Sharp & Hot

This week on Sharp & Hot, Heritage Radio alum Allison Hamlin sits in for Chef Emily Peterson to speak with Nikki Dinki, author of Meat on the Side. Nikki is a chef, TV host, cookbook author, blogger, radio host, recipe developer, professional voice over artist and terrace gardener. As the name of her new cookbook implies, she cooks mostly "Meat on the Side," which focuses on veggies, making them unique and the star of the plate. Eggplant “Meatballs” MAKES ABOUT FORTY 1-INCH BALLS 500 | FF I make huge batches of these “meatballs” and use them with everything. Top any pasta with them, like Brussels Sprouts + Pear Carbonara (page 147) or Spaghetti Squash “Mac” and Cheese with Green Chilies (page 216); throw them on a hero roll with a bit of tomato or eggplant sauce and some grated Parmesan; toss them with Three-Onion Rice (page 216); or use them to make a salad heartier, like Escarole Salad with Pesto Dressing on page 74. 1 medium eggplant (about 1 pound) 3 tablespoons olive oil 10 ounces cremini m