Chicken Eggplant Parmesan

I bought an eggplant the other day. No real reason to, just thought I would. I thought it would be healthy for the kids and create a new challenge for me. I wanted to incorporate chicken somehow, so I started to search for some recipes. I came across this Chicken Eggplant Parmesan. Not only was it delicious, but it was extremely easy! I served it over whole wheat pasta, with a side of greens and (our fave) bread sticks. Here you go:

Chicken Eggplant Parmesan

Ingredients:
* 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (thin sliced)
* 1 medium eggplant (approximately 1 pound)
* 1/3 cup Italian breadcrumbs (I used crushed crackers)
* 3/4 lb mozzarella cheese, sliced thin
* 1 (26 ounce) jar marinara sauce (approximately 3 cups)
* 1/4 lb Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Peel and slice eggplant.
Lay between two layers of paper towels for 15-20 minutes to drain moisture from eggplant, then discard paper towels.
Line bottom of 13x9 inch baking dish with the chicken breast slices.
Cover chicken with the eggplant slices.
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over eggplant.
Cover breadcrumbs with mozzarella cheese slices (or grated if you prefer).
Pour marinara sauce over cheese.
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
Bake for 30-40 minutes at 350 degrees.

My Favorite Lunch . . . for now

I think I said it before but I am in love with Sunflower Market! The produce is fresh and cheap and did you notice it is January? Oh and did I mention how cheap it is? So I went there a few weeks ago--I need to schedule a time to go since I live no where near one--and filled my cart with produce. Hint: Go on a Wednesday as they will honor both the outgoing ad and the new weekly ad! My favorite lunch right now is this little concoction that I guess I could call:

Ham and Veggie Stir-Fry

(Vary the amounts depending on how many you are cooking for)
Zucchini
Yellow Squash
Onion
Carrots
Ham (I got a few sliced steaks of fresh ham at Costco--thick and yummy and has lasted me a few weeks, and that is even feeding my family with it!)
Sauce of your choice (I have been using a Thai sauce from Costco but if you don't like spicy, go for a stir-fry sauce or just S&P)
Salt and Pepper (or Mrs. Dash)
A few garlic cloves--because it is oh, so good for you!

Chop it all up and throw it in a skillet with a few teaspoons of olive oil and let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, until the vegetables are soft, but not soggy. You don't want to cook too many nutrients out of them. I have had it alone or on a bed of whole wheat noodles if I need the extra carb added. Either way you will be full and it is so, so yummy. Enjoy a taste of summer in January!