Eggplant Cheese Stacks

stacks of eggplant topped with cheese and marinara sauce

Delicious eggplant stacks!

I’m reposting this eggplant recipe as I just made it again a few nights ago. It had been awhile and I remembered how delicious and easy this is! If you’re a fan of Eggplant Parmesan, but want to lower the calories and carbs, this is for you. The key is baking and not breading the eggplant. We also use non-dairy cheeses but that’s not a carb issue. Also we love eggplant in almost any dish. This is a favorite.

This dish is easy to make; scrumptious, rich tasting and especially satisfying as a treat with good friends; to share with a good glass of chianti and a fresh green salad, such as Persimmon and Endive Salad. 

By the way, Rick is doing very well with his reduced carbs, exercise, including walks after dinner, and lots of veggies and fruits. So far no meds necessary!

Eggplant Cheese Bake (type of Eggplant Parmesan)

INGREDIENTS

  • 1-2 eggplants (choose ones that are full and glossy, deep purple colored)
  • 32 oz. jar of marinara sauce (make your own from canned or fresh tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, or buy prepared – I’m a fan of Mezzetta’s sauce for this dish.)
  • 1/2 lb. cheese in slices (we use Dayna’s non-dairy Jack but if no dairy issues use mozzarella or regular Jack)
  • cheese for grating (again, goat Midnight Moon* or regular Parmesan)
  • Optional- 2-3 tsp Breadcrumbs for topping
  • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil

TO DO:

1. Wash and slice eggplants into 1″ rounds; preheat oven to 400.

2. In a bowl, shake eggplant slices with 1 Tbsp olive oil.

3. Lay parchment on baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on parchment.

4. Bake eggplant for 20 minutes until almost tender.  Remove from oven.

5. In a 9×13 casserole (I use Pyrex); spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce.

6. Make a stack base of eggplant in a single layer on top of the sauce, usually 6-8 slices; (depending on the size of your eggplant).

7. Top each eggplant slice (stack base) with a slice of cheese, grated cheese and a dollop of sauce. Stack  remaining slices evenly on the bases, using the same order of ingredients.

8.  Top the dish with remaining sauce, add grated cheese and, if you like, about 2-3 tsps breadcrumbs.

9. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted.

Remove from heat and let set for 10-15 minutes. Serve at least one stack per person.

* http://www.cypresscreamery.com

www.type2delicious.com

Cheesy Deliciousness!

 

Delish cheese appetizer

Sometimes you just want something decadent and creamy, especially for a special dinner party or celebration. This appetizer fits that perfectly. Also it’s easy to make; low carb, and scrumptious. Be sure to serve it while warm and melty, with whole grain crackers. You’ll be the hit of the party!

 

Ingredients

1  4- to 6-inch round Camembert and/or Brie cheese; (I also use a goat Brie as Rick doesn’t eat cow milk products.) Leave the cheeses at room temperature for at least 1/2 hour before preparing.
1 egg, beaten
1/2 –3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter and/or 1-2 Tbsp. Olive oil
1/2 cup chopped green onion; save some for garnish

Instructions 

Dip the cheese in the egg and then coat all sides with the bread crumbs. (tip: you can lightly sprinkle flour on the cheese before dipping in egg; keeps the batter on better.)

Heat 2 tablespoons of the butter/olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat just until it starts to brown.

Brown cheese on one side, then the other; about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove to a serving plate and keep warm. (I put on a ceramic plate and into a 250 degree preheated oven.)

Wipe out the skillet with a paper towel and add the remaining butter/oil to the skillet. Melt over medium heat and when foamy, saute the onions for 2-3 minutes until soft and starting to brown.

Remove cheeses from oven. Sprinkle sauteed onions over the cheese rounds and serve immediately with crackers. Garnish with a few raw green onions.

Enjoy!

 

Yummy Cocktail Spread

A variety of h’ors d’oeuvres to treat our guests

I’ve been asked to repost this snack recipe– and am doing so before I share the Lentil Veggie Soup recipe. It’s a good alternative instead of potato chips and dip for your favorite sports or movie night get together and/or for a dinner party to go with the low carb cocktails on the Happy Hour section.

This time I’ll share something a little different; not exactly a cooking recipe but suggestions when you’re planning a good time with friends and want ideas for easy to put together, delicious low carb snacks and h’ors d’oeuvres.

We enjoy entertaining and especially sharing a variety of what Rick calls “horse ovaries” to delight our guests. We include fresh hummus and a selection of veggie spears as well as goat and cow milk cheeses. This time we had goat Brie, a white goat Gouda and a cow milk aged Dutch Gouda served with fresh figs and whole grain crackers. Also a variety of olives, pickled peppers and mushrooms and cannoli beans. Plus, one of my favs, smoked oysters. It was fun to put together and a great spread!

The chips are sweet potato tortilla chips from Trader Joe’s- 17 grams of carbs in 9 chips; so that’s ok for Rick for one serving; (he’d then skip carbs if we eat dinner after this). Each person’s carb allotment, of course, depends on the individual medical situation. Ask your doctor about it if you’re concerned.

Cocktail Spread

INGREDIENTS (serves 4-6)

  • Fresh hummus (we buy it at a local Greek restaurant-or use your favorite brand-Trader Joe’s, my favorite, has many good choices)
  • 1Tbsp Olive oil- to dribble on top of the hummus if you like; then sprinkle with smoked paprika or a bit of cayenne
  • smoked oysters ( I prefer the large ones)
  • Cheeses- I suggest three- goat Gouda blanc, goat Brie, and an aged cow milk Gouda (Trader Joe’s is a great source of well-priced excellent cheese- of course, if you have a good local cheese shop go for it!)
  • Fresh figs (sliced in rounds as accents to the cheese plate)
  • Zucchini’s, carrots, red and yellow peppers, yellow squash; cut in spears to dip in the hummus
  • Assorted olives, pickled mushrooms, peppers, Cannoli beans; we buy these at a local market or use any olives and pickled foods you prefer (or not). Caution: they can be high in sodium if high blood pressure is an issue. Rick eats these but in small quantities.
  • Whole grain crackers
  • Sweet potato tortilla chips ( TJ’s again)

TO DO:

1. Arrange all on your coolest platters and serving dishes

2. Serve with wine or low carb cocktails — check out the Happy Hour section: https://type2delicious.com/happy-hour/

That’s it! So simple and delicious- a feast for the eyes and…!

Enjoy! www.type2delicious.com

Eggplant Cheese Stacks

stacks of eggplant topped with cheese and marinara sauce

Delicious eggplant stacks!

I’m reposting this eggplant recipe as I just made it again a few nights ago. It had been awhile and I remembered how delicious and easy this is! If you’re a fan of Eggplant Parmesan, but want to lower the calories and carbs, this is for you. The key is baking and not breading the eggplant. We also use non-dairy cheeses but that’s not a carb issue. Also we love eggplant in almost any dish. This is a favorite.

This dish is easy to make; scrumptious, rich tasting and especially satisfying as a treat with good friends; to share with a good glass of chianti and a fresh green salad, such as Persimmon and Endive Salad. 

By the way, Rick is doing very well with his reduced carbs, exercise, including walks after dinner, and lots of veggies and fruits. So far no meds necessary!

Eggplant Cheese Bake (type of Eggplant Parmesan)

INGREDIENTS

  • 1-2 eggplants (choose ones that are full and glossy, deep purple colored)
  • 32 oz. jar of marinara sauce (make your own from canned or fresh tomatoes, garlic and olive oil, or buy prepared – I’m a fan of Mezzetta’s sauce for this dish.)
  • 1/2 lb. cheese in slices (we use Dayna’s non-dairy Jack but if no dairy issues use mozzarella or regular Jack)
  • cheese for grating (again, goat Midnight Moon* or regular Parmesan)
  • Optional- 2-3 tsp Breadcrumbs for topping
  • 1-2 Tbsp olive oil

TO DO:

1. Wash and slice eggplants into 1″ rounds; preheat oven to 400.

2. In a bowl, shake eggplant slices with 1 Tbsp olive oil.

3. Lay parchment on baking sheet and lightly spray with olive oil. Arrange eggplant slices in a single layer on parchment.

4. Bake eggplant for 20 minutes until almost tender.  Remove from oven.

5. In a 9×13 casserole (I use Pyrex); spread about 1/2 cup of marinara sauce.

6. Make a stack base of eggplant in a single layer on top of the sauce, usually 6-8 slices; (depending on the size of your eggplant).

7. Top each eggplant slice (stack base) with a slice of cheese, grated cheese and a dollop of sauce. Stack  remaining slices evenly on the bases, using the same order of ingredients.

8.  Top the dish with remaining sauce, add grated cheese and, if you like, about 2-3 tsps breadcrumbs.

9. Bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is melted.

Remove from heat and let set for 10-15 minutes. Serve at least one stack per person.

* http://www.cypresscreamery.com

www.type2delicious.com