Eggplant Casserole

Don D

Source: Favorite Eastern Star Recipes. Olde Family Favorites, Order of The Eastern Star, Montgomery, Alabama. 1955

2 medium eggplants
5 eggs
1 1/4 c. milk
Salt and pepper to taste
3 1/2 c. cracker crumbs
3 c. American cheese, grated
1 1/2 c. margarine, melted

Peel, slice, cube and boil eggplants until tender. Drain in colander for 10 minutes. Mash eggplant after draining. Pour into bowl; add eggs, milk, seasoning, half of crumbs, cheese and margarine. Stir together. Pour into baking dish having mixture about 1-inch thick. Sprinkle top with remaining cheese, crumbs and margarine. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes or until firm. Yield: 8-10 servings.

Mrs. Helen Baxter, Secretary, Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 495, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Mrs. Dorothy DeMarch, Jr. PM Naomi OES, Chap. No. 14, Louisville, Kentucky.

I never ate eggplant growing up. My wife started making this casserole about 15 years ago. Now I beg her to make it often. It's my very favorite casserole of all. Wonderful with my fried turkey. Don D.

sonny

Thanks Don, sounds great. I like to try a new recipe every year in addition to the regulars. This is it for this year. Like you , I never ate it growing up. My dear neighbor diligently puts in a garden every year. . usually only to see it devoured by the critters. Last year he gave me a little plant which I raised in a container and actually got an eggplant from. Granted it was the size of a large egg, but we augmented it with store bought and made eggplant parmesan for my neighbor to celebrate my harvest. First time I had ever had it. .really like it. You are never too old to try something new. . well within reason of course. Thanks again.

Teresa52

So do you have a great recipe for eggplant parmesan. I bought a house last year and have a great garden spot, I planted alot (too much) squash and thought I would try some eggplant this year, but I need some ideas. Please share if you have a good one and have the time. Thanks

Don D

I can tell you that it will be a waste of your time to attempt to cultivate parmesan in your garden. Eggplant will work wonderfully if sunny and the temp reaches 75-100. But the parmesan will not grow in your climate. It's a French thing, like Merlot.

Cinderella

Ah yes, among the many things I've learned on the forum is never miss an opportunity to be a smarta$$! 8-}

Teresa52

Really, well sorry about your luck, but my garden grows parmesan without any problems at all. Or I think that's what it is. But, maybe that's the early snow that sprinkles across the plants! Ha Ha Ha

Don D

Is it true or am I imagining that Cinderella called me a smart ass? I am trying to be helpful here with the planting of spring gardens, and I can't get no respect! What's a cook/gardener to do?

Parabeagle

Well if you think you can grow parmesan, you need more help than we all thought, Don. x;-)

Don D

No, that's Theresa who grows parmesan. I've managed to grow a variety of sharp cheddar but not the parmesan. Too hot in this zone.

Teresa52

All of you seem to be alot of fun. Thanks, I'm going to run out and find some sharp cheddar seeds now and see if south west colorado's growing season will yield any little sharp cheddars. I'm thinking that the growing time being so short I might have to settle for mild!! Have a great day!!

Cinderella

Yes Don, but you are my FAVORITE smarta$$. Does that make ya feel better? x:*

Don D

Ahh, sorta, I guess. I'm not sure. I'll get back to ya on that.

HRinNH

Theresa, I wash the eggplants and then slice them up into 1/4" slices. I dip each slice in egg mixture (beaten eggs with spices) and then they're covered in bread crumbs. They get baked at 350 until they're golden brown on both sides. I like them a little drier than most probably. I then put some spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the baking pan and then a layer of the eggplant slices, then some cheese on top. Repeat the layers until you run out of eggplant or room in your pan. Bake at 350 for about 45 minutes.

Learning and loving every day...
Cheryl C.

Teresa52

Thanks Cheryl, It sounds great. Now all I have to do is wait for harvest time. I'm looking forward to that. Have a Happy Valentines Day!!

HRinNH

I think I'll try to plant some this year too! I learned "companion" planting a few years ago. If you plant catnip near your eggplant plants, it'll keep the pesky beetles off your eggplants. It really worked for me! My sister (who lived in another state) didn't do it and her plants were ravished.

Yes, Happy Valentine's Day to you! I bought my husband some chocolates...he can eat a whole box and not gain an ounce. UGH...

Learning and loving every day...
Cheryl C.

Teresa52

Good advice thanks! Some people have all the luck with what they can eat.