Eggplant Parmesan

I got an eggplant in my Bountiful Basket today. I didn't know what in the world to do with eggplant. I don't think I've ever even eaten eggplant in my whole life. So I did what anyone would do and I Googled Eggplant Recipes (actually Easy Eggplant Recipes...I do like to keep it simple!) This recipe was fantastic! Either Eggplant is an amazing veggie with a bad reputation or else the recipe is just awesome, I don't know which. But give this a try and see if you don't feel like giving Eggplant another chance.


Ingredients

* 1 beaten egg
* 1/4 cup fat-free milk
* 1/8 teaspoon pepper
* 1 cup crushed saltine crackers (28 crackers)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes
* 1 medium eggplant, sliced 1/4 inch thick (1 pound total)
* Nonstick cooking spray
* 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (3 ounces)

Directions

1. In a small bowl combine egg, milk, and pepper. In another bowl stir together cracker crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley flakes.

2. Dip eggplant slices in the milk mixture to coat, then dip both sides in the cracker mixture.

3. Lightly coat a 2-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. Arrange eggplant in dish.

4. In a bowl stir together tomato sauce, oregano, and garlic; pour over eggplant.

5. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes or until eggplant is tender. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake, uncovered, 10 minutes more. Makes 4 servings.

Banana Bread

Ingredients:
1/2 C. butter
1 C. Sugar
2 eggs
1 C. mashed ripe bananas (3-4)
1/4 C. milk
1 tsp. lemon juice
2 C. flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 C. chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat. Add bananas, milk, and lemon juice. Sift dry ingredients and add nuts. Mix everything together. Bake in well greased loaf pan for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Makes 1 loaf.

Tip: Black Pepper

Tip #9: Throw out that nasty old pre-ground black pepper you've been using and buy a real pepper grinder or at least one like the one on the right in this picture. You will be amazed that you can really taste a difference. Don't believe me? Try it tomorrow morning in your scrambled eggs. Maybe I should take my own advice and throw out my old ground pepper too...I haven't used it in years though, I swear!

Tip: Ripening Fruit

Do you have fruit that you think will never ripen? Put it in a paper sack on the counter for a day or two and it will ripen faster. I have not tried this with bananas though. Works for peaches, pears, plums etc.