Monday, April 23, 2012

Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwich


Happy Belated Earth Day!  This year, the family and I celebrated picnic style at our local arboretum.  As we enjoyed the beautiful grounds and peacocks, we stuffed ourselves with Italian Eggplant Parmigiana Sandwiches.  I used the same recipe as this (but also layered in sharp provolone cheese this time) and simply put it between two pieces of toasted bread.  A bit messy but completely worth it.  It's tangy from the marinara sauce, but a little salty from the parmesan and provolone cheese.  And people wonder why I've never had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich... ;)


This particular sandwich has a bit of history.  In the late 50's my grandparents splurged and took the whole family (including a wheelchair bound grandmother) to Disneyland.  Because they were poor, they couldn't afford to feed everyone DL hotdogs, etc.  And because they didn't allow you to bring food in, they snuck in enough Eggplant Sandwiches to last them an entire day in my aunt's stroller and Grandma's wheelchair!  Think about it... 6 people times 3 meals each... that's a ton of Eggplant Sandwiches to hide successfully!!  To this day my mom and uncle remember the mortification of having to eat these Italian "immigrant" sandwiches throughout the day while watching every other child eat American theme park food.  Since then, my mother has gotten over it... not sure my uncle has!  But every time we eat these delicious juicy sandwiches, we get to revisit a funny memory.

Earth Day Adventures:

Mom playing scoop ball with the local Peacocks

A walk to the Waterfalls

Enjoying Spring bloom: Poppies

10 comments:

  1. Yummy food and such a fun post! Thanks for sharing love!
    It would mean the world to me, if you'd check out my latest post!
    XoXo
    Morgan
    http://thesocialboutique.blogspot.com/

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    1. Thanks, Morgan! It was a fun post to write about... love sharing family stories and good food!

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  2. Wow, that sandwich looks sooo delicious*.* I just ate ham and eggs for breakfast, but this must taste much better:-)

    Have a nice day:-)

    http://whoateallthestrawberries.blogspot.com/

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    1. This eggplant makes great leftovers. too. I've been known to eat it for breakfast... cold right out of the fridge. :)

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  3. Christina, I love your eggplant parm sandwich story. I can only imagine how much better your family's sandwiches were than any food at Disney Land! Especially if the looked as good as your photos.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a sweet comment:)
    -E

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    1. It's funny how we think as kids. I think my mother realizes now how special it was for her father to take the time (and save some cash) to feed the family for this trip to DL. I agree. I totally would eat this sandwich over a heated DL hotdog! ;)

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  4. LOVE your blog!!
    www.indulgenceissimple.blogspot.com

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  5. So wish I could have this for lunch today!

    www.dishesanddiamonds.com

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    1. Me, too! I'll have to make more. Give this a try, Tarana, you'll have to let me know how you like it!

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