A few years ago, I went searching for a great eggplant recipe after seeing excessive amounts of the purple stuff at my local vegetable grower's stand. I didn't know what to do with eggplant, so I challenged myself to buy a few and make something yummy.
I played around with some ingredients and ended up with this recipe. I prefer to make it using unpeeled eggplants. The skin adds a nice color variety, and my mom always said about any fruit or vegetable, "The vitamins are just under the skin!"
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, flour and Italian seasoning.
Beat the eggs in a separate shallow bowl. Dip the eggplant slices in the beaten egg and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded eggplant in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet.
Bake for 5 minutes, then flip the eggplant over and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
In a 9- by 13-inch baking dish, spread enough spaghetti sauce to cover the bottom. Place a layer of cooked eggplant slices over the sauce. Sprinkle with half of the Italian and Parmesan cheeses. Repeat with another layer of sauce and another layer of eggplant, ending with the cheeses. Sprinkle the fresh basil on top.
Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown.
Place all ingredients in a large pot and mix well.
Bring the sauce to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered. Stir often, for 3 to 4 hours, until all the ingredients combine into a rich, hearty sauce.
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Bestselling author, public speaker and mom Kate Gosselin is best known for her reality TV shows Jon & Kate Plus 8 and the more recent Kate Plus 8.
Her latest book is the family-friendly cookbook Love Is in the Mix. Visit her at www.Kateplusmy8.com and follow her on Twitter at @kateplusmy8.
Other Works: The New York Times bestselling books Multiple Blessings, Eight Little Faces and I Just Want You to Know
Publisher: HCI Books
Penned: September 2013
What's Inside: Family-friendly cuisine great for everyday meals as well as special occasions. You'll find speedy weeknight dinners (like Easy Chicken Enchiladas), crowd-pleasing entrees (Gosselin Family Holiday Ham), warm and satisfying soups (think Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower), perfect endings (who could resist Berry Divine Oatmeal Crisp?), and more.
Packed with Gosselin family favorites, this helpful kitchen companion focuses on basic ingredients, fuss-free preparation and time-saving tips that can simplify life for any time-crunched home chef.
Time Out: 304 pages
Available: $22.95 hardcover at Amazon and other retailers
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