Festivals Eggplant N Rice Stacks Food

STEVE'S EGGPLANT STACK

Steps:

• Salt the eggplant on each side and let it drain in a colander for about 30 minutes to get the bitterness out. Place something heavy, like a frying pan, on top to get the moisture out.
• In a medium bowl, place the flour, 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. In a second medium bowl, add the eggs, Parmigiano-Reggiano, half of the parsley and some salt and pepper, and whisk together. In a third medium bowl, add the breadcrumbs and the remaining parsley and toss together. Coat the eggplant slices in the flour, then in the egg mixture and then in the breadcrumbs.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet and fry the eggplant slices until they're crisp and golden brown. Don't crowd the pan. Let them drain on a paper towel to get excess oil off.
• Top 1 slice of eggplant with 1 slice of tomato, and then season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Add 3 basil leaves, top with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar and a slice of mozzarella. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
• In a large bowl, toss the arugula with some salt, pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. Add to the top of the stacks and add more Parmigiano-Reggiano on top. Season with salt and pepper.

EGGPLANT STACKS

Steps:

• In a small skillet, saute onion and garlic in 1 teaspoon oil until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, lemon juice, basil, salt, cinnamon and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes., Meanwhile, brush eggplant slices with remaining oil. Broil 4 in. from the heat for 1-2 minutes on each side or until lightly browned. Spread 2 tablespoons sauce mixture into a greased 3-cup baking dish. Top with half of the eggplant slices. Spread with 1/2 cup sauce mixture. Repeat layers., Cover and bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

FESTIVALS

Steps:

• In a medium stockpot, heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees F for frying.
• In a mixing bowl combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar. Work butter into dry mixture until well incorporated.
• Add extracts and milk together. Work milk mixture into butter mixture to form a stiff batter. Form into ball. Portion into finger size hushpuppies. Deep-fry in hot oil until golden brown. Place festivals on paper toweling to absorb excess oil. Serve.

CRISPY POTATO STACKS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray and set aside.
• Melt the butter in a microwave or small saucepan over medium-low heat. Set aside.
• Slice the russets and sweet potatoes 1/16-inch thick using a mandoline and place in a bowl. Toss the potato slices with the butter, herbs, garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper until the potatoes are evenly coated. Layer the potatoes evenly in the prepared muffin tin, stacking them one on top of the other until they are about 1 inch above the top of each muffin cup. Bake until the edges of the potatoes are golden and crispy, about 25 minutes.
• Let cool 5 minutes, then run a small offset spatula or butter knife around the edge of each stack to help them release. Transfer to a serving platter, sprinkle with Parmesan and serve immediately.