I must confess that I am a bit of a food history nerd. I love researching where certain foods originate from, what they were used for, healing properties, and health benefits. I find it exciting to learn odd facts about foods and discover recipes for home remedies. My latest research subject is eggplant. Aside from being an effective treatment for high cholesterol, it contains the highest levels of nicotine than any other edible plant. Now, before you start shoving eggplant into your mouth to curb your latest nicotine craving you should know that it takes about 20 pounds of this vegetable to equal the amount of nicotine in one cigarette. Eggplant also contains powerful antioxidants that promote good heart health and has been deemed a brain food.

Aside from all of its wonderful health benefits, eggplant has amazing taste and texture. LK, from Food For Tots, knows the key ingredient to making good food even better: cheese! And lots of it!! When LK wanted to begin exploring the world of finger foods (or tapas) she decided to start by making this simple baked eggplant with cheese. When I first read her recipe I thought that it should contain more spices and seasonings, but LK knows what she is doing. By reducing the amount of ingredients the eggplant’s natural flavors are showcased and allowed to shine! The recipe and techniques are simple, but the flavors are bold and complex!