The Story

Our mothers, grandmothers, and even great-grandmothers had a secret weapon in the kitchen: the casserole. It could be made ahead of time and frozen until ready for use. It could feed a hungry crowd and it always seemed to taste better the next day. In my family, one of our favorite casseroles has always been Eggplant Parmesan. My momma figured out years ago how to get the eggplant softened and still have the pan-grilled flavor. Her homemade marinara sauce only takes 20 minutes to make, from start to finish, so it’s the perfect “sugo” to go in between the delicious slices of eggplant and cheese. With the holidays right around the corner, here’s a great dish for family gatherings that can be made ahead of time or enjoyed freshly made and piping hot, right out of the oven.