Friday, August 29, 2014

"Eggplant Parmesan" For Your "Labor Day" Weekend Celebration...

Coming to terms with the end of summer is a rough thought for some people. Were did it all go? Yesterday seems like we were just staring the month of June and here we are going to start September! Parents all over are getting prepared with supplies for their children to start another year of school. Before school begins and we start packing up the beach gear, lawn chairs, pool supplies, plus our grills, we have one more weekend of summer time fun which is called "Labor Day!" Personally, nothing says Labor Day weekend to me like a family BBQ, cookout, or a family gathering. Labor Day is on Monday September 1st this year, and I’m sure we are all looking forward to a long enjoyable weekend as we start the month of September. This weekend celebrates the “unofficial” end of summer. Everyone is going to the beach, having picnics, going to fairs, and enjoying the last weekend of their summer activities. 



You may ask, what is Labor Day and why do we celebrate this day? So here are some facts about the holiday. Labor Day is an American Federal Holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers. We pay tribute to the achievements of the American workers. It is also supposed to be a day of rest and considered a workingman‘s holiday. The first Labor Day was held on September 5th 1882 in New York City. Then on June 28th 1894 it became a Federal holiday, stating that the first Monday in September of each year would be legal holiday in all U.S. territories. In addition, Labor Day marks the beginning of the season for the National Football League, (NFL) and some college leagues as well. Labor Day is also a great day for stores to have “End of Summer” sales.

In Italy, many Italians observe Labor Day as well. It is called "La Festa dei Lavoratori." They observe this nationwide holiday on May 1st each year. A holiday that was connected with agricultural cycles and still celebrated in some regions throughout Italy. Farmers and workers traditionally took the day off. They relaxed and had parties with food, drinking, and dancing. This was to show their support for the labor union movement’s social and economic achievements on this day.

So before you bid this summer farewell, go out with a bang on this Labor Day! Whether you are heading out of town, staying in the city, spending the day quietly at home relaxing, or enjoying one final celebration of the summer, be sure to relish the day with your family and friends. Remember, Summer is over but your memories will last forever!


My recipe this week is “Eggplant Parmesan” and will be a hit on your Labor Day weekend. This recipe is one of my mom’s recipes and it is a total immune-boosting meal. Remember, eggplants are one of the “Super Foods” that have antioxidants included in it. Besides, it is delicious and very tasty. Made with the freshest ingredients and of course Love. As you take a bite of this wonderful dish, your cheese oozes and the eggplant with tomatoes are an awesome combination! What a flavor and very satisfying too. You would never know that you are eating something that was good for you. A full body “Zinfandel” wine would go wonderful with this recipe, so have a glass or two..   Enjoy, Mangia!

Eggplant Parmesan


Ingredients:

1 eggplant, cut into 1/4 inch slices
1 tablespoon salt
1 cup of Vegetable oil
1 lb of shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
2 eggs, beaten
3 cups of plain bread crumbs with about 2 tablespoons of flour added
4 cups or more of your favorite Marinara sauce


**(you can use flavored bread crumbs if you like that better)


Directions:

Sprinkle both sides of the eggplant slices with salt. Place slices in a colander and place a dish underneath the colander to capture liquid that will sweat out of the eggplant. Allow to sit for 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350° F. Rinse the eggplant in cold water until all salt is removed. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Now dredge eggplant slices in egg and then in breadcrumb/flour mixture. After egg and breading, now place one layer of eggplant in the oil and brown each side. When browned place on paper towel to drain or on a brown paper bag opened up. Repeat with the remaining eggplant slices, using additional oil if necessary. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, evenly spread Marinara sauce on bottom of dish, and then arrange a single layer of eggplant slices on top of sauce. Top the eggplant with some of the mozzarella cheese and grated cheese. Repeat process until all the eggplant and cheese is layered. Spoon remaining sauce on top of layers and sprinkle with remaining Pecorino Romano grated cheese or mozzarella. Bake 30 to 45 minutes in your preheated oven, until sauce is bubbling and cheese is melted. Mangia Tutti!


Till The Next Time……………………….

Copyright © 2014 “Family Plus Food Equals Love”  All Rights Reserved…

10 comments:

  1. I love eggplant parmesan! My mum made it recently. Soo tasty!
    Some people do it without mozzarella but I always like it with it, it makes it more of a proper meal!
    Ciao Dottie!

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    1. Dear Alida,
      Seems we both have good mom's that make sure we have the best and freshest foods ever! Yes, I have heard of some people making this dish without mozzarella, but I have to have that delicious oozing of cheese, just adds to the eggplant. Talking about the Parmesan makes me hungry, I guess I have to make this again...Thanks for stopping over and your comment dear friend! Have a wonderful weekend!
      Dottie :)

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  2. Good morning Dottie ,
    I brought eggplants at the market yesterday and 'Lo and Behold' you have the perfect dish for me to serve , family love eggplants and of I can just taste the cheese oozing out .'Zinfandel is a great choice in wine for this dish .
    You post on labor day is wonderful and so full of information , thanks for sharing . Have a blessed Labor Day from my family to yours ... The Caranos ;-D

    PS: Louise will be posting Sunday , I bet she had a great time and I can hardly wait to hear about all the things she did and her garden of course . Have a great one dear Dottie :)

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    1. Good afternoon Nee,
      I am thrilled that you just bought eggplant and now you have a recipe to make with it. This Parmesan is so good, a perfect dish for your family, especially if your family loves eggplant. I could eat eggplant every day, grilled, baked, fried, or even made into a soup. Glad you like the choice of wine......I hope your family in Nappa are doing better now...Thanks dear friend for visiting and your beautiful comment. I hope that your Labor day is a blessed, fun and relaxing, one for your family as well.
      Dottie :)

      Thanks for the info about Louise,,,I am looking forward to hearing all about her family time and yes her fabulous garden...missed hearing from her... :)

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  3. Interesting, informative post! My family loves this time of year, NFL season. Love your eggplant recipe with all that oozy cheese! Have a fun safe Labor Day weekend!

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    1. Hi Pam, Thanks for visiting and your comment...Yes, this time of the year is a great time, transitioning from summer to fall...all the fabulous veggies and foods. I do not watch sports, but my family, especially my nephew is crazy for the football season. He loves the Steelers. You as well, Pam dear have a wonderful long Labor Day weekend, be safe and enjoy! Dottie :)

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  4. Hi Dottie!
    Happy Labor Day Weekend! I'll be frying up some eggplant tonight as a matter of fact. If there's any left, I'll be making us some eggplant parmesan too. What's so exciting is, it is the eggplant from the garden! I introduced the kids to eggplant while they were here and although Noah didn't like it at all, Tabitha is now hooked!!!

    There were a ton of tomatoes in the garden too so I roasted them last night with some garlic and oil and will probably using them with future eggplant meals.

    Thank you so much for sharing the recipe and for reminding us about the history and meaning of Labor Day. Hope yours is a safe and happy one filled with many family memories!!!

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    1. Hi Louise,
      Thanks for your comment and for stopping over...I saw on your blog post the kids holding up the eggplant, boy your garden must be very plentiful; Tomatoes, eggplant, etc. Oh yes, eggplant fried up anyway is fine with me..love it so much and it is in season now...I think you have to have a taste for it, and growing up with my mom making it so many ways, we eat it now, and love it..Tastes change as the kids get older, who know, maybe Noah will like it someday! The tomatoes this year have been so sweet and delicious. My brother brought me a few luscious round ones and they were amazing. Thanks again, and I do hope that you enjoy the day! Hope that Marion is doing well..Blessings on a fun filled day!
      Dottie :)

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  5. Dear Dottie, Eggplant is one of my favorite dishes. I just love it. I am not sure really what I like better eggplant parm or lasagna...though I would not pass up either.
    This is a perfect recipe especially taking the time to let the eggplants sweat.
    Beautiful.
    I hope your weekend is filled with relaxing moments to enjoy. It is true..where did the summer go? ! I never seem to get into the swing of things, by the time I do it is over...oh well...as long as everyone is healthy and happy.
    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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    1. Dear Catherine, Thanks for your comment. That is a hard choice to pick lasagna or eggplant parm. I think I would have to agree with you, I wouldn't pass either one up, but my personal favorite is eggplant parm out of the two. I always follow my mom's recipe and she always let the eggplant sweat out. We are so blessed Catherine, that we had families that cooked delicious meals and we are able to use their recipes for our families. I often think, what a shame for people that their mom's never cooked or make yummy foods for them like our mom's, grandmothers, and even great grandmothers did. Our memories are etched in our hearts for sure...
      Yes, thank you so far it has been a peaceful and relaxing few days...just think we have one more..Monday.I think we think a like, as long as everyone is healthy, happy, and enjoying life, then we are blessed two fold. Have a wonderful Labor Day with your family. Dottie :)

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