Mini Eggplant Parmesans

This Eggplant Parmesan recipe was inspired my a trip to my local farmers market. While visiting one of the stands, my husband and I spotted the most unusual vegetable we had ever laid eyes on. Purple-streaked, u-shaped and skinny. The vendor assured us that it wasn't some mutant vegetable, but indeed an Oriental variety of eggplant. I must have appeared to be quite intrigued by the nature of this plant--the woman sent it home with me for free. Because of the delicate nature of its variety, this particular eggplant does not need to be skinned.

This dish was great. It was easy to prepare and had incredible flavor. My husband even went so far as to say he felt like he was eating at a restaurant. Another great thing about these mini pots o' eggplant is that traditionally, this dish is served as an entree, not a side. I served mine with Italian-seasoned chicken breast and a slice of toasted, buttered french baguette.

Ingredients

Makes four individual servings

2 medium eggplants, Oriental variety, sliced into rounds (If using a normal eggplant, use one small, remove skin and cut into 2 inch, flat discs)

2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tbsp. olive oil

Cooking spray

2 cups tomato sauce

1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Grease cookie sheet or baking stone with olive oil . Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in small bowl . Dip each eggplant round (top and bottom) in egg white and then coat thoroughly with bread crumb mixture . Lay each round on a cookie sheet . Bake for 25 minutes, flipping each round over half-way through . Spray four baking ramekins with cooking spray . Layer eggplant, then tomato sauce and then cheese and repeat until each ramekin is 3/4 full (ending with a layer of cheese) . Bake ramekins in 350 degree oven for 10 minutes or until cheese/tomatoes are bubbling . Serve in ramekins . Top with extra Parmesan cheese, if desired