Um… it’s already Day Four of 2015? Like how did that happen? Day Four means tomorrow is Day Five which means back to school π these two weeks off have been glorious.
But really, how was everyone’s New Year’s? Mine was really fun although I admit I struggled to stay awake that late!
Welch’s, obvs.
Despite Christmas being over and going back to school, there are a few good things about the new year.
- Cross country skiing! I’ve only gone out once so far but I can’t wait to go more. This year I want to branch out from the 3.6 mile loop I usually do. I think it would be so much fun to pack a bag and head out for the whole day, stopping for lunch on the trail! Tell me someone will go with me?! Then when we get home I can have a crockpot full of chili and some homemade bread ready β₯ yes yes yes.
- Birthdayyy month! It’s a big one this year – sixteen! I was actually supposed to take my driver’s test yesterday but it got cancelled because of bad weather.
So I have, um, eight recipes on my memory cards that I haven’t posted yet. I want to get more organized this year so I’m starting by getting all of those posted, starting with this Healthy Eggplant Parmesan! I might have made this in October but it still tastes as good if you make it in January π bonus points if you use eggplant from your garden like I did!
I had only had eggplant parmesan once before making this. It was after a softball tournament and I ate a huge plate of pasta to go along with the fried veggie. I specifically remember feeling SO bloated after! Olive Garden will do that to you π This is so much healthier because it’s baked, topped with just enough cheese, yet still has a ton of flavor. I personally love the texture of the eggplant. Meaty but it still tasted light and fresh!
Enjoy! Be sure sure let me know on Instagram or Twitter if you make it (@theyoopergirl:)
When does everyone else go back to school? My college class doesn’t start up again until the 12th so I’ll have a free hour all of this week!
- 1 medium eggplant
- 1 1/2 cup bread crumbs (I used rice bread crumbs)
- 2 eggs
- 1 24 oz jar pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4-1/2 cup shredded parmesan
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- Preheat oven to 375F. Whisk together eggs in a small bowl. Slice eggplant into 1/2 inch pieces, dip each side into the eggs, then breadcrumbs to coat. Place each slice on an oiled pan and bake for 15 minutes. Flip each piece and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Increase oven temp to 475F. In a rectangular baking dish (mine was 6 x 10), layer sauce, eggplant, cheese, and repeat. Bake until cheese melts and is golden brown in spots. Serve over pasta!
As always, awesome recipe and pictures! I struggled too to stay awake on New Years Eve. Barely made it! Enjoy your first day back at school!
Haha! Glad I’m not alone π thanks girl!
Ah that looks amazing! So cheesy and delicious…love you New Year’s picture too! Haha
hehe π thanks love!
I have to go back to school tomorrow as well. I LOVE eggplant parmesan and lasagna so much. This seems like an awesome recipe. Thanks! Wait, you take a college class? What is it for?
I take college calc! I’m starting calc 2 this semester π
Oooooh YUM!! I might have to make this really soon! One of my new years resolutions is to start blogging again (on my acting website), and your recipes make me excited to get started!!!
I miss your posts!!! Thanks Sally π Let me know if you try it!
yum i love eggplant parmesan! my college doesn’t go back until the 12th but the school district here goes back Tuesday (which is sort of random) haha.
That is random! There is a possibility of a snow day tomorrow so maybe I won’t go back until Tuesday π
I’d totally go cross country skiing with you! Especially if there was homemade bread at the end. Seriously, yum!
And I love Italian food, but I usually don’t like getting it in restaurants because it can be SO heavy and greasy. I love making it at home so that it’s a bit lighter and fresher π Your eggplant parm looks delicious!
Oh, and my classes start back on the 7th (Wed).
Thanks Liv! I got a pasta maker for Christmas and I can’t wait to start making homemade pasta π
This sounds DELICIOUS I can’t wait to try!! Love your blog, keep up the great work!
Thanks Krista! I just checked out your blog! You will have to let me know if you are ever in the Gladstone/Escanaba area!!
Happy New Year Leigha! We love eggplant parm and your recipe sounds amazing. Gorgeous photos too!
Thanks, Sonali! Hope you had a wonderful New Year!
Your photos are spectacular! Pinning this one for sure!
Thanks, Elizabeth! π
mmmmm this looks so good! I am a huge fan of eggplant, especially breaded eggplant! I have an eggplant sitting in my fridge right now! Yum
Thanks Rachel! You should totally make it π
Hahaha I was going to say….that better not be wine. Because wine is gross.
You’re pictures are amazing as always and I LOVE eggplant parmesan. Especially with steak. Pinning!
Even if it was wine it would be totally illegal because I’m not old enough to drink π
Thanks dud! But steak?! You just ruined it.
Hi Leigha! Your photography is so beautiful. I checked out some other posts too. Double chocolate zucchini bread?!? Amazing!! I am also a teen blogger. Check it out if you want!
Thank you, Maya! I’m happy you found my blog because now I found yours! π
Oh, how great you’ll soon get your driver’s license π Wow, 16 is a big birthday
This looks so so so good! I loove eggplant. But some times it is quite hard to cook with. I have to try eggplant parmesan soon π
I’ve used eggplant a few times, once for this and once for a creamy vegan mac&cheese that was wonderful! It can be a little temperamental, as sometimes I see people coat it with salt to bring moisture out. I didn’t do that with this, but it still tasted amazing π
This looks yummy! even though ive never had eggplant π xx oh and HAPPY really late NEW YEAR!
Thanks Lucy! I hope you’re doing well!!
sjdkfgjs my mom and I are making this tonight! It looks AMAZING!!
Are you serious?! That is why I love you. Let me know how you like it!!!