Ever get sick of plain old meat? Eggplant is a "meaty" veggie that will satisfy your meat craving.

Ingredients:

• 1 large eggplant, about 1 1/2 pounds
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups fine, dry bread crumbs mixed with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• olive oil
• 2 cans (8 ounces each) tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried leaf basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano, crumbled
• 16 ounces sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation:

1. Wash eggplant and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices.

2. Dip into beaten eggs then dredge with seasoned bread crumbs. Place slices on a plate and chill for 30 to 45 minutes.

3. Heat about 1/8-inch of oil in a heavy skillet. Fry eggplant on both sides until golden brown and crispy.

4. Drain well on paper towels. In a saucepan, heat tomato sauce, basil, and oregano. Spread 1/3 of the sauce in a greased 12x8x2-inch baking dish. Layer half of the eggplant, half of the mozzarella cheese slices, another 1/3 of the sauce, and half the Parmesan. Repeat layers.

5. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

Eggplant Parmesan serves 6.  Serve over pasta and enjoy!

When things are mini they are just cuter, right?  After going into the cutest donut shop with mini donuts.  The bite size treats made me think of all the things that are much better in smaller sizes. 

Mini donuts as Tastease in Hartford, CT.

Petite treats from Starbucks.  Just the right size.

Sliders.  The best way to eat burgers.  No mess and delish.

Mini cheesecakes.  A great alternative to cupcakes.

Sick of plain old birthday cakes?  Make cake balls.  YUM!

Bite size tacos.  Just use the Tortilla scoops and fill with your favorite taco filling.  Genius!

I discovered these delicious, easy treats at a 4th of July party and had to share.  They are so yummy and so easy to make!

Ingredients:

Pretzel snaps (or any oher small shaped pretzel), Hershey Kisses, and M&Ms  (you can use substitutions to mix it up such as Rolo candies)

Directions:

1. Place the pretzel squares on a baking sheet, and top each one with a Hershey Kiss.

2. Cook for 3 minutes in a 200 degree oven.

3. Press an M&M into the center of each Hershey Kiss. Refrigerate for approximately 15-20 minutes or until cool.

You can also try with Mini M&Ms:

I was at a friend’s house a couple weeks ago and she had homemade hummus that was delicious.  She served it with beer bread and crackers… to die for!  This is such an easy, healthy appetizer to make and it will be a hit with all your guests (if you don’t eat it all first!)

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic
• Tahini or soy sauce
• 2-4 tablespoons of lemon juice
• water (until you reach desired consistancy)
• Cayenne pepper (a pinch of two – depending how spicy you want it)
• Optional: pine nuts, parley, paprika, oil

Directions:

1. Combine all in ingredients in a food processor and let it run until smooth. Serve with your favorite veggie, cracker, or bread.