Baked Eggplant Parmesan

"Cheers to a New Year and another chance for us to get it right." ~ Oprah Winfrey

A New Year A New You ... I think that's what they say. Well I say, Baked ... Not Fried!  That's how I'm starting 2013.

Sauce:
1 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic chopped
1/2 shallot chopped
pinch of kosher salt
1 1/2 cups tomato puree
1 tbs. 25 year aged balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Eggplant:
1 baby eggplant sliced
2 cups seasoned panko breadcrumbs
2 egg whites
1/2 cup grated mozzeralla
1/2 cup grated parmesan


Directions:
Prepare the sauce first. Heat the oil in a saucepan on low to medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic and salt. Stir about two minutes until fragrant. Add the tomato puree, balsamic vinegar and basil. Simmer until the sauce thickens and flavors marry, stirring constantly ~ about 10 minutes. Remove from heat an let sit.

Now for the eggplant. You'll need 2 bowls ~ one each for the panko breadcrumbs and egg whites {whisk the egg whites until frothy}. You will also need a baking dish for the eggplant to go in the oven. Get everything ready and preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

Dip each eggplant slice in the egg whites and then the panko breadcrumbs to coat completly.

Place on baking dish and repeat process until complete.

Bake for 10 minutes and check for crispiness. Turn over and cook for another 10 minutes. Should be nice and crispy to your liking. Remove from oven.

In a bowl, combine your mozzeralla and parmesan cheese mixture.

Now you have a choice ... you can either prepare the eggplant slices individually or layer.
 
Spread 1 teaspoon of tomato sauce on each eggplant slice. Top with a teaspoon of cheese mixture. If you want to layer them, just repeat the process.

Bake for another few minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and you're ready to sit down and enjoy.

Don't give up on anything, especially if it's something that makes you happy.

Follow your heart regardless of what others tell you to do.  It is how you feel at the end of the day that matters. Life smiles upon those who smile upon life.



Enjoy and Bon Appetit!


** the secret ingredient is always lots of love ღ