Asian Eggplant Stir Fry

We have tried eggplant in the past and just never was thrilled with results.  Well.....  we have found a great new eggplant that is different looking and not as strong as your typical eggplant.

It is an ASIAN EGGPLANT.

ASIAN EGGPLANT STIR FRY

Ingredients

• 4 Asian eggplants
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 hot red chile peppers, seeded and thinly sliced

Directions

Cut each eggplant in half lengthwise, then cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices. Cover the eggplants with water, add the salt, and stir to dissolve the salt. Soak the eggplants for 5 minutes, then drain well.

In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce with the sugar and sesame oil and set aside.
Heat a wok or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil, garlic, chile peppers, and eggplants and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water and continue stir-frying for 2 more minutes. Add the oyster sauce mixture and stir well to mix. Remove to a platter and serve hot or cold.

We modified the recipe by adding steak, green onions and carrots.  Since we added more ingredients need to triple the sauce - 3 tablespoons each of the oyster sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Served over noodles.  Pictures below :

I only used 3 of the asian eggplants.

This is about 3/4 lb of ribeye steak.



Four larger green onions chopped on the diagonal.

Four carrots also cut on diagonal

HERE ARE THE RESULTS - CAN SERVE OVER NOODLES OR RICE



HOPE YOU TOO ENJOY FINDING A GOOD EGGPLANT RECIPE!

The asian eggplant  is compliments of Ben's Produce

 For years I have had fresh flowers on my dining room table.  What a treat it has been to find a local grower. It doesn't always require a large bouquet -- can never go wrong with fresh and simple.

Did you know the sunflower got its name from its huge, fiery blooms, whose shape and image is often used

to depict the sun?

Wild sunflowers are often photographed with their tall stalks and bright petals stretched towards the sun. This unique behavior, known as phototropism, is a motif that has appeared in many ancient myths and is viewed as a symbol of loyalty and constancy. Their physical resemblance to the sun has also influenced their meanings. The sunflower's petals have been likened to bright yellow rays of sunshine, which evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. In addition, the sunflower is often associated with adoration and longevity.

Sunflower seeds were taken to Europe in the 16th century, where, along with sunflower oil, they became a widespread cooking ingredient. Sunflower leaves can be used as a cattle feed, while the stems contain a fibre which may be used in paper production.

•  The sunflower is often used as a symbol of green ideology, much as the red rose is a symbol of socialism or social democracy.
• The sunflower is also the symbol of the Vegan Society.
•  Subject of Van Gogh's most famous still life, Sunflowers.

•    The sunflower was chosen as the symbol of the Spiritualist Church for many reasons, but mostly because it turns toward the sun as "Spiritualism turns toward the light of truth".

This past week I thought it would be nice to add fresh flowers to my desk  - what a great way to brighten the work day.

I wonder if Melrose was meant to grow flowers since "rose" is a part of her name?  If want to learn more about the cut flower possibilities for your home you can contact Melrose at melrose@amhaas.com