3 small or 2 larger zucchini or eggplant
1 onion, very thinly sliced
3-4 whole cloves garlic, peeled
2 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon each onion and garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon each basil and oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt (or Lawry's seasoned salt)
1/2 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
1 (12-15 oz.) can Hunt's (or other) tomato sauce
2-3 tablespoons buttered bread crumbs (optional)

Wash zucchini or eggplant, remove ends and slice evenly into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick coins (for zucchini) or slice eggplant into 1/2-inch thick circles. Slice the onion very thinly. Peel garlic.

In a shallow bowl, beat eggs until thick and lemon colored.

In a separate shallow bowl, combine flour, onion and garlic powders, paprika, basil, oregano, salt, and bread crumbs, stirring to mix ingredients well.

Dip sliced zucchini or eggplant into beaten egg, then into flour mixture.

Pour olive oil into a skillet and heat, adding whole garlic cloves. Note: As the garlic cloves become golden, crush them into the oil using the tines of a fork, but remove them before they brown).

Place breaded veggies into hot olive oil (don't overload the pan as they should cook separated in the oil). Sprinkle over them a few pieces of sliced onion; turn zucchini over as they become golden brown and cook the other side.

Remove to a paper towel to drain. Sprinkle to taste with salt, pepper (and garlic and onion powder, if desired). If you sample the zucchini/eggplant at this point, be sure to save some for the rest of the dish!

Brush a casserole dish with olive oil and arrange zucchini/eggplant on the bottom.

Sprinkle with a layer of Parmesan cheese and a layer of mozzarella, then with a layer of tomato sauce. Other types of cheese may be used, such as Provolone or Muenster (Note: if tomatoes are ripe and in season, sliced ripe tomatoes can be substituted for the sauce in this dish).

Continue to make layers of zucchini/eggplant, cheeses, and sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with mozzarella. Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs, if desired.

If you have a few leaves of fresh basil or some onion slices remaining, they can be placed in the center to embellish and add extra flavor.

Bake in preheated 350°F oven for 25 minutes or until bubbly. Allow to cool several minutes before slicing.

Submitted by: CM