Awesome Salinger

Not nearly as famous as Catcher in the Rye, Nine Stories, by J.D. Salinger should not be missed.  These stories are amazing: sad, funny, poignant, and sharp.  Read one or read the whole collection, but give it a try!

I cut this out of the ProJo (Providence Journal for those of you outside of RI!) a while back, because I LOVE THIS DISH!  I always order it at PF Changs.

Szechuan Stir-Fried Eggplant

2 lbs eggplant (small Asian type preferred)

1/4 c. plus 1 T. cornstarch

1/4 c. oil

1/2 cup veg. or chick. broth

3 T. soy sauce

1 T. white or rice vinegar

1 1/2 T. sugar

1 T. fresh ginger, peeled and minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 fresh hot chile minced (optional)

1 tsp. black bean paste (I left this out)

3 green onions, sliced

Toasted sesame seeds and cilantro leaves (optional)

Directions:

1.  Cut the eggplant into 1 inch chunks, dredge in cornstarch and saute in oil for 3-4 min in pan or wok.  Transfer to paper towel. 

2.   Combine broth, soy sauce, vinegar and sugar, stir well.  Add 1 T. cornstarch mixed with 2 T. water and mix well again.  Set aside.

3.  Add ginger, garlic, chile and paste to the pan over med-hi heat for 1 min.  Add the broth mixture and cook 1 min til sauce begins to thicken.  Return eggplant to pan and add green onions, and toss.

4.  Serve garnished with sesame seeds and cilantro.