"The best times you are going to have in life are at the dinner table and in bed." Old Italian saying. So relax, and enjoy the simple things!

1.6.12

Simple Eggplant Parmesan: Foodie Friday

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eggplant parmesan
Eggplant Parmesan

When I started dating my very WASPy husband I knew he came from a different culture then I did... but I wasn’t totally unfamiliar with he and his friend’s preppy ways...I am from Connecticut. 

But I really was taken back when we were invited to a picnic and I brought eggplant parmesan. Everyone was floored. “You made this... you didn’t buy it in a gourmet shop?” 


Of course I made it... my family always makes eggplant parmesan for picnics. It can be served hot or cold...sit outside for hours and not spoil, and it makes great sandwiches or a nice side dish.


But this dish was truly exotic at this picnic of chips and dip, deli platters and of course... in the WASP tradition plenty of alcohol. 
Even though I felt a little uncomfortable over the fuss that was made by me actually cooking for a picnic... the dish was really appreciated by everyone and it did break the ice for me...

Simple Eggplant Parmesan 
by Diane Balch

Note: I used to spend an eternity frying each piece of eggplant. They alway soaked up too much oil, even when I soaked them in salt and water beforehand.
Baking the eggplant is faster and healthier because a little bit of olive oil is good but too much is high in calories.
Prep: 30 min Serves: 6

Ingredients:
spray olive oil
2 longish medium eggplants peeled and cut into 1/2 inch rounds
4 eggs
1/2 teaspoon or more of salt.
Pepper
approximately 3 cups of Italian Seasoned Bread Crumbs (Aleia's gluten-free Italian Bread Crumbs)
8 oz of Shredded Mozzarella (reg or low-fat)
1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese grated
11/2 jars of Marinara sauce

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees middle and lower middle racks.
2) Beat eggs with salt and pepper. 
3) Generously spray 2 cookie sheets with olive oil
4) Peel and cut eggplant
5) Put a little at a time bread crumbs in a large dish
6) Dip eggplant pieces in egg... drip off excess. Then coat with bread crumb and put directly on to the cookie sheets.
7) When both of your sheets are full with eggplant bake for 15 minutes or until the underside of pieces are brown, then flip over and bake for 15 minutes on opposite side. 
8) While eggplant is baking coat the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch lasagna pan with tomato sauce.
9) When eggplant is browned remove the sheets from the oven and turn up the temperature to 425 degrees.  
10) Place the eggplant pieces closely together in the lasagna pan and then generously cover them with sauce. Repeat for the next layer. Top the eggplant with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
11) Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until the cheese becomes golden brown.
12) Let sit 5 - 10 minutes before serving with rustic rolls and a green salad.
copyright 2012

peel

chop 1/2 inch rounds

egg then bread

sauce bottom then lay out tightly

bake until golden brown
 eggplant, picnic food, Italian recipes,eggplant parmesan  http://verygoodrecipes.com/italia




Spotlight Recipes from Last Week's Party:

From: Prudent Living


I try to eat seasonally and berries are in full bloom. This recipe bursts with Spring flavor and freshness.

From: Dishes and Dishes
Ancient Grains: Einkorn Pilaf with Lemon


I just used this Mediterranean grain for the first time. It is really delicious and incredible healthy.

From: Mo' Betta
White Chocolate Cranberry Pistachio Cookies


We had some really amazing desserts this week, but this cookie stood out for it's interesting flavor combinations. 


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Posted by at 7:04 AM
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62 comments:

  1. Hi Diane,

    Thanks for hosting! I can imagine the strange looks when you took this to a picnic! I don't always take "traditional" food to picnics either ... mostly for fear there will be 10 other cold salads, chips, meat and cheese tray, finger sandwiches ... you name it! I haven't had Eggplant Parmesan in quite awhile and yours looks tasty and easy! I'm with you on the baking versus frying! I hope you have a great weekend :)

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    1. It definitely stood out... I just started baking it and it is really a lighter nicer dish. The oil made it heavy. Thanks for stopping by... happy June.

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  2. Happy Weekend Diane! Weekends have totally different connotations for now with the kids out of school and lack of structure, they're not quite as relaxing as they used to be! I stopped by to share a coconut butter post:
    http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2012/05/coconut-butter-101-how-to-make-it-and-how-to-use-it.html
    and a healthy treat: Sunbutter Blondies: http://www.tessadomesticdiva.com/2012/05/peanut-butter-blondies-gluten-free-vegan.html

    Thank you for hosting and letting us all share.

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    1. I always appreciate your healthy recipes... good luck adjusting to the change in schedule. We have several weeks of school left.

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  3. Thanks for the feature! I'm hungry after looking at all these recipes....and I JUST ate breakfast!

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    1. I have the same problem. I'm like a salivating dog.

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  4. Diane, My husband loves eggplant parm - I have never made it but will now... thanks for hosting and sharing!

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    1. When you bake it.. it's not hard. My husband said it was his favor dish this week.

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  6. That eggplant parm looks delish! I too have only made it baked, as frying is just too much. And it actually tastes much better, in my opinion! Thanks for hosting another great week! :)

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    1. Baking is definitely tastier though when I told my Italian mother, of course she disagreed.

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  7. Saw you foodie blog hop listed at the Newlyweds and came to join in the fun! Nice to meet you!

    This looks perfect! I love eggplant Parmesan: skinny, full fat, simple or the tedious traditional way. I'll eat it!

    I also host a foodie blog hop called Friday Food Fight. I would love for you to link up and share your eggplant recipe. Hope to see you in the ring!

    http://deniseisrundmt.com/2012/06/01/black-beans-and-rice/

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    1. I will jump right over there... and add you to my food party list.

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  9. As one of your husband's so-called "preppy friends" -- okay, guilty as charged on that one, I suppose -- I would just like to say:

    1) We actually do make Eggplant Parmesan, even (or especially) living in the backwaters of Eastern Europe;
    2) I love this recipe, because I hate being the fry cook! Thanks!

    Tom

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    1. Ahhh, Prep alert. You were not at this picnic and having lived in so many place you are not a classically food sheltered WASP. Glad you like the recipe.

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  10. Diane,
    I love eggplant parm and love that you baked it. nice step by step too.
    I linked a post for frozen water melon smoothies and gf appetizers. Thanks for hosting.

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  11. That looks delicious. I've always been too chicken to try eggplant parm. But you make it look easy. No more excuses!

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    1. It really is easy when you don't fry it.

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  12. I love any dish with eggplant....but my children won't touch it. Thank goodness hubby will eat it too.

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    1. I was surprised my kids loved it. I think because it was covered in tomato sauce and cheese.

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  13. Thanks so much for hosting and the invite!! Have a great weekend!!

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  14. I love eggplant parm - I will definitely be trying this one!

    Thanks for the invite!

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  16. This looks delicious! And like others have said, you make it look so simple. No excuses not to try it now.

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  17. I always find the most amazing recipes here. Thanks for hosting and inviting me!

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    Replies

    1. Thank you what a wonderful compliment. I try very hard to invite people who have healthy and tasty recipes.

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  18. I think baking is the way to go.
    Thanks for hosting! Happy weekend to you!

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  19. Oh my deliciousness! The eggplant parm looks divine and everyones links are leaving my mouth watering! Have a fabulous weekend!

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  20. Hi Diane! Thanks for inviting me to participate in your link up. What a great blog you have! ....adding you to my bloglovin....almost... there! Added! :)
    Good morning/afternoon - what a late linker I am today!

    For this week’s link up I’ve decided to submit my contribution to the Secret Recipe Club – are you a participant? My contribution: Pan seared duck breast salad with fruit and toasted walnuts. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your breasts. Mine took a while… Story of my life.

    Oh yeah – and i’ve included a second link this week too for our CSA Week #13. We got a wowza Spring of a box! …and I need help. I’m on pause! PAUSE!

    Thank you for hosting!

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    1. So glad you like the blog... I hope you become a regular contributor. I am not in the Secret Recipe club it looks very cool, but I am already committed to French Fridays with Dorie.

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  22. Hello Diane. How are you? Thanks so much for hosting.

    Anne @ Domesblissity xx

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    1. Good Anne... always glad to see you've stopped by.

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  23. Thank you for hosting the party and inviting me over :)

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  24. Thank you for hosting. There are so many wonderful recipes on here!

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    1. I plan on spending the morning salivating.

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  25. Happy following you too....happy hosting

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  26. Diane, Thanks for hosting another fabulous party! Have a wonderful week:)

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  27. I haven't had many dishes with eggplant, but the ones I remember I really enjoyed. This looks scrumptious!

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    1. Trust me it is delicious. Eggplant can take on an almost meat like quality kinda the way mushrooms do.

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  28. Eggplant Parmesan is my favorite! This recipe looks easier than mine but just as tasty! I'll have to give it a try because I'm always looking for making it simple! Hope you're having a great weekend!

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    1. I was very attached to the old way of frying each piece...but I can't tell you how great this turned out. My husband keeps asking it I'll make it again next week.

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  29. Oh, Diane, I had to laugh at this. It's lucky your BF/husband wasn't from Iowa. If you would have shown up at an Iowa picnic with Eggplant Parm, you'd have been sent packing - back to where you'd come from! Iowans (back then) were not very tolerant regarding food. Corn relish. Jello salad (a little melted was still okay), fried chicken, potato salad, blah, blah, blah. Don't stray from the usual. Waspy is good........

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I went to a barbecue in Kansas. My maiden name is Papa. Everyone couldn't stop talking about what a funny I-talian name I had. I hear you, at least I was on the East Coast were there are more of us Mediterranean types.

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  30. Hey! Would you like to link this up at my Meatless Monday hop??? It would be a hit!

    http://jessica-healthymommyhealthybaby.blogspot.com/2012/06/meatless-monday-vinegret-beet-salad.html

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  31. I've never thought about making it for a picnic! Excellent idea!

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    1. It really holds up well outside all day.

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  32. Diane, another amazing Foodie Friday event. Thanks for hosting it. I enjoy looking at all these delicious food week after week.
    Hoep you're having a great week ahead,dear.
    Kristy

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    1. So glad you made it I was worried you didn't have time for us this week.

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  33. I love you version of Eggplant Parm, and the fact that you made it for a picnic! Thanks for linking up to Southern Sundays! Hope to see you again soon!

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  34. Hi Diane... i love eggplant parmesan! Do you know we - Italians - usually prepare it for lunch, during week ends, when spending an entire day out on the seaside?? Can you imagine the very hot summer temperature while eating on the beach?? Yes I know it's weird but you just have to try it ;-)

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    1. Gioia, if you traditionally eat it at the beach it makes sense as to why my family always prepared it for picnics. I think it holds up very well in the heat... Gioia I have to ask... how did you happen to find my blog?

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    2. Diane I found you on a comment to my recipe http://incucinacongioia.blogspot.it/2012/05/involtini-di-maccheroni.html
      partecipating at the Family Challenge Contest organized by Very Good Recipe... that's how I found your blog! :-)

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  35. Oh my, eggplant parmasan is real comfort food, this looks so good! Thank you for sharing it on Hearth & Soul Hop. :)

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  36. I doubt that I ever would have thought to take this to a picnic or outdoor summer party, but it's truly brilliant. I am definitely pinning this - thanks for sharing at our party this week.

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    1. Did you see the comment from Gioia the Italian woman... they take eggplant parmesan to the beach in Italy. Try it at a picnic it really holds up well in heat.

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  37. I adore eggplant parmesan; it is one of my absolute favourites. Your recipe sounds really delicious, and very wholesome too!

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  38. Diane,
    This looks amazing! I love "Parmesan" dishes and I bet this would also be great with a zucchini-yellow squash mix as a side dish. YUM!
    Thanks so much for stopping by Creative Thursday last week. I couldn’t do these parties without you. Can’t wait to see what you link up this week. Have a great week.
    Michelle

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  39. Looks delish!! Thanks for a great recipe!!

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    1. You are so welcome... I love how healthy and time saving baking the eggplant is...

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