throwback thursday: vol for life

its no secret that my family's blood runs orange. we have had the same season tickets for longer than my parents have been married. i have been to more UT games than i can count and sang "Rocky Top" more times than should be allowed. our family tailgates are in my opinion unlike any other and they have become part of the tennessee tradition for me. now that i am a student at UT, football games have become even more fun. there is nothing more fun on a saturday than dressing to the nines with your orange and white and gameday pin, tailgating, then singing rocky top at the top of your lungs with your friends in the student section.

some of my favorite memories are from days spent on rocky top. and since it is throwback thursday, i thought i would share some of my favorite pictures from years past and last season.

the first home football game is just two days away and campus is buzzing with excitement for this season. everyone is looking forward to seeing what butch jones has in store for 2013. the past few years have been a struggle so everyone is hoping for a winning season. i am a vol for life, now and forever.

the crockpot stayed out today for another delicious meal. i have been craving eggplant so i picked one up and the store the other day to do something with. after perusing many recipes (have you seen my pinterest board - ridiculous) i came up with this recipe. i added in lean ground beef but you could leave it out completely or use ground chicken or turkey. it turned out really tasty and i have enough for leftovers!

crockpot eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes

1 eggplant, sliced

1 zucchini, sliced 

1 can italian stewed tomatoes

1 can diced tomatoes

1 clove minced garlic

1/2 pound extra lean ground beef

italian seasoning, pepper, basil, etc. to taste 

1. brown meat in pan. drain excess oil. 
2. place all ingredients together in crockpot. adjust amount of tomatoes and seasonings to taste. 
3. cook on low for 4-6 hours.
4. serve topped with feta or parmesan, alone or over noodles, quinoa or polenta. 

i ate this along with a salad. for dessert, i am warming some strawberries and raspberries in the oven that are drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon! 

xoxo,

clp