September 29th, 2014
Tried and true recipes are always found on church cookbooks, school cookbooks, and other organizations. Anyone that likes to cook is a collector of these cookbooks. Having worked on a cookbook myself, it does take time to compile recipes. And, if you forget someone’s favorite recipe, forget it….chaos, and apologies will have to follow.
The Baked Eggplant Casserole recipe that will follow is from the recipe book of The Galleys of Nantucket. This cookbook was published in 1998 and it is now in its 17th edition. I bought Volume II. The Ladies’ Union Circle of The First Congregational Church in Nantucket, MA, are responsible for getting all these wonderful recipes. Many are given by the residents of Nantucket. The ones that don’t have any names are recipes used by the islanders; they just don’t know where the recipes came from.
I was reading the book and it does have great recipes. One, that was so simple, caught my attention and I think is perfect for Meatless Monday; a day of the week when maybe you might just want to leave meat aside. Really, it can be done any day, you know what I mean.
The recipe could be made gluten free by using gluten free barbecue sauce, and bread crumbs. These ingredients are easily found in any grocery store.
BAKED EGGPANT CASSEROLE
1 (1 1/2 lb.) eggplant
1/2 cup bottled barbecue sauce (your choice)
1 tablespoon instant minced onions
2 large tomatoes ( I used smaller tomatoes, therefore, I needed more than 2.)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees.
Peel eggplant and dice into 1 1/2 inch cubes.
Cook 10 minutes in boiling, and salted water. Drain.
Mix barbecue sauce and onion together. Let it stand 5 minutes. While waiting, slice the tomatoes.
Fold sauce mixture, eggplant, garlic and parsley. Looks messy, doesn’t it. It is pretty good. You’ll see.
Spoon 1/3 of the mixture into a 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Top with a layer of half of the tomato slices. Repeat, ending with a layer of eggplant.
Mix butter, bread crumbs and cheese.
Sprinkle over eggplant.
Bake for about 45 minutes and until it browns a bit on top.
Serve and enjoy!!
Note: You can easily double this recipe. It can be used as a main dish with other veggies on the side. The recipe really surprised me. It tasted so good. If you like eggplant, this one is a winner. You might want to double it if you have hearty eaters in your household.
September 22nd, 2014
Dining in Nantucket is a popular pastime. It reminds me of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. You can enjoy fine dining but also plenty of casual eateries are sought out by many…
Visiting Nantucket with a local has been great. Knowing where to go, what to see, and what to appreciate. We decided to stay in and cook seafood. A visit to Sayle’s Seafood located at 99 Washington Street Extension was what we needed to do. Tel. 508-228-4599 Website? http://www.saylesseafood.com.
You can order seafood and appetizers, chowders, sandwiches and even dinner and sit out on their small porch. Or, take it home. Sayle’s Seafood offers catering services, including famous Clambakes.
We did not choose lobster but there were plenty to choose from. From a few pounds to over 4 pounds. They, actually, had pretty good deals.
Cod that’s what we chose and 4 or 5 pounds of mussels. These had just come in.
We had everything else we needed at the house. And, to Never Moor we went.
The cod was so easy to prepare. Just grated lemon, lemon juice, pepper, a bit of salt and butter. On 425 degrees cooking it 10 minutes to the inch.
The mussels were gorgeous and came out just beautifully. I love mussels and order them often. But, these climbed to a different level. Butter, wine, and their own broth….so delish!
The housemates were getting restless….too much wine at the table.
I sat down and looked at all of them and thought…..Friends are always there when you need them.
Totally loved these mussels.
We went outside after dinner. It was so quiet. The sunset was awesome!! And, then the stars came out.
September 21st, 2014
Sunday, a day of worship for many and reflection. While in Nantucket, MA, we visited the First Congregational Church and Old North Vestry located at 62 Centre St., which is a few blocks off Main Street. It is the tallest white bell tower visible from anywhere in town. Tel. 508-228-0950. Website? http://www.nantucketfcc.org. Since 1725, The Vestry is the oldest structure for religious purposes on the island. It may also be one of the oldest continuosly used church buildings in the U.S.
The older part of the church, “Old North Vestry” was built in 1725, but was not located on this part of the town. It was about a mile north from this present site. It was moved in 1765 to this more commanding position on “Beacon Hill”.
The Big Church as they call it was built in 1834. A that time the church was composed mostly of women because the men were away at sea. The box pews still carry the numbers of their original owners.
The original trompe-l’oeil painting was done by an Italian painter and is most unique, even now. The chandelier measuring over 7 feet in diameter, weighs 600 pounds and was crafted in England.
The steeple rises over 120 feet and up to the observation Tower we went. The original tower was built in 1795, and in 1800 a 1,000 pound bell was added. For years the church had been going restoration and in 1970 it was completed and rededicated. Photos of this journey can be found as you climb to the Tower.
It is a steep climb so be prepared.
From the Tower commanding views of Nantucket Island.
You are welcome to visit daily and to worship with the community on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. Dress attire? Come as you are.
Have a great day!!
September 17th, 2014
Cape Air brought me to Nantucket safe and sound. Just a few of us in the airplane. Mike was our pilot.
The airport in Nantucket is called Nantucket Memorial Airport. Can you believe that this airport is the second busiest commercial airport in the state? Must be all those private jets landing all the time to enjoy one beautiful island.
My friends were waiting for me and we took off to eat at the their club. Privacy of the club….it will remain anonymous.
The view from our outdoor seating was gorgeous.
Clam chowder for some of us….I thought delish!!
Lobster roll for me….I ate it in memory of my husband, John Merryman, III who thought that there was no other lobster roll in the world as good as in Nantucket.
Fried clam chowder for another….our 95 year old Aunt Barbie.
Then, Welsh Rarebit for another one eating it also in memory of Peter.
And a sandwich with more amazing onions rings!! Well, behind the mountain of onion rings.
I will have more posts from Nantucket…stay tuned.
This island is loved by many. I thought there was a lot of new construction in town. Some traveling authorities say that it is the Best Island in The World, or one of America’s Top Ten Most Desirable Islands, or, the Perfect Beach Town for a Fall Vacation….I would have to agree on that one.
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