it meant you were keeping in shape. But really, being active can take on any meaning depending on who you are. For me, I found my active lifestyle with CrossFit.
I had no idea what that word meant or what it entailed. And so I took it upon myself to try several different gyms, or boxes, as we call them. Most boxes out there offered a free first class. How great! Boy, what a roller coaster of disappointment. Yes, each time I was explained what the class would be doing. Yes, they challenged me mentally and physically. But that free first class always ended up with someone wanting my verbal and written confirmation that I would be choosing their box right here right now. No one wants to feel pressured into doing something they've never done before. That's exactly how I felt. And so, after a friend referred me to WildFire CrossFit, I thought, I'm really not sure. One more attempt to see if this is really what I wanted.
Bri Maynes Rack Positionv2First thing that comes to mind is I love WildFire CrossFit! My home away from home. I have felt the passion and desire from these amazing coaches since day one. They coach with determination and motivation. They make lasting impressions on all athletes. I have been challenged in such a positive way that I just can't get enough. I'm tested every day I set foot in that gym. There are no limits for me. The relationships I have with the coaches and my fellow athletes are not anything I could create anywhere else. When I am going my hardest during a workout and I hear my name and cheers for me to keep going I don't want to disappoint. I love that everyone at WildFire CrossFit is a team supporter and player. We push ourselves to the limit and it's okay. It's okay to set goals, reach them, and set new ones.
There are so many proud moments I have achieved at WildFire CrossFit. Too many to list but the list is never-ending. There is always room for improvement. Never did I think I could do double unders, kipping pull-ups, flip tires or a handstand hold. I love adding to my achievements and doing it in a place where I love the great community.
WildFire Crossfit is not just another gym. Not just another box. At WildFire CrossFit you are part of a community that wants you to be who you deserve to be and teaches you so much about yourself. Thank you Skip and Tiffany for being amazing and creating this Rockstar community. Fuel The Fire!!
I just finished a free week trial. I was EXTREMELY satisfied with how welcoming everyone was, and how I was given individual attention. Not once did I feel intimidated or out of place.
These guys are phenomenal! They show pure passion when they teach. They make sure nobody is left out. They not only teach effective fat-burning exercises, but the skills to keep the weight off. Those guys definitely deserve a plethora of accolades.