I had a couple of requests for side dishes for the upcoming Thanksgiving. We all have our favorites: green bean casserole, fresh peas with pearl onions, that sort of thing. I ask that you send in some of yours.
Many of us would like to add an interesting dish to our meals. I had asked for a recipe for Eggplant Parmesan, and I got this one from a friend. Sounds great! I can’t wait to try it. I’ll serve it with a salad and a good bread. Have a great week!
Carrot Cake
4 eggs
1 1/4 cups vegetable oil
2 cups white sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
3 cups grated carrots
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup butter, softened
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch pan. In a large bowl, beat together eggs, oil, white sugar and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Mix in flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Stir in carrots. Fold in pecans.
Pour into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
To make frosting: In a medium bowl, combine butter, cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped pecans. Frost the cooled cake.
Eggplant Parmesan
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1 small eggplant, cut into 3/4 inch thick slices
1 cup dried bread crumbs, seasoned
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup spaghetti sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Directions: In a small bowl beat the egg and water together. Place the bread crumbs in shallow dish. Dip eggplant slices in egg mixture then in crumbs, being sure to coat thoroughly.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add eggplant slices and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and tender. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over eggplant during last minute of cooking to melt.
While eggplant is cooking, combine spaghetti sauce and pepper flakes in a microwave-safe measuring cup. Cover with plastic wrap and cook at high power for 2 minutes or until heated through.
Top eggplant with sauce and Parmesan cheese and serve.
I really enjoy this time with you each week and would love to hear from you. Do you have any requests? Is there a recipe you have been looking for or remember from your younger years? Can I help you find it? Do you have any recipes that are special to you that you could share with us? Please contact me at susieqcooking@ainop.com or c/o Pioneer Times, P.O. Box 456, Houlton, Maine 04730.
