COOKBOOK CONFIDENTIAL COOKBOOK CLUB – Sue Loncaric reviews Stuffed Eggplant

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Hi there,

I am very happy to share Sue Loncaric’s https://www.womenlivingwellafter50.com., review of The Moosewood Cookbook. I am most pleased to read this review because Stuffed Eggplant is one of my favorite restaurant dishes. This delightful review and recipe from The Moosewood Cookbook inspired me to try it at home.

Moosewood Cookbook 40th Anniversary Edition

Stuffed Eggplant

The Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen is our second cookbook to review for Cookbook Confidential Book Club, hosted by Bernadette from New Classic Recipes.  This was another Cook Book that I had not heard of but apparently, it has a cult following. In 1974, Mollie Katzen locally published her collection of hand-written recipes in a spiral-bound notebook.  The recipes are all vegetarian and inspired by Mollie’s recipes as well as those of other cooks who served at their co-op restaurant in Ithaca, N.Y. 

Little did she realize it would become such a success resulting in the 40th Year Edition.  Mollie’s goal was to inspire people to eat plant-based dishes which were simple to make, healthy, and using seasonal products.

I chose the Stuffed Eggplant as both my husband and I enjoy Eggplant. I usually add it to my Mediterranean roasted vegetable.  There was an option to use a Sweet Pepper puree; however, I substituted baby tomatoes and made a tomato,garlic, and baby spinach sauce.  I served with another recipe from the book, the Foccacia, and adding Rosemary and Olive and a side of balsamic vinegar for dunking the bread.

Stuffed Eggplant

45 minutes to prepare 30-40 minutes to bake
Serves 6

Notes:

  • I prepared the filling and stuffed the eggplants in the afternoon then refrigerated until I was ready to cook. They took about 45 minutes in my oven.
  • I had to convert from Imperial to Metric
  • I also converted the servings to suit 2 rather than 4 – 6 
  • I preheated my fan forced oven to 180C

Ingredients

3 eggplants halved
1 onion minced
225gm (1/2 pound) mushrooms chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon oregano
5-6 cloves garlic minced
2 cups cooked brown rice (I used the 90sec microwave version)
1½ cups cottage cheese (I used low fat)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cup packed minced parsley
soy sauce and tabasco to taste
handful of sunflower seeds
handful of sesame seeds
sprinkling of paprika

Method

1.    Scoop out flesh of eggplant leaving about half inch in the shell – cut finely or mince

2.    Sauté Onion, mushroom, basil, thyme, oregano and garlic for 5 minutes

3.    Add eggplant to onion mix and cook until tender – around 15 minutes then allow to cool slightly

4.    In a bowl combine cooked rice, cottage cheese, grated cheese, parsley, soy sauce and tabasco

5.    Add eggplant mix to the bowl and combine.

6.    Fill eggplant shells and sprinkle sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and paprika

7.    Bake 375ºF 190ºC  around 170ºC for a fanforced oven for 40 minutes

How did the recipe rate?

✰✰✰ – The recipe was relatively easy but time-consuming so I prepared and refrigerated until I was ready to cook. The ingredients were readily available at my local supermarket or already in my pantry.
✰✰✰✰✰ – The meal tasted delicious with strong flavours and I would definitely make it again. I’m sure even meat lovers would be one over with this recipe.

Does this cookbook deserve space on my shelf?

When I first read about the Moosewood Cookbook I wasn’t sure there would be many recipes I would make. However, after further study there are a number of recipes I would try and so far I’ve made the Stuffed Eggplant as well as the Focaccia and the Apricot Almond Bread.  I would definitely make space on my shelf for this book the recipes are simple yet healthy and tasty – what more could you ask for?

Sue Loncaric is an Australian Over 50 lifestyle blogger, certified health and life coach for women, and the founder of Women Living Well After 50.  She is a qualified Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor and takes classes for Over 50 Women in the Strong Healthy Women Virtual Studio. 

In 2020 Sue fulfilled a dream of starting the Conversations with Women Living Well After 50 podcast, interviewing and sharing stories from women who are Living Well.  

Sue is passionate about living a full and active life in Midlife & Beyond. Her mission is to encourage and inspire women Over 50 to live a fit, fabulous, healthier, and happier lifestyle by guiding them to realize their full potential.

Sue’s motto is ‘Make it Happen because life is too short to wait”.

Sue currently co-hosts What’s On Your Bookshelf? And What’s Been On Your Calendar?
You can connect with Sue through the comment section below, or via her Women Living Well After 50 Blog and social media.

I wanted to take a moment and express my heartfelt gratitude to Sue for her contribution to our Cookbook Review Club. I am so grateful for your willingness to share your culinary expertise with us. Please be sure to stop over at Sue’s Blog, https://womenlivingwellafter50.com.au, to enjoy more of Sue’s expertise.

14 responses to “COOKBOOK CONFIDENTIAL COOKBOOK CLUB – Sue Loncaric reviews Stuffed Eggplant”

  1. Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
    Darlene says:

    A perfect choice Sue. I’m a vegetarian but I have always made a traditional Christmas dinner for my British husband and our families. I often make this recipe for my meal and others enjoy it too. Like you, I prepare it ahead. It’s also good leftover the next day. So glad you have discovered The Moosewood Cookbook!

  2. Eggplants are one of those veggies that I can enjoy without tummy issues. This stuffed version looks very tasty. Thanks you for sharing it, Sue.

  3. the Painted Apron – Life is all about creativity for me, as long as I'm creating something I am happy! I hope I will inspire your daily life and give you ideas for your own wonderful creations!
    Jenna says:

    This sounds like a lovely meatless meal!

    • Thanks for stopping by Jenna. It is a wonderful meatless meal. I try to make at least one meatless meal a week. A theme for a post from your wonderful and creative blog?

  4. Hi Bernadette, this recipe sounds terrific. I have egg plants and am going to try this. I am not vegetarian but I like this cookbook.

    • Darlene – British Columbia, Canada – Writer of children's stories, short stories and travel articles. https://twitter.com/#!/supermegawoman http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=201634059868404&id=631897250&ref=notif&notif_t=like#!/pages/Darlene-Foster-Writer/362236842733
      Darlene says:

      It provides interesting ideas for preparing vegetables whether you are a vegetarian or not, like this stuffed eggplant! Glad you like it too.

      • I do and I’m trying to introduce more vegetable based meals to my family.

  5. Awakening Wonders – Everyday life is filled with wondrous things and embraceable moments, but only if we allow ourselves to be fully awakened. I invite you to join me as I share passionate life adventures and ramblings that awaken my spirit. I look forward to awakening your senses to the simple, joyous wonders that are all around us. I feel that we are destined to become soulful adventurers!
    Awakening Wonders says:

    Eggplant inspiration – I needed your pleasant reminder to not forget about enjoying eggplant again!

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